February 3, 2010

This month’s book review is the brand-new title from Susan Taylor Propst, Another Season of Beautiful Blooms: Appliquéd Quilts and Cushions.

more-beautiful-blooms

Inspired by the gardens and countryside of England and Europe, this book brings fresh floral designs to appliqué enthusiasts. Each of nine flower designs includes a full-sized block pattern and instructions for both a pillow and a wall hanging—in two different colorways—providing 18 projects in all.

petunia

In the intro Susan says, “These designs are great for hand appliqué, but can also be done with fusible appliqué. One of the best things about appliqué, and flowers in particular, is that the result doesn’t have to look exactly like the pattern. Flowers are quite varied, so relax and enjoy the appliqué.” Here here!

This gorgeous book is filled with photos of the cultivated gardens and wild countryside that give the author inspiration. The front matter includes information on choosing appliqué fabrics, backgrounds, and borders, then moves to the appliqué process. Susan uses the overlay method for positioning, and uses freezer-paper templates on the back of the appliqué fabrics. Step-by-step instructions and illustrations take you through her process in detail. Unit appliqué and bias stems are also covered. Then there are some really great general instructions for making wall quilts and cushions.

On to the flowers! So beautiful. Petunias (as seen on the cover), Poinsettias, Black-Eyed Susans, Cherry Blossoms, Lilies, Tuplis, Bougainvillea, and more! Each one detailed and realistic, yet designed to avoid difficult stitching.

If you like floral appliqué, you will love this new book. Martingale and Company has provided a copy for a drawing, so leave a comment before 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, to be eligible to win.

Beautiful-BloomsAnd guess what? I also have Susan’s first book in the series, Beautiful Blooms! The lucky winner will get both books! That’s a whole lotta floral appliqué.

U.S. and Canada only, unless you’d be willing to pay the shipping.

A note to those subscribed to the blog by email: To leave a comment, you’ll first need to click over to the blog itself. Scroll to the bottom of the post and click on the Comments link. Leave your comment there to enter the drawing.

Until next time (with some exciting news),
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

Comments

33 Responses to “Another Season of Beautiful Blooms”

  1. Cathy Norris on February 3rd, 2010 1:23 pm

    Would LOVE to win these books. I’m into appliquing flowers & these are beautiful.

  2. Kathleen C on February 3rd, 2010 1:33 pm

    Before I read about the giveaway, I said to myself “Ohhh, what a beautiful book.” The flowers on the book covers are very appealing and have a new, distinct style of their own.
    I love doing hand applique and find it is very soothing and peaceful. These books would be cheerful and motivating as I dream about my next applique project.
    Thanks very much,
    Kathleen C.
    villagequilter@gmail.com

  3. Ruth C on February 3rd, 2010 1:35 pm

    I love applique! And I love these flower books! I’d love to win them ;o)

  4. Deb G on February 3rd, 2010 1:42 pm

    I would love to win! Both of these books have beautiful flower designs. Thanks!

  5. Sue on February 3rd, 2010 1:48 pm

    the books look beautiful and interesting. would love to win!

  6. Sarah Crumly on February 3rd, 2010 2:19 pm

    This is such a good time of year to review and post such lovely applique books! I have been working on a purple project that I have posted this morning. The purples and shapes of the petunias are just like the real flowers. Thanks for the chance to own these books! Sarah

  7. betsy on February 3rd, 2010 2:34 pm

    Kay, count me in. I would love to win these books. Thank you for the chance

  8. Linda Carhill on February 3rd, 2010 3:24 pm

    I’d love to try to applique flowers and these books may do the trick! I’d love to win them! Linda

  9. Cara on February 3rd, 2010 4:24 pm

    Oh how gorgeous. I’ve seen some of the amazing gardens in the UK and having them as quilts would be lovely.

  10. Barb Colvin on February 3rd, 2010 4:57 pm

    Thank you Martingale! Thanks for the giveaway, Kay :) It would be awesome to win.

  11. Cindy P on February 3rd, 2010 5:35 pm

    I would love to win these books. I am fairly new to applique and really enjoy your blog.

  12. Sue on February 3rd, 2010 7:16 pm

    I love the looks in this book and need all the help I can get. I would love to win these!

  13. Bari on February 3rd, 2010 7:57 pm

    Those books look beautiful! I am starting to applique again and have an idea simmering in my head for a really cool quilt, with flowers of course! I would love to win even ONE of them. I saw a promo on the latest book earlier today and was drooling over it then….not just coincidence – LOL.

  14. Quentin on February 3rd, 2010 10:02 pm

    Hi
    Will be delighted to pay shipping if I could obtain a copy of those books!
    Quentin
    at present in Campbell ACT Australia
    & who is devoted to needle turn applique

  15. Jessica Friedman on February 3rd, 2010 10:20 pm

    I can’t believe how beautiful these appliques are! I like applique because it is so creative! I would love to win these books and learn more! Thanks!

  16. Connie C. on February 3rd, 2010 10:48 pm

    I purchased Susan’s 1st Beautiful Blooms book and just love it. The second would be a wonderful addition. Thank you for sharing.

  17. Sarah Vee on February 4th, 2010 5:14 am

    Thanks for introducing me to these lovely books. Excited to read about your news next!:)

  18. Deb Lester on February 4th, 2010 5:26 am

    I would love to win! These are so lovely.

  19. Kim Jamieson-Hirst on February 4th, 2010 5:54 am

    Please enter my name for the book, Kay. I especially like the poinsettias in this one. Gorgeous!
    Thanks!

  20. Jeanne H on February 4th, 2010 6:28 am

    Flowers are my thing! Love applique and flowers are my favorite to do. Hope I win!!!

  21. Barbara on February 4th, 2010 7:22 am

    I have her 1st book and her patterns are just beautiful. I would love to win this book because I just love the petunias on the cover. Thanks for the chance to win it!

  22. Barb Rohrmayr on February 4th, 2010 10:06 am

    Kay, Thank you so much for the chance to have such a beautiful set of books. I am an applique addict and this will serve as a fix for me for awhile . Mahalo, BarbR =!=

  23. Patricia Haslam on February 4th, 2010 10:58 am

    Both these books have beautiful flowers. I am working on a quilt where the petunias would fit perfectly. I am glad you featured them. The pictures have sparked a few ideas for me. Thanks for giving us a chance to win the books.

  24. Debbie St.Germain on February 4th, 2010 11:09 am

    I got a book by carol armstrong from our library. I really enjoyed doing an appliqued bird and blossoms. I would love to have books with flowers that I can use in projects and create beautiful items for gifts.

    Debbie

  25. Denise Johnson on February 4th, 2010 12:56 pm

    Beautiful flowers-thanks for the opportunity.

  26. DonnaP on February 4th, 2010 1:55 pm

    What a beautiful way to bring in Spring – and a beautiful way to brighten up any room! Looks like another book has gone on my wish list! Thanks for introducing it to us!

  27. Roxane on February 4th, 2010 3:43 pm

    I have Sue’s first book and have made several of the flower pillows, they make wonderful gifts. She has a wonderful talent and likes to share it. I love learning from her.

  28. Brenda on February 4th, 2010 6:23 pm

    This book looks gorgeous. And I also am wondering about your exciting news?
    Brenda

  29. Kathy Tyson on February 4th, 2010 8:19 pm

    What a beautiful book, how fun would it be to create something so pretty.

  30. Randi on February 4th, 2010 10:02 pm

    These both look like fantastic books. The flowers are so inspiring. I would just love to win these two books. Thank you for the book review!

  31. kathygoldin on February 5th, 2010 6:35 pm

    beautiful flowers, beautiful books,I would love to have these books.
    thanks for the opportunity.

  32. bea on February 5th, 2010 6:38 pm

    beautiful books count me in

  33. anna lee on February 5th, 2010 6:45 pm

    I love love flowers. these are flowers are gorgeous They just make me SMILE during this snow-ice storm we are having this week end
    such a great way to look forward to great warm colors.