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July 1, 2011

'30s + '30s = Double the '30s fun!

Filed Under Books, History, Prizes 

I have two fabulous books to show you this month, both hearkening back to the cute, cute fabrics and quilts of the 1930s.

As promised, I got my hands on a copy of Quilting Those Flirty '30s by Cynthia Tomaszewski. Thank you, That Patchwork Place!

flirty-30s

“Quilting is steeped in history,” says Cynthia. “I still remember the first time I saw a 1930s quilt…. the prints reminded me of a roll of Necco candy wafers. Each fabric was cute in its own right, but gathered together like a floral bouquet, the effect was charming and heartwarming.”

I know what she means! All those ’30s repro prints just always seem to work together. It’s like they all have the same amount of gray in them or something.

“The designs you’ll discover in this book will be tomorrow’s traditions. They’re firmly rooted in the past with the use of the reproduction prints, but the designs are distinctive, open, and carefree to fit comfortably with your sense of today.”

In case it’s not enough to give us designs and instructions for very cute projects, Cynthia give us recipes for delicious cookies too! Butterscotch Oatmeal, Gingersnaps, and Peanut Blossoms are just a few of the old-fashioned confections sprinkled throughout the book.

To being with, quiltmaking basics are covered, including information on fabric, tools and supplies, rotary cutting, machine piecing, adding borders, and all the way through layering and basting, quilting, and binding. Then there’s a fabulous Introduction to Appliqué that gives Cynthia’s three favorite methods: fusible, freezer-paper-underneath, and traditional needleturn with a marked line. The author says, “Try them all so you have the ability to use the technique that’s best for your project.” And, you can mix them together for more variety and texture.

The follows the section of projects. Sooo cute, every one! Here are just a couple.

Sweet Pea's Garden

Sweet Pea's Garden

Tea cozy and pot holders

Tea cozy and pot holders

If you’re a ’30s fan, you’ll love Cynthia’s family stories, cookie recipes, and fresh quilty take on the decade. And be sure to go and read her interview over on the Martingale blog. This is quite the adventuresome woman!

Continuing the blast from the past, we have Treasures from the ’30s: Cheerful Quilts with Vintage Appeal by Nancy Mahoney.

cover B1047.indd

Full disclosure statement: Nancy is a longtime Martingale author with about nine books to her credit, and she also does editing for the company. At Spring Market, I found out that Nancy is going to be the technical editor for my next book! I’m very thrilled to have such a veteran author on my team.

Treasures from the ’30s is fun for every quilter. Nancy says, “The projects on these pages are scrappy in style, constructed with 1930s reproduction fabrics, but they make use of updated appliqué and piecing techniques. Some are a bit more challenging, but you’ll also find projects for the confident beginner. If you’re a less-experienced quilter, dive in and try something new! The designs may look complicated, but they really aren’t.”

Never fear, Nancy starts with a whole section on quiltmaking basics, taking you through rotary cutting and on into several different methods of preparing and stitching your appliqué. You’ll find information on starch appliqué, hand appliqué, invisible machine appliqué, fusible appliqué, even embellishment!

Then Nancy presents eight of her favorite 1930s quilt designs.

Bride's Quilt

Bride's Quilt

Bell Flowers

Bell Flowers

All of the quilts are darling, and so reminiscent of an earlier time. While working on this book, the author became fascinated with the rich history of the decade, which included not only hard and depressing times but some wonderful, amazing things that she shares throughout the pages.

I have one copy of each book to give away, thanks to the publisher. If you’d like to enter the drawing, just leave a comment by 7:00 p.m. California time on Wednesday, July 6. Open to U.S. and Canada addresses only. Also, be sure to leave your comment on THIS post. Sometimes readers poke around a little bit and end up leaving their entry comment somewhere else.

The first winner will receive Quilting Those Flirty '30s, the second winner will receive Treasures From the '30s. Good luck, and have a fabulous holiday weekend!!

Until then,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

Comments

57 Responses to “'30s + '30s = Double the '30s fun!”

  1. Denise on July 1st, 2011 1:53 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity to win these books. I love anything 30’s

  2. Donna A on July 1st, 2011 1:57 pm

    When I first began quilting, I didn’t think 30’s fabric OR applique was for me. Now the more I see 30’s prints in quilts the better I like it. And it seems like all I can see is applique. I especially like the combination of pieced and applique. I’m thinkin’ that either one of these books would be a good addition to my collection. Thanks for the chance to win one.

  3. Sallie on July 1st, 2011 2:02 pm

    I would love to win either book. I love the 30s fabrics! Thanks for the giveaway!

  4. Karen Beigh on July 1st, 2011 3:10 pm

    Necco Wafers is a good description of the color. I buy a roll of those every so often at Cracker Barrel and it takes me back to childhood.

  5. Robin Gold on July 1st, 2011 3:27 pm

    Oooo, fun!!! Both of these books are on my wish list, so I’d love to wind one!!! And you’re right, Necco Wafers is a perfect description! Thank you for the opportunity, Kay!

  6. Ruth B on July 1st, 2011 3:34 pm

    What fun! I really need to make a 30s quilt. I love every one that I see and these books look inspirational. I’ve started collecting prints for the quilt I want to make – all I need is a pattern!

  7. Donna~ on July 1st, 2011 3:35 pm

    Love the 30’s and have blocks and pieces from then that I could use some ideas to finish! Thanks for this opportunity! Necco Wafers oh wow–I’d totally forgotten about them!

  8. Sandy A from St. Louis on July 1st, 2011 4:15 pm

    I LOVE 30’s repros and would be excited to win either of these books! Thank you for the great reviews and the chance to win one of them!

  9. Betty B on July 1st, 2011 4:32 pm

    I have a stash of 30’s fabric just waiting for the perfect project and would love to win one of these books! Thanks

  10. Bev on July 1st, 2011 4:53 pm

    I’m just finishing a 30’s top and need some ideas for applique on the borders! My drawer of 30’s prints is still pretty full so another project would be perfect. Thanks.

  11. Lyn on July 1st, 2011 5:05 pm

    I’d be happy to win either book. And why are Necco wafers so hard to find anymore? They were a fun candy.

  12. Lynn D in NC on July 1st, 2011 5:44 pm

    What wonderful patterns, and I’d love to read the stories too.

  13. Viv on July 1st, 2011 5:58 pm

    Great giveaway…Love the 30’s fabric. I would enjoy either book…Hope to win.

  14. Joanna on July 1st, 2011 6:05 pm

    Oh my, this is a nice giveaway. I am a fan of both of these quilters and would be happy to win either book. Thanks so much.

  15. Debbie St.Germain on July 1st, 2011 6:37 pm

    Wonderful old patterns, I love the pot holders too, those would be fun to make.

    Debbie

  16. Tricia Lenz on July 1st, 2011 6:50 pm

    The quilts in these books look like so much fun!

  17. Erin in MI on July 1st, 2011 8:36 pm

    Both of these books look very interesting. I’d love to win one of them. I need to enhance my 30’s stash, too! LOL

  18. Denice Marquez on July 1st, 2011 8:54 pm

    I would love to have these books. I love 30s fabric and quilts made with it.

  19. Donna on July 2nd, 2011 4:06 am

    I’ve always loved repro prints – thank you for offering these to us for your contest!

  20. Marcia Kosturock on July 2nd, 2011 4:30 am

    Cute, cute, cute!! I am loving those pot holders. I NEED to do a cute applique pot holder like that.. it is just too much!

  21. Janis on July 2nd, 2011 4:55 am

    I just finished a 30’s baby quilt and I love it. I agree the fabrics all work together so nicely. In my area only of the four quilt shops carries a nice selection of 30’s fabrics. I don’t understand why since they are so popular.
    Thanks for sharing,

  22. LeAnne on July 2nd, 2011 6:05 am

    Love the designs you’ve shown from these books.

    LeAnne

  23. Cory on July 2nd, 2011 6:12 am

    Kay, I would love to win either of these books. I have been collecting 30’s fabrics for a while now and have recently started a Double Wedding Ring Quilt. I have some pieces cut and have pieces a few rings. Thank you for the chance to win one of these books cause I know I will have 30’s scraps that I will need ideas for. :-) Take care and God bless, Cory

  24. Tina Conner on July 2nd, 2011 6:30 am

    My fabric collection is made up of 30’s reproductions. I have a mild addiction to them. I would love to create a few of the projects out of either of these books. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  25. kathy in nc on July 2nd, 2011 6:43 am

    Oh so charming, the sweet pea garden & the Brides quilt are darling. I loce the soft colors she uses. good luck to all. I just love all the books

  26. Lori Ginsberg on July 2nd, 2011 6:57 am

    Thank you Kay for this post on your blog. Both of these books are at the top of my wish list. Happy 4th of July!

  27. Barb Colvin on July 2nd, 2011 7:17 am

    I have some 30’s style prints that I’ve been saving for the perfect project. Maybe I’ll find it in one of these books. Something like Sweet Pea’s Garden maybe?

  28. Helen on July 2nd, 2011 7:20 am

    I will be doing a “first 30’s”. I keep putting it off and love the fabrics….Either book would be a great help.

  29. Brenda on July 2nd, 2011 7:27 am

    Thanks so much for the book reviews, Kay. You are a great source of information.

  30. Kat on July 2nd, 2011 7:29 am

    I would love either (or both!) of these books. I have an extensive collection of Aunt Grace that I really need to put scissors and cutter to…Thanks!

  31. Norine on July 2nd, 2011 8:21 am

    A new book to start a new project. Can hardly wait to get one. Thanks for the review on each book.

  32. Billie Kretzschmar on July 2nd, 2011 9:29 am

    Great post! Now I want some Necco candy wafers…………….hmmmmmmmmmm. I haven’t thought about those in years.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Billie

  33. Angie in So CA on July 2nd, 2011 9:52 am

    I have a whole drawer full of 30s fabrics just waiting for the right project. Looks like either of these books would do the trick.

    Thanks for posting this and the giveaway!

  34. Diane on July 2nd, 2011 10:22 am

    Great give away. I have some feedsacks that would be great using one of these books.

  35. Sandra Davidson on July 2nd, 2011 10:47 am

    I have a lot of leftover 30’s fabrics from other projects and I am sure one of those books would give me some patterns to use them up.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  36. Deb on July 2nd, 2011 12:34 pm

    I have collected 30’s fabric for quite a while. I would love to win one of those books, maybe I would be inspired to use some of my 30’s fabric.
    Thanks

  37. Marilyn on July 2nd, 2011 12:42 pm

    The 30’s are growing on me…
    Would really like to take a spin with either of the books ;-)

  38. Sue Marshal on July 2nd, 2011 1:37 pm

    Love the 30’s fabric – I made the cutest little baby girl quilt for my darling grand-daughter last year. If I don’t win the Flirting with the 30’s book I’m going to have to buy it.

  39. Connie on July 2nd, 2011 6:46 pm

    Love the 30l’s fabrics and the books look like a fun way to use them. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  40. Mona Kuntz on July 2nd, 2011 7:53 pm

    I want to win! but if I don’t, I will certainly strongly consider buying one or both of these books. I love the floral 30’s looks, and I’ve already made one quilt using an ancient tulip applique pattern that I found. It is my favorite quilt, although I wish I’d made it a touch scrappier!

  41. VickiT on July 2nd, 2011 8:58 pm

    Oh my gosh, those books are awesome. I’ve never seen any like either of these. The first you showed, Quilting Those Flirty ’30s, is one I would love to own. The things you showed from that are awesome. And the other book is wonderful as well. Wow. Now I can see why so many others have talked about their love of quilts from this era.

  42. Chris on July 2nd, 2011 11:55 pm

    I can’t wait to get my hands on both of these books. They will be like sweet candy. I see hours of pure joy with winter snow flying around outside.

  43. Mary B on July 3rd, 2011 3:07 am

    Thanks for the opportunity to win one of the two books. I love how they use applique in their patterns. The tea cozy is adorable.

  44. Diane R on July 3rd, 2011 4:21 am

    Too cute! Both books are charming and cheery! Thanks for the giveaway!

  45. Alberta in N GA on July 3rd, 2011 5:37 am

    I also would love to win either book. I love applique and I love 30’s fabrics.. really cool combination

  46. Mary from NOLA on July 3rd, 2011 10:42 am

    Love your emails, and these books sound fascinating, especially the second one!

  47. Susan Stanke on July 3rd, 2011 3:34 pm

    Thank you for sharing. These books look so appealing. Definitely will put them on my wish list.

  48. Viv on July 3rd, 2011 5:43 pm

    Both books sound great. I enjoyed reading the interview with Cynthia. Thank you for the great giveaway. Hope to win one!

  49. Chris on July 4th, 2011 5:26 am

    I am a college student learning to quilt with my mom and grandmother – either book would be great to win. thank you for the giveaway and have a wonderful holiday!

  50. Lee on July 4th, 2011 5:27 am

    Thank you for the review – both books look wonderful! thank you for the giveaway!

  51. Mishka on July 4th, 2011 3:56 pm

    Both of these books look great. I especially like the Bride’s Quilt, gorgeous pattern in any colour combination.

  52. Joan T on July 5th, 2011 5:44 am

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a book! Hope I win one!

  53. Chelsea on July 5th, 2011 7:35 am

    Thanks for the opportunity to possibly won one of these books! I’ve always wanted to start a 30s style appliqué quilt.

  54. candace on July 5th, 2011 7:51 am

    Ooooh! Wow…both books look like so much fun! Thank you Kay for the give away ;o)

  55. Viv on July 6th, 2011 5:55 pm

    LOVE THE 30’S FABRIC….BOTH BOOKS LOOK GREAT…THANK YOU FOR THE GIVEAWAY.

  56. Ulla on September 3rd, 2011 1:41 pm

    Hi! Greetings from Finland!
    Wow… Fantastic Blog-site! Thank you for it! I love the Sweet Pea’s Garden and the Tea cozy and pot holders. I love all of your designs!

  57. Cheap Memory on May 16th, 2012 1:11 pm

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