August 3, 2015

The wonderful Betty Kisbey of Lincoln, California, is a quilter I’ve known for some years now. I first became acquainted with her when I heard she was teaching appliqué using my Baskets to Appliqué. It doesn’t get any better than that for an author. :)

Over the years I would see Betty at various shows, and she would tell me about the progress on a project of hers, which was to publish her own book. We conferred about a lot of publishing stuff. (It’s so great to talk with like-minded quilters. Most of my friends’ eyes start to cross if I try to talk about things like typography or page layout. Candy for me but less than fascinating to them LOL.)

When I saw Betty earlier this year, she said the book was close, and then I got a post card saying it was out! I immediately ordered my copy.

Introducing Charming Houses Dressed For Show!

Betty’s house journey began as the result of her students asking for something original to work on during their classes. Betty rose to the challenge, creating original patterns for many different types of houses, all of which can be individualized. No two will turn out alike!

From the baker’s dozen patterns, you can create fantasy houses or something that looks just like your house. Bird House, Boat House, Gingerbread House, Haunted House, just to name a few! The patterns have many uses, from memory quilts to housewarming gifts to group challenges to block-of-the-months programs for shops. So many possibilities!

The book includes colorful examples of sampler house quilts made by Betty, her students, and friends.

Betty’s long experience as a teacher shines through in the book. There’s tons of information on supplies and equipment, fabric, and embellishment (the fun part that makes each block individual and unique), and detailed instructions for making each block. All templates are full-size.

Congratulations Betty on your Charming Houses!!

I’m giving away a copy! If you’d like to become eligible to win, please leave a comment here on the blog before 7:00 p.m. California time on Friday, August 7. Contest is open to U.S. mailing address only, and remember, if you’re subscribed by email you cannot click “reply” to enter the drawing. Come on over to the blog itself on the internet and leave your comment at the bottom of the post.

Good luck everyone!
Cheers,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Kay’s Etsy Shop

Comments

23 Responses to “Charming Houses Dressed For Show!”

  1. Robin Gallagher on August 3rd, 2015 3:36 pm

    The book looks wonderful. I’m in the middle of a friendship group block exchange and I chose houses. This would be perfect since I know I’ll need to add a few additional house to make a full size quilt. Thank you for the chance to win. If not, :-( I’ll order it.

  2. Ruth C on August 3rd, 2015 6:26 pm

    so cute! I want to make some😀

  3. Rachel F on August 3rd, 2015 10:41 pm

    My husband and I have lived in close to fifteen different houses and apartments since we met. We are looking to buy our first home together this year. This book would help me make a wonderful housewarming gift for my husband as a reminder of all our homes we’ve lived in together. Very inspirational!!!

  4. Carole Hamann on August 4th, 2015 6:06 am

    I’m new at applique. I first did the “There’s one in every crowd” to get the hang of it and to give a wall hanging to our vet to say thank you for saving our precious Westie. I’m on a roll now and can’t stop appliqueing. What a treasure. Would love to try some little houses and dolls and teapot things.

  5. Holly D on August 4th, 2015 7:36 am

    Congratulations Betty! What a challenge and the patterns are wonderful. I love applique and love house pattern, and the fact that each one can be individualized is great.

  6. Loris Mills on August 4th, 2015 8:00 am

    Sweet! How fun to have your friend accomplish her goal! The houses look fun. I’m glad she included a lighthouse too!

  7. Caryn S on August 4th, 2015 9:23 am

    I love the houses. They are very cute. Congrats to your friend on getting her book published.

  8. Beth T. on August 4th, 2015 9:30 am

    These are darling, and different fabrics really bring different personalities to each house.

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  9. Judi Burr on August 4th, 2015 9:40 am

    Really cute houses and thanks for chance to win a copy.

  10. Karen Crosby on August 4th, 2015 9:47 am

    Oh good heavens, those are so sweet! Thank you for a chance to win this book.

  11. Donna Gauch on August 4th, 2015 10:41 am

    Love the houses
    Appreciate the chance to win the book

  12. Brenda Cornell on August 4th, 2015 11:07 am

    Yea, another “real” book to add to the collection! Wouldn’t a block exchange be fun with these houses? Sign me up.

  13. Sharon Decker on August 4th, 2015 11:50 am

    The houses are wonderful and adaptable. What more could you ask for???

  14. Barbara Work on August 4th, 2015 12:30 pm

    A houses wall hanging is next on my bucket list. These are exactly what I had in mind. Love it!

  15. Shirley on August 4th, 2015 1:16 pm

    A house quilt is on my to-do list. Collecting patterns and this book would be just perfect. Awesome selection of charming houses and barns. Thank you for the great giveaway.

  16. Janey Cook on August 4th, 2015 1:42 pm

    I want to do one of these kind of quilts! Love the work of the sweet lady who accomplished this. Thank you for sharing.

  17. Deborah DeBerry on August 4th, 2015 4:04 pm

    What interesting possibilities!!?!

  18. Janet Beyea on August 4th, 2015 4:21 pm

    I love house quilts and applique. It would be so exciting to win.

  19. Sharon Lam on August 4th, 2015 4:23 pm

    Thanks,Kay, for steering me to the right place. I would love to win this Charming Houses book. It is sooo cute.

  20. Cindy C on August 4th, 2015 10:20 pm

    Lovely house quilts! I would love to win this book! Thank you!!!

  21. Beverly Schueneman on August 5th, 2015 5:16 am

    I love making houses. If I don’t win I will buy it.

  22. kathy L on August 5th, 2015 7:36 am

    The book looks great! So many different ways to decorate them. Thanks for the giveaway.

  23. Rita on August 5th, 2015 11:46 am

    Those houses look so fun to make! Thanks for the opportunity!