Thursday, May 14, 2009

New Quilt Book Review = New Give Away!

10637 FRENCH BRAID OBSESSION: New Ideas for the Imaginative Quilter by Jane Hardy Miller; 64 pages; C&T Publishing; 2009.

The French Braid technique in quilts has been around for years, but designer Jane Hardy Miller takes the technique to a more modern level by clearly demonstrating to the reader how this tried-and-true French braid pattern can be used in new and unique ways – in a border, in combination with appliqué blocks, in variable-width patterns, and, most impressively, in star-shapes reminiscent of the far more involved traditional Texas Star pattern. In the introduction Miller states, “There’s quite a bit of design flexibility with the braids and their various permutations, and the construction is deceptively simple.” That “design flexibility” is clearly seen and demonstrated in Miller’s book.

This is Miller’s second book to delve into the world of French Braids – her first title was the more basic French Braid Quilts: 14 Quick Quilts with Dramatic Results, published in 2006 by C&T Publishing. Obviously some instructions for the basic French Braid method have to be repeated in French Braid Obsession: New Ideas for the Imaginative Quilter, but the new title offers new quilt patterns “that use the fabric or the braids in a nontraditional way or that alter the braids in some way…” and, of course, there are the projects that use the French braid technique in the border or multiple borders of the quilt. Stunningly beautiful and original.

The results of the French Braid technique are dramatic, especially when combined with Miller’s fabric selection tips; however, the technique itself is suitable for Beginners with a bit of experience. If you feel confident enough to try a Log Cabin quilt block, for example, you should feel totally comfortable following Miller’s instructions to create a French Braid quilt.

THE GIVE AWAY

Whether you are a beginning, intermediate or advanced quilter, FRENCH BRAID OBSESSION will hold your interest and offer you some new ways to look at this easy construction method. And now – you can win a copy of this book!

General Rules:

The Give Away is for residents of U.S. and Canada only. Comments must include an email address, or point to your blog that contains your email address. The Give Away ends at midnight (EST) May 22, 2009. Winner will be selected at random using Random.Org on May 23rd and contacted by email. Winner will have 72 hours to return email with mailing address.

How to Enter:

Head over to the C&T Publishing web site, click on the COMING SOON section (in left hand column) and come back and leave a comment on what upcoming quilting or sewing title(s) you would like to see reviewed in a future give away here on QOB. THIS IS REQUIRED BY ALL ENTRANTS. IF YOU SKIP THIS REQUIREMENT, NONE OF YOUR ENTRIES WILL COUNT.

How to receive additional entries!

  1. Follow the QOB blog on Twitter – Leave a comment here with your Twitter name.
  2. Twitter about this Give Away! Leave a comment with your Twitter name and date you tweeted.
  3. Follow the QOB blog – Leave a comment telling me what method/reader you used to subscribe.
  4. Blog about this Give Away. Leave a comment with a link to your blog and the date of the post.
  5. Add QOB to your BlogRoll – Leave a comment with the address of your blog.

Good Luck!

63 comments:

grendelskin said...

I love French braids! Am just starting my very first (pieced shades, not a quilt, but still...).

I would love to see reviews of both Viva Venezia and Little Lone Star titles.

Unknown said...

All the books look very interesting but I think I would like to hear more about
Elly Sienkiewicz Teaches You Beginning Baltimore Appliqué DVD
I know it isn't a book but I am seriously thinking about purchasing this. I have been trying to learn applique for a while and I think maybe, just maybe this may be the resource I need.

Rhonda P.
www.patchesandpieces.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I already have QOB in my blogroll on my blog. Always come here as soon as I see there is a new post. Love your blog!!!!

Rhonda P.
www.patchesandpieces.blogspot.com

Kaye said...

I would like the book Poster Quilts by Patrick Lose. It looks like some fun projects, also Embellishing w/Anything by Gladys Love

Samantha said...

I would REALLY like to hear about the Cupcakes book- is it worth the price, or is it simple things I could figure out on my own? The Intuitive Color and Design book also looks promising and would love to see it reviewed.

FYI, I follow you on Twitter and am going to retweet your info right now. I am @madfabriholic.

Ginny said...

Hi, I am new to your blog and I love it!!!
I am thinking of making a king size french braid for my bed so this book would be wonderful! I popped on over to C&T and would love to see more about the little lonestar quilt book. I am a huge fan of lonestars as that was one of the first quilts I ever made, silly me did not know that I was suposed to hate Y seams and I made three before I found out they were thought of as hard!
Any how, please enter me into your drawing. I will be putting your blog onto my blog roll at www.ginnysquilts.blogspot.com.
Thank you
Ginny
gin1906 at aol dot com

Quiltbug said...

I would like to see a review of Intuitive Color & Design I need to get out of my box. I'd love the french braid obsession book.

Audrey B

Kathleen said...

French Braid Obsession loves wonderful, for applique and patchwork quilts.
I would like to read a review of Intuitive Color (Product Code10694). I'm also learning about color and would love to see a new approach to the subject.
villagequilter@gmail.com
Thank you,
kathleen

Kathleen said...

I have signed up to follow QOAB blog with Google Reader. I like the service and the convenience.
villagequilter@gmail.com
Kathleen

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

It is great to learn more about a book before I purchase it. I would love to have your review:

Appliqué Outside the Lines with Piece O' Cake Designs

autumnesf said...

I'd love to read a review on Viva Venizia.

tesuque said...

Intuitive Color & Design is my choice for a review.

free indeed said...

I'd like to see 'Applique Outside the Lines' for free form applique techniques. Seems I can create anything except 'art'. I'd like to understand what makes an art quilt, or do something that is out of the ordinary.
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

free indeed said...

I follow in google reader (dashboard?) and also find your posts on quilters blogs.

freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

Anya said...

I would like to see a review of Intuitive Color and Design. Thanks for the chance.

Vicki said...

My choice for a book review is Viva Venezia- those mosaic patterns sound like they would be beautiful quilts. I follow you in Google reader. My twitter name is vbourck, and will now be following your twitter.
Thanks for the great giveaway

Ruth B said...

Wowza...that's a pretty book. I would like a review of "Applique Outside the Lines". The cover is pretty. Elly Sienkiwicz' DVD looks interesting too.

Renee G said...

I would like to see a review of Viva Venezia! and Little Lone Star Quilts.

rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com

Harley Dee said...

Ooh, I would really like to see Appliqué Outside the Lines with Piece O' Cake Designs reviewed!

Harley Dee said...

I subscribe via Google Reader :)

Anonymous said...

I would love to hear more about Artistic Photo Quilts!
I subscribe via Google Reader.
Hugs,
Kerry from QOB
http://kerrykatiecakes2.blogspot.com/

Wendy said...

I've always been interested in trying a French Braid quilt. I'll definately have to check out this book. I'd also enjoy a review of the Little Lone Star Quilts book. Another pattern that draws me in. Thanks, I enjoy your blog on google reader.

blushing rose said...

I have never heard of a french braid quilt, so I need to check this out.
TTFN ~Marydon

sulevia2002 said...

I'm a relative newbie to quilting and French braid quilting looks like I could do it. I also would like to see a review of Artistic Photo Quilts. I love to take pictures and this looks like fun. Thanks

Tina said...

I have always wanted to do a braid quilt or border, so I would love this book.

Coming soon items - I would like to see Artistic Photo Quilts or Little Lone Star Quilts. I'd even be willing to buy one and give a review....just a thought.

tapdancetutu.blogspot.com

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

What a great giveaway. I think you should review Viva Venezia! I've seen another book with mosaic tile patterns, but they were paper pieced, and this one seems like it might be more do-able since it says it is strip piecing with no y seams.

otterdaughter said...

Oooh, I'd love to see more of the "Applique outside the lines" book! I'm always interested in different ways to do applique...one of these days I'll find a method that works for me!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the great review. I love to make braids. I would also like to see "Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O' Cake Designs" reviewed. Janet in FL, Ribbonshirtlady1@yahoo.com

valerie boudier said...

I'd like to see a review of the Cupcake book. I am a member of QOB Love the blog - I usually check it whenever you post on QOB

Michele T said...

I would love to see a review of "Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O' Cake Designs".

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

The book I would like you to review next is
Viva Venezia!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I am following on Twitter as MaryLakePulaski

Tamara said...

After seeing the book, I'll ask my lqs to order it if they have not already. I am like a lot of others and would like to see Viva Venezia by Christine Porter as the next book.

Sue Cahill said...

I would love to see more about Best In Show—24 Appliqué Quilts for Dog Lovers, the dog in the center of the cover is my dog! That dog looks just like my Basset Hound Dudlely so I was immediately drawn to that book.

Sue Cahill (sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)

Sue Cahill said...

I subsrcibe to My Yahoo page!
Best In Show—24 Appliqué Quilts for Dog Lovers

Michelle said...

Hi -- I followed your link from the QOB list because it looks like such a neat book!

As for what I'd like to see in a future giveaway, it'd be either Applique Outside the Lines or the Baltimore Applique DVD.

Michele said...

I'd like to see a review of "little lone star quilts"
mybreault@gmail.com

kathy55439 said...

I am new to quilting and just bought some great retro fabric that I think would be really nice in this pattern

GranChris said...

Since I love applique I'd like to know if the new Applique the Piece of Cake Book will be worth the money. There aren't very many projects in here, only 8, but I'm guessing they will be interesting.

Abby said...

Oh my goodness how cute is this?

ajcmeyer AT go DOT com

throuthehaze said...

i would want to hear about the Cupcakes book

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

i follow on twitter (throuthehaze)

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

i follow your blog

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Miss Jean said...

best in show, for my babies, they need new beds and blankies

Chris said...

I love to see you review Viva Venezia! The style of Venice...so beautiful!

I'm a horrible quilter, but I keep trying...when I have time. Which probably just makes me worse! : )

danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com

Ginger said...

I thought this book looked interesting. Thanks!

Kristin Kimber said...

I would love to see you review Cupcakes! The title of that book makes me soooo hungry as well! Thanks for the opportunity. kristinkimber@msn.com

Michelle said...

Intuitive Color & Design looks fascinating! chele317@gmail.com

Wool-n-weeds said...

I think I like Little Lone Star Quilts I think. I love that pattern and somehow don't have time to make big ones. sunquilts@gmail.com

Wool-n-weeds said...

follow you on twitter and Tweeted today (5/21) as quiltmamaof2

Anonymous said...

I would like to see Calling Cards - Connect with Style reviewed. Sounds interesting.

Thanks!
Maggie
tsbymaggie@gmail.com

Katy Pannell said...

I would love to see a review of Little Lone Star Quilts. I'm a huge fan of minature quilts and paper piecing! katy.pannell@gmail.com. I also follow you on Twitter! Thanks for a great website!

Sherry V. said...

Hi Joan, I would like to see a review of Little Lone Star Quilts. I've always wanted to make a lone star but just don't think I could handle all the triangles with the traditional method of construction.

Thanks,

Sherry V.

Anonymous said...

I am greatly interested in the upcoming title "Elly Sienkiewicz Teaches You Beginning Baltimore Applique DVD".

I tried to post this using the new IE8, but it blew up on me. I hope this does not post twice!

Bev in TX
countryone77 at yahoo dot com

Pam in KC said...

I'd like to see a review of Little Lone Star Quilts. === I'm running into issues posting my comment, so if this ends up being the 3rd or 4th post, it's not intentional.

TopHat said...

I'd like to see Applique Outside the Lines.

hrfarley at gmail dot com.

Kathleen said...

Cupcakes by Koolish looks like a fun book; I'd enjoy reading more about it and learning how to make a 3D object with mixed media. Thank you,
Kathleen
villagequilter@gmail.com

quiltmom anna said...

Hi _ what a nice giveaway book- I have seen her first book and love French BRaid Quilts.
I would love to see a review of Jean Wells new book Innovative Quilting - I have enjoyed seeing her other books and have a number of them in my collection.
I also thought that Viva Venzenia by Christine Porter looked great _ I think Mozaic tiles would be a great source for new ideas for quilt designs.
I had not seen your site befor but for sure I will add you to my blog roll list.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
Anna

quiltmom anna said...

Okay I am going to try this again because I went back and read the book titles- Viva Venezia looks very interesting as does Jean Wells new book Intuitive Color and Design. She is always so inspiring..
I also added your blog to my blog list .
You can find me at http:// quiltmomsjourney.blogspot.com
I look forward to checking out your blog.
Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
Anna

Chris Dahl said...

My 2 books I would like to see a review on would be "Intuitive Color & Design" or "Artistic Photo Quilts"

As for other enteries, I did a retweet your constest post and as you know you are already on my blog list page at http://www.onlinequilting.wordpress.com

Michele/TextileTraveler said...

I would like to see Intuitive Color and Design reviewed. I think we need more good design books in the quilting world. My email is textiletraveler@gmail.com

Michele/TextileTraveler said...

I'm now following you on Twitter; I'm under Textiletraveler there, as well. My email is textiletraveler at gmail dot com

Michele/TextileTraveler said...

I retweeted your giveaway announcement just now--5/23 at 12:34 pm CST. Textiletraveler at gmail dot com