Jul
9
A new little corner of the interweb
Filed Under Admin notes, Buttons | 5 Comments
I started a new blog!
Quilts and Buttons over at Blogspot is going to be more of a creative playground for me. While All About Appliqué was created to be a resource center for those interested in the art of appliqué, Quilts and Buttons is where I can branch out and show all of the stuff that I work on besides appliqué!
If you’re at all interested, come on by and check it out! You can follow it by email or in a blog reader, just like All About Appliqué. Hope to see you there!
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Kay’s Etsy Shop
Nov
15
Little Falling Star
Filed Under Blog hops, Magazines, Prizes | 150 Comments
Welcome to All About Appliqué on this second day of the 100 Blocks Blog Tour!
I’m Kay Mackenzie, a designer and author in Santa Cruz, California. My website is By Kay Mackenzie, which has all of my books and patterns on it, plus select notions for the appliqué enthusiast. If this is your first time visiting my blog, I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find a wealth of information about all kinds of appliqué here, so take your time clicking around the categories, and use the keyword search as well.
Here’s my block for Volume 14, “Little Falling Star.”
When I sent the block in, I called it “Shooting Star,” because it’s traveling upwards. You could make it more of a falling star just by rotating it a quarter turn.
And if you want to to travel the other way just reverse it from there.
I used some beautiful batiks to make this version. You could also make it look very playful by using colorful prints. Here’s another version.
You’ll notice that here I chose to leave out the inner trail and let the groovy flower print shine. :)
Of course, shooting or falling stars are really meteoroids, but it’s much more fun visually to render them as stars!
Hope you have fun with your star, and also enjoy the 99 other fantastic blocks in Volume 14. I already have my advance copy, and let me tell you, it is a feast for the eyes. If you’d like to win a copy, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post before noon California time on Friday, November 18.
(Remember that if you are subscribed by email, clicking “reply” will not enter you in the drawing. Click over to the blog itself on the internet to leave your comment at the bottom of the post. Thanks!!)
And don’t forget to start every day the rest of the week at Quilty Pleasures to take part in the blog hop.
Happy sitiching!
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Kay’s Etsy Shop
Oct
3
Teapots from the first collection
Filed Under Patterns | 2 Comments
When my first teapots book Teapots to Appliqué went out of print, I created a whole new set of designs and published Teapots 2 to Appliqué. T2 is now in its fifth printing! Yay!
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I didn’t want those first 16 teapots to go away, so I put out a pattern pack that includes all the designs plus the sampler quilt pattern, but no additives, preservatives, or appliqué instructions… use your favorite method.
Going a step further, over the summer I produced individual downloadable versions of the first collection. They’re available over on Etsy!
Here’s an example of what they look like!
To see all the single-block downloadables, head on over to the Appliqué Block section of my Etsy shop. (You’ll also see the individual blocks from Baskets to Appliqué.)
To see the 16-block pattern packs that are printed on good ol’ paper, click over to the Quilting Patterns section at Etsy.
Happy teatime!
Cheers,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Kay’s Etsy Shop
Nov
17
Nine-Patch Posies!
Filed Under Blog hops, Magazines, Patched appliqué, Prizes | 223 Comments
Greetings gentle quilters!! It’s Kickoff Day of the 100 Blocks Volume 10 blog tour! I’m so happy to have a block in this landmark issue.
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I’m Kay Mackenzie, a designer and author in Santa Cruz, California. My website is By Kay Mackenzie, which has all of my books and patterns on it, plus select notions for the appliqué enthusiast. If this is your first time visiting my blog All About Appliqué, I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find a wealth of information about all kinds of appliqué here on the blog, so take your time clicking around the categories, and use the keyword search as well.
I’m delighted and proud to say that this is my ninth time having one of the 100 Blocks. (I must have been asleep at the switch for Volume 2.) I just love participating in these special issues, and golly! Ten times ten, that’s 100 different original blocks that have been published since the whole thing started. Quite an accomplishment… comgratulations to the Quiltmaker staff!
My latest title from Martingale, Scrap-Appliqué Playground, is all about different ways to put scraps together and cut appliqués out of them. After the book came out, I started playing around with more ideas for cutting appliqués out of something other than just one fabric. In the last issue I had Half-Log-Cabin Tulips. Another clever way to use a traditional pieced quilt block for appliqué is Nine-Patch Posies!
Cutting a flower “just so” from a traditional nine-patch block gives a fun, stylized look to a very traditional appliqué motif. Of course you can change up the colors as you like.
The magazine gives complete instructions for making the block, and includes the flower template that fits just right on the pieced nine-patch. Awesome.
I hope you enjoy this block and all the other 99 fabulous and varied designs in Volume 10!
The editors of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks are sponsoring a giveaway of a copy of the magazine! If you’d like to enter to win, please leave a comment here on this post before 12:00 noon California time on Friday, November 21.
Good luck in the drawing, and remember that if you are subscribed to the blog by email, clicking “Reply” will not enter you in the drawing. Come to the blog on the internet and leave your comment at the bottom of the post. :)
Many thanks for your visit!
Cheerio,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Jan
13
Inspired by Tradition
Filed Under A story of another book, Back-basting (no-template), Books, Hand appliqué, History, Machine appliqué, Patterns, Raw edge | 16 Comments
Last night Brown came and delivered the most beautiful book. I’m holding it in my hands, I see my name on the cover, and I can hardly believe it’s mine!
It’s been just over a year since I was given the green light from That Patchwork Place for this new book. I’ve blogged about the process a little bit from time to time. (If you look at the Categories in the left-hand sidebar you can click on ‘A story of another book’ to read those posts if you like.)
Inspired by Tradition: 50 Appliqué Blocks in 5 Sizes is presented in the same format as Easy Appliqué Blocks, my first book from TPP… 50 blocks shown in a thumbnail library so you can choose your block, and a CD that you stick into your computer, choose any one of 5 sizes, and print right at home! No figuring of percentages or folding, copying, and matching back up crooked sections! We even give reversed versions of each pattern, since you need that for some forms of appliqué.
The designs in this new book are all vintage and old-timey in look and feel, hence the name Inspired by Tradition. The publishers did an amazing job on the pages within… graceful, colorful, and pretty, and so well suited for showing off these blocks with traditional appeal. I couldn’t be happier with how it looks.
In addition to the blocks, there’s a Little Gallery of Ideas to get you thinking. We’ve included the dimensions of all the blocks, sashing, borders, etc. in case you’d like to make something similar. There are also extensive illustrated instructions for back-basting hand appliqué and raw-edge fusible machine appliqué, and a section of appliqué questions and answers compiled from what quilters talk about when they come into my booth at shows.
What I have right now is my advance copy. The book ships to quilt shops March 7. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon now, and at a great price too. And, if you go look at it on Amazon and click on ‘see all product images,’ you can see all 50 of the blocks! That’s right, the publisher uploaded beautiful images of all 50 blocks, stitched by moi!
If you’d like to wait for a copy signed by me, I’ll have it on my website March 7 as well.
Thank you for taking a look at my new baby. I’m just a little bit excited. :)
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Dec
14
Double comfort
Filed Under Books, Embroidery, Freezer paper on top, Fusible interfacing, Fusible web, Holiday, Prizes, Wool, Words | 38 Comments
Seasons Greetings!
Admin note: the previous drawing for a year’s subscription to the new Quilt Pattern Magazine in still underway. The winner will be chosen the first week of January.
Now on to today’s post. Last year at this time I did a special double giveaway to celebrate my birthday on the 17th (not to mention the other holidays). It was so much fun and made me feel like my birthday lasted for a week! So we’re doing it again this year.
When the nephews were kids, Dana and I used to travel to Minneapolis for Christmas. Now that the boys are all tall and college-y, we stay home and enjoy the comforts of our own living room at Christmastime. Much as I loved seeing the boys dive through their presents, now I love our quiet celebration at home.
And so, in keeping with that theme, I’ve selected two titles that play on the theme of Comfort.
First we have ‘Tis the Season: Quilts and Other Comforts.
As the authors Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks say, “Adding just a few accents to a room can change the feel of that space from everyday to holiday.” In that spirit, the book offers simple and charming quilts and projects to “keep your home well dressed for winter!”
Jeanne and Shelley should be experts in the field, since they live in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Brrr!
The book starts out with basic information on fabric selection and preparation, then moves on the the authors’ favorite special techniques. Included here are fusible-web appliqué, fusible-interfacing appliqué, working with wool, hand-embroidering, making vines, and finishing basics.
Then, on to the projects! There are detailed instructions for very cute pillows and wall quilts to welcome Santa and the season (you can see one on the cover), cozy lap quilts, cheery welcoming table toppers, a whimsical primitive wool runner, and tons of inspirational decorating ideas.
What I really like about these projects is all the words! Plus, the templates given in the book are full-size and already reversed for your ease of use in fusible-web appliqué.
Our second offering is Country Comforts: Quilts for Casual Living.
Country Comforts by Cheryl Wall is full of that comfy old-fashioned primitive style that I appreciate so well.
The author’s introduction is an inspiration unto itself. “I’m drawn to the primitive style of quilting and crafting because of the freedom it allows me to make projects that are less than perfect but still beautiful,” says Cheryl. “I believe that the creative process should be fun and soul satisfying.” Right on sister! Worrying about stuff only robs us of the enjoyment of quiltmaking.
The books starts out with the basics of quiltmaking, including supplies you’ll need and some info on the types of fabrics that work well for this style, also rotary cutting, chain piecing, pressing, freezer-paper-on-top hand appliqué, wool appliqué, and hand-embroidery stitches. Finishing your quilt is covered too.
Most of the warm and inviting projects in the book are a combination of patchwork and appliqué, a combo platter that just always works. You’ll find quilts for laps, beds, tables, walls, or just plain draping over something. All of them will lend your home that air of casual comfort and relaxation.
If you’d like to enter the drawing to win these two titles courtesy of That Patchwork Place, leave a comment by 7:00 p.m. California time on Saturday, December 18.
Those subscribed by email or feed reader, remember that you’re not actually on the blog when you read the posts. You’ll need to click the title of the post to be taken to All About Appliqué on the internet, where you’ll be able to leave a comment at the bottom of the post and enter the drawing. U.S. and Canada only due to the cost of shipping.
Good luck everyone and I hope you are having a happy holiday season!
Until next time,
Kay, Dana, and Willie!
By Kay Mackenzie
Feb
12
The dolls are here!
Filed Under Books, Patterns | 5 Comments
Even though this is the ninth time, it’s still so exciting when I get that call to come pick up cartons of new books, hot off the presses.
Dolls & Dresses to Appliqué is officially in print!
There are a dozen dolls and cute dresses, plus instructions for a sampler quilt to show off the entire collection.
Doll Shoppe by Kay Mackenzie
Dolls & Dresses is available at By Kay Mackenzie. As my Valentine for you, gentle readers, I created a coupon just for readers of this blog and my newsletter (but feel free to tell your friends). If you’d like to appliqué some dolls, or order anything else from the website, put 2OFF in the coupon code area of the shopping cart and you’ll save $2 bucks off your next order! Coupon expires 12/31/10. Plus, the current company special is a free copy of Home: A Heartfelt Nap Quilt with any book order. Such a deal!
Oh yeah… as if pushing out a new book from my company and working on a new book for Martingale weren’t enough, I decided to put out a new pattern too. Meet Sweet!
Available on the Patterns page at the website.
Until next time,
Doin’ the happy new-book dance,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Dec
12
Happy Birthday to me!
Filed Under A story of another book, Books, History, Patterns | 8 Comments
Okay, so they didn’t know my birthday was coming up on the 17th, but I’ll take it anyway!
I just heard from Martingale & Company / That Patchwork Place that it’s a go for another book! Yippee!
My working title for this one is Easy Appliqué Blocks: Inspired by Tradition. I’m just a little excited. :)
I have another really cool thing cooking for my birthday, so stay tuned!!
Doin’ the happy dance,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Nov
26
The big things
Filed Under Hand appliqué, Holiday, Needleturn, Photo tutorials | 2 Comments
My husband of 20 years, Dana Mackenzie.
Our dog of 15 years, Bertram Wilberforce Woofster Mackenzie III, aka Willie.
The Last of the Mohicans, Pixel, 19 years old and sleeping snugly in the closet with my old Bernina.
Chutney and Maikai, our two kitty friends of 18 years, to whom we bid a furry farewell this year.
My hands. I was thinking about this after the quilt show in Sacramento last weekend. Sometimes ladies come into my booth, look around, and say, “I used to appliqué but my hands don’t work any more.” That’s a sadness to me. So I’m thankful that I have my hands. Not many people know this, but I’m what I call a ‘closet arthritic.’ Two major bouts earlier in my life stiffened my joints and crimped up my toes but, very thankfully, spared my hands. I can appliqué.
The above photo is a staging shot that I sent to Martingale for their reference in creating an illustration. Here’s the corresponding figure from Easy Appliqué Blocks, showing how I pinch the turning allowance under ahead of my stitching.
Those are the really big things. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
May
6
A journey to a book ~ Part 22
Filed Under A journey to a book | 1 Comment
Back on March 9, when I brought this article series up to the time that
Easy Appliqué Blocks went to press last November, I promised I would write a little more about stuff that happens after that.
A lot happens. An author’s work is never done. Fortunately, this is happy work!
Since the book went to press, I’ve:
Downloaded cover images and back-cover copy from the Martingale website.
Designed and ordered postcards.
Sent postcards to contacts at distributors, catalogs, magazines, and quilt shops, plus friends, family, and the Martingale staff.
Studied Martingale’s Author Promotional Handbook.
Created a list of my Favorite Tools & Notions, available for download at Quilt Puppy or Martingale.
Created a separate list of my Favorite Tools & Notions just for quilt shops, with distributor stock numbers included… available for download at Quilt Puppy.
Updated my website.
Pitched to Martingale that we could make the Table of Contents, Introduction, and How to Use the CD available as a download — they thought it was a good idea too, and it’s available at Quilt Puppy or Martingale.
Organized and conducted a blog book tour.
Written interview answers for a couple stops on the tour.
Signed a bunch of Martingale bookplates and sent them out to friend quilt shops.
Purchased a MacBook laptop so I can demo the book’s CD.
Made travel plans for Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh, May 15-17, 2009. (More info below)*
Been given the green light to do a Schoolhouse presentation at Market.
Written a short blurb for the Schoolhouse brochure.
Written copy for the Schoolhouse flier that’s handed out to attendees.
Put together packaging for the Schoolhouse handouts… Kay’s Favorite Tools & Notions, flier, postcard, and chocolate (that never hurts) in a white paper bag with a cute sticker.
Worked on my Schoolhouse presentation.
Gotten the green light for a book signing at the Checker Distributors booth.
Edited copy for the Checker handout.
Started an Amazon Connect blog… you can see it on the book’s detail page.
Stitched up another Scottie quilt (Martingale is borrowing the original for awhile).
And that’s not even everything! It’s just the major identifiable things. So, as you can see, a book needs a lot of support even after the production phase is done. Is this interesting to read about? Had you thought of this type of thing?
*Now here’s a little explanation here if you’re not familiar with the model of International Quilt Market.
This huge quilting-industry trade show happens twice a year. In the fall it’s always in Houston, and in the spring it travels. The attendees are largely shop owners, and the exhibitors are companies that create books, patterns, tools, notions, fabrics, etc. for quilt shops. The day before the show opens on the floor, there’s a day of breakout sessions for shop owners called “Schoolhouse.” These sessions are short presentations intended to introduce shop owners to new and interesting books and products.
Spring Market 2008 was in Portland, and I attended. At that time I already had the book contract and was working on the editing process with Robin. I attended a bunch of Schoolhouse sessions to find out what they were all about, and by the time I was ready to go home my head was brimming with ideas of what I would say to shop owners about Easy Appliqué Blocks if I had the chance. All the way home on the plane I wrote notes, and when I was done I had the whole outline for a Spring 2009 Schoolhouse presentation! Now, a year later, it’s almost time… wish me luck!
Until next time,
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs
May
1
Four Roses
Filed Under Books, Fusible web, Machine appliqué, Patterns, Raw edge | 1 Comment
I’m not one that’s at all talented at the arty photography, don’t ya know. But I may have taken my first arty picture, by accident.
This is Four Roses, a wall quilt that I made using one of the designs from Easy Appliqué Blocks after the book went to print.
I followed all that good advice about taking the photo outdoors in the shade, taping it up on my sliding-glass door and taking the photo whilst standing outside on the patio. Here’s what emerged… not only does the quilt look like it’s floating in space, there’s a really cool double exposure effect of the patio being reflected in the glass, plus, you can see inside the house a little bit too! If you look closely you’ll see cat Pixel snoozing on the sofa.
This quilt was machine appliquéd using fusible web and a small machine blanket stitch.
Until next time,
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs
Mar
20
Book-A-Round starts next week
Filed Under Book-A-Round, Books, Designers | Comments Off on Book-A-Round starts next week
Starting next Friday, we’re going on a virtual book tour! No ticket required… we’re zooming through the blogosphere to tour ten blogs in ten days from the comfort of your own home. Don’t dress up… these tour stops are suitable for pajama attire!
The first day of the tour is Friday, March 27. Start here and I’ll send you off to the Easy Appliqué Blocks launch party! Maria Peagler is throwing the party and everyone’s invited! Loads of fun things at the party, and we’ll give away a copy of the book, so don’t miss it.
Come back here every day through April 5 and I’ll shoot you through cyberspace to the next stop on the tour. We’re traveling from the southern U.S. up the east coast and across Canada to Alaska, down the west coast, and ending up our tour in the Heartland. Check out my Book-A-Round page for more information and a really cool Google map.
Each one of these quilty blogs is fantastic to visit, and there will be chances for a prize at each stop, so strap yourself in for a fantastic tour!
See you then!
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs
Sep
20
I’m in the news!
Filed Under Articles, Patterns | Comments Off on I’m in the news!
The newsletter that is. I just got the September/October issue of The Appliqué Society newsletter and there I am!
A few months ago I responded to a plea for more patterns to go in the newsletters for TAS members to use and enjoy. I sent them a pattern and was delighted to learn that they also like to put in a short feature about the designer when the pattern goes in. In addition, Patti noticed that I do my illustration on the computer and asked if I would like to write a piece about the possibilities for using digital illustration to draw appliqué patterns. Would I! I jumped at the chance. I love a good rousing discussion of vector graphics. My article “Designing on the Computer” also appears in the newsletter.
Until next time,
Off to put this in my scrapbook,
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs
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