It's a great day for a blog tour today! We are so excited that our friend - Vickie Eapen of Spun Sugar Quilts - has joined the ranks of Martingale authors and is celebrating the release of her first book - "Large Block Quilts"! When Vickie first contacted me and asked me to be a part of this awesome group of bloggers, I of course said yes, but immediately went into panic mode.
(ahem) - What if the blocks were too complicated (after all - I love simplicity at its best) - what if I didn't understand her piecing methods (aka - Kathy doesn't read others directions very well) - what if my points don't match (i.e. - embarassment is not one of the things I handle very well) - what if, what if, what if, WHAT IF????
Well, as it turns out - all of those WHAT IF'S were just a bunch of garbage. Truth be told, the ONLY problem I had was which block I was going to choose! Vickie has written a first class winner - - easy directions, large blocks, simple construction - - and tons of gorgeous quilts - - - so what's not to love (and I mean LOVE) about this book?
Well, after a bit of deciding, then re-deciding, then going back and deciding once more - I chose the lantern lights block. Whew!!!! Decision made. Chose fabrics. Made the block. In record time. Easy peasy. Fast forward to Monday. Open up Me and My Sister's blog. Wanna guess what block they chose? Yep. the lantern lights block.
Decision time again. And BOY am I glad I did. Just look what I put together in 30 minutes flat:
Yup! This beautiful basket block was every-so-easy to put together! From the time I started cutting my units to the finish of the block - 30 minutes flat. Yay!!!!
And just in case you want to see what the finished quilt looks like in the book - here it is:
Thank you Vickie - for asking me to participate in the blog tour - but most importantly for writing such a fun, fast and fantastic book! I can't wait to get the rest of my blocks finished and see this quilt to completion!
But wait - there's more!!! To see more blocks from the book, visit the other blogs on the tour. Here is the entire schedule …
4/20 Vickie Eapen www.spunsugarquilt.com
4/21 Me & My Sister http://www.meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/
4/22 Natalia Bonner http://www.pieceandquilt.com
4/23 Kathy Brown http://theteacherspet.typepad.com/theteacherspet/ (that's me!!!)
4/24 Jen W http://misspunkiepie.blogspot.com/
4/25 Carol Lewis http://carolscraftblog.blogspot.com/
4/26 A Spoonful of Sugar http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/
4/27 Kate Spain http://katespaindesigns.blogspot.com/
4/28 Stefanie R. http://littleladypatchwork.blogspot.com
4/29 Stitch This! Martingale’s blog http://blog.shopmartingale.com/
Make sure to enter on each stop of the tour for a chance to win a book from Vickie. If you are as lucky as we are, and you win a copy, she might just autograph yours too!
Here's how you get a chance to win a copy: Simply leave a comment below. And make sure you visit the other blogs on subsequent days and leave comments there too!!! The winner here will be chosen sometime on Tuesday April 30th.
Before I let you go - - - I wanted to show you a (ahem) "vintage" picture of Vickie and me at my first book signing WAY back in the spring of 2010! Who knew what a blossoming friendship this would be at the time!
With a warm heart,
Kathy
Lovely photo with you and Vickie and will certainly look out for your book here in SA! Your block is great Cathy, and can imagine a whole quilt with this block will be gorgeous. Well done. I'm holding thumbs that I win Vickie's book.
Posted by: Carolyn | April 23, 2013 at 04:54 AM
Kathy, I love your basket block! Since we haven't seen the book yet, can you tell me the block size?
Posted by: Aunt Marti | April 23, 2013 at 05:28 AM
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Becky | April 23, 2013 at 06:13 AM
I love the block you chose! Your post reassured me that the patterns would be user friendly for a simplistic sewer such as I! Hope I win - everyday when I see a new post on this book - I just know I want to make them all!
Posted by: Jacqueline Dunn | April 23, 2013 at 07:14 AM
This is such a great book. I can't wait to get my hands on it, so I'd love to win a copy. Love the cover quilt and your lovely basket block. The fabrics you chose, Kathy, are fantastic!
Posted by: Kd Brown | April 23, 2013 at 07:34 AM
I'd love to have this book since the blocks look like great fun.
thanks!
Posted by: Linda Erickson | April 23, 2013 at 07:56 AM
What a beautiful basket block...I would love to have this book and can't wait to see the other blogs so I can see the rest of the book....such a great giveaway.
Posted by: Cindy | April 23, 2013 at 08:07 AM
I liked your second block choice better! Looks like a great book!
Posted by: Melody A | April 23, 2013 at 08:13 AM
I'd love to win this awesome book. Thanks for the chance! :)
Posted by: robin | April 23, 2013 at 08:54 AM
THANKS KATHY!
LOVE YOUR BLOCKS!
Posted by: Linda | April 23, 2013 at 09:04 AM
How fun is that! I think this book looks awesome. Love big blocks! Thanks for sharing a copy.
Posted by: Jocelyn | April 23, 2013 at 09:28 AM
What a great book! Would love to win a copy.
Posted by: Sherril McGann | April 23, 2013 at 10:13 AM
I love the lantern lights block and can see why that was your first choice. Your block is fabulous. I love your fabric.
Posted by: Diane S | April 23, 2013 at 10:24 AM
So hoping I can win a copy, but if not I am definitely adding this one to my library. I've been exploring doing this very thing lately!! Thanks for being a part of the blog hop and the giveaway!! Love your pic!!
Posted by: Pam | April 23, 2013 at 10:58 AM
Hi Everyone! Just an update to answer questions - - the block finished size is 16". The fabrics used are from my upcoming new collection for Red Rooster Fabrics called "Mia". You'll see this new collection hitting quilt shops in late August - early September!
Posted by: Kathy Brown | April 23, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Maravilloso el resultado del bloque canasta!
Me encantaría ver cuando lo tenga terminado.
Posted by: María Cristina | April 23, 2013 at 11:33 AM
These blocks all look easy and fun to put together. I Would just love to win copy of this book and start making some of these beautiful large block quilts.
Posted by: Katheryn Becker | April 23, 2013 at 12:13 PM
YOur blocks looks lovely Kathy, and the quick table runner is so cute. Please enter me to win this great large block quilting book by Vickie.
Posted by: Katheryn Becker | April 23, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Love the block! Would love to win the book! :D
Posted by: Tiffany | April 23, 2013 at 01:09 PM
I love baskets and would love to make this quilt! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Carol in E TN | April 23, 2013 at 01:53 PM
Looking forward to checking this book out in person!
Posted by: Ellee | April 23, 2013 at 02:50 PM
Vicki is the greatest right? So happy about her book!
Posted by: pam | April 23, 2013 at 04:57 PM
Vicki's book like a terrific one- the large blocks will make some gorgeous quilts that will go together quickly.
Thanks for participating in the blog hop and for the opportunity to win one of these fabulous books.
Regards from Alberta,
Anna
Posted by: quiltmom anna | April 23, 2013 at 06:36 PM
Cute basket block! I like the whole quilt too. Thanks for sharing and for the chance towin a copy of Vicki's book.
Posted by: Cecilia | April 23, 2013 at 06:43 PM
I love your quilt, It's fresh and colorful, and there is a lot of room to show off some quilting.
Posted by: Pam | April 23, 2013 at 06:52 PM
Cute block. I am enjoying the blocks that go together quickly lately.
Posted by: Teri | April 23, 2013 at 07:38 PM
I'd love to win this book. I love every block made so far on the blog hop. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Marilyn Lewis | April 23, 2013 at 07:50 PM
Your block is beautiful! I love your new fabrics and the table runner too! What a great way to introduce a new book and we get to find new to us blogs! Thank you and thank you Vickie!
Posted by: Florence Kensek | April 23, 2013 at 08:02 PM
The basket block looks so simple and effective!
Posted by: Janet | April 23, 2013 at 10:22 PM
I love that basket block! How fun! It looks like you were having a good time at your book signing too. Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts | April 23, 2013 at 11:15 PM
I LOVE big block quilts - would love to win a copy!
Posted by: Nancy B from Many LA | April 23, 2013 at 11:23 PM
You made a beautiful block!
Posted by: Hildy | April 24, 2013 at 12:25 AM
Neat block and it looks like a fantastic quilt book! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Connie | April 24, 2013 at 05:07 AM
Would love to win this wonderful book. Thanks for the chance.
Shawn
Posted by: Shawn | April 24, 2013 at 06:54 AM
What a pretty block! Thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: Deb@asimplelifequilts | April 24, 2013 at 06:59 AM
It sure looks like the book has some wonderful and fun blocks to make!
Posted by: Nancy E | April 24, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Your block is lovely! Thanks for this chance to win a great book!!
Posted by: marybeth | April 24, 2013 at 02:28 PM
Love, love, love fast big blocks. This is going to be fun. Thanks.
Posted by: Mom C | April 24, 2013 at 07:26 PM
Thanks so much for the chance to win, it looks like a terrific book!
Posted by: Lynn | April 25, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Your block is so cute! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Wilma | April 25, 2013 at 01:01 PM
Your block looks great....and so does the book!
Posted by: Joyce | April 25, 2013 at 04:19 PM
Thank you Kathy. I love your take on the basket block.
Posted by: Vickie E | April 25, 2013 at 07:24 PM
Oh Kathy, I luv your Take 5 book and I know I'm going to luv Vickie's Large Block book. Awesome, only 30 minutes to make the basket block...I can see this is a must have book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Happy stitching, Pauline
Posted by: Pauline | April 25, 2013 at 08:25 PM
I love the basket quilt and the bigger blocks are fun.
Posted by: wendy | April 25, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Really loving this book..thank you for the chance to win!!!
Posted by: Kim | April 26, 2013 at 05:43 AM
I love your block that you chose. I would love to win this book
Posted by: Margaret Schindler | April 26, 2013 at 07:25 AM
This looks a great book - I'd love to win a copy!
Posted by: Gill | April 26, 2013 at 07:47 AM
you make that basket block look easy. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.
Posted by: Paula | April 26, 2013 at 07:58 AM
I love big blocks so this book would be great for me! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Lisa McGriff | April 26, 2013 at 09:16 AM
The lantern block looks great! Thanks for the giveaway :o)
Posted by: Karen @ Novice Quilter | April 26, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Any block that takes 30 minutes to make is a great block! I hope to see your finished quilt soon.
Posted by: Lisa E | April 26, 2013 at 11:53 AM
I love baskets. Would like to give it a try!
Posted by: SheddyReese | April 26, 2013 at 02:48 PM
I love your block. I just made one similar to that. It is always fun to try new blocks. I would love to win the book. It has a lot of fun blocks in it, and I love large blocks.
Posted by: Jeanenne Nielsen | April 26, 2013 at 05:24 PM
So glad you pointed out the ease of making the blocks... and the results are beautiful! Thanks!
Posted by: Barb in MI | April 26, 2013 at 07:48 PM
Look at those smiles! I would love a chance to win a copy as well.
Posted by: Terri | April 26, 2013 at 09:50 PM
I like BOTH your blocks!! Would love to win a copy of the book so I, too, could do something quickly!
Posted by: Delores Wagg | April 26, 2013 at 10:59 PM
Great book - thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Joyce Mitchell | April 27, 2013 at 04:41 AM
Love love love big blocks! And the fact you whipped one up in 30 minutes?! AWESOME.
Posted by: Lauren aka Giddy99 | April 27, 2013 at 04:44 AM
I like Big Block Quilts.Fast and they look great. I especially like the front cover block.
Posted by: Sandy D | April 27, 2013 at 05:26 AM
This looks like a great book, thanks for the chance to win! Your quilt is very cute!
Posted by: Lisa Marie | April 27, 2013 at 06:38 AM
Thanks for a chance to win this fantastic book.
I love the block and fabrics you chose.
Posted by: Laurel | April 27, 2013 at 06:54 AM
Thanks for participating in the tour. This looks like a great book.
Posted by: Tamie | April 27, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Thanks for a chance to win a fabulous book.
Posted by: Yvonne | April 27, 2013 at 07:24 AM
You must be super talented to make this block that fast! Would love this book barbara babscorbitt@gmail.com
Posted by: barbara | April 27, 2013 at 07:36 AM
I like the block you chose. I have visions already on what I would do with it. Thankyou!
Posted by: Wendy | April 27, 2013 at 08:03 AM
I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Sandy N | April 27, 2013 at 08:23 AM
The basket block is super nice! love the look of this book! thanks!
Posted by: Lee | April 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM
I love large blocks! I'd love to win this book. Thanks.
Posted by: Hueisei | April 27, 2013 at 04:46 PM
I would love to win this book. thanks for the giveaway!!
Posted by: Reba | April 27, 2013 at 04:57 PM
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. The more I learn about these quilts, the more I want to win an autographed copy of the book and make them!
Posted by: MarciaW | April 27, 2013 at 05:15 PM
Thanks for the chance to win! Latern Lights is a popular choice!
Posted by: Karrie Smith | April 27, 2013 at 08:26 PM
Always fun to read a "new to me" quilter's blog through these blog hops! And hopes to win a new book! Kmfosnaugh@gmail.com
Posted by: Kathie Fosnaugh | April 28, 2013 at 05:11 AM
I love book blog tours! Thanks for participating! i'd love to win a copy of this book.
Posted by: Deb | April 28, 2013 at 05:46 AM
I have avoided basket blocks because they look like they'd take way too long to do. But 30 minutes cutting to finished block?! Definitely going to have to try this one!!
Posted by: Christine Slaughter | April 28, 2013 at 09:46 AM
Each block and quilt I see from this book has me more convinced that it's the quilt for me.
Posted by: Beth T. | April 28, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Your basket block looks lovely and your fabric is yummy as well! Amazing quilts in this book and I'd love to add this book to my library. Oh, I'm a new follower via BlogLovin, a great bonus of hops, finding new blogs!
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: usairdoll | April 28, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Thanks for the peek inside the book. I love the two blocks you made.
Great picture of the two of you.
Wishing Vickie all the luck in the world with her new book.
Margaret
Posted by: Margaret | April 29, 2013 at 03:01 AM
Lovely basket block, and lovely book!
Posted by: Anita | April 29, 2013 at 04:45 AM
What a great giveaway! Thanks!
Posted by: Katie Cohagen | April 29, 2013 at 07:39 AM
Looking forward to reading and using the book!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Barbara McDonald | April 29, 2013 at 11:28 AM
The pictures/blocks shown so far lend themselves to the new fabrics that I really like. I know fun will be had by all.
Posted by: Cindy L | April 29, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Kathy-I agree simple is best that's why I adhere to the KISS principle and that's also why Big Blocks appeal to me. Thanks for the opportunity to win some great inspiration.
Posted by: Rosemary | April 29, 2013 at 11:34 AM
What a great block! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Debbie H | April 29, 2013 at 11:38 AM
I love large blocks...the last samler block quilt I made had 9 27 inch blocks....a quick way to make a quilt for a gift....large blocks...way cool idea!!! thanks...
Posted by: Darlene Krystal | April 29, 2013 at 11:39 AM
The large blocks are great. I really like the floral fabric in your block. The table runner in the previous post is just lovely.
Posted by: Wanda | April 29, 2013 at 11:44 AM
I thought the Hidden Baskets was my favorite pattern in this book, but after seeing your Lantern Lights, it might be my favorite!
Posted by: Cheryl B | April 29, 2013 at 11:55 AM
such sweet blocks...I love your table runner and the fabrics chosen for it. I can hardly wait to see how it is made! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book.
Posted by: Lillian VanderKuur | April 29, 2013 at 12:03 PM
I like the block you ended up with. I've always had a soft place in my heart for baskets. I would love to win a copy of Large-Block Quilts. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Tami Chaulk | April 29, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Would love to win this! I am almost finished with my very first quilt and am so excited to learn more techniques and beautiful patterns to use! Thanks!
Posted by: Christa Dunn | April 29, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Oh what fun!!! What a great block! It is very encouraging to hear you comlpwted in only 30 minutes. Thanks for the chance to win this grear book!
Posted by: Wendy | April 29, 2013 at 12:30 PM
What a lovely block! Your black fabric is so dramatic. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Posted by: Bonnie | April 29, 2013 at 12:52 PM
I would really like to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the chance to win.
Posted by: Josefina | April 29, 2013 at 01:12 PM
Hi!!! Love the blocks you made!!! Very pretty!!! I would love this book!!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!
Posted by: carla bynum | April 29, 2013 at 01:23 PM
I love all the blocks I've seen. Hoping to win!
Posted by: Jeanne Jones | April 29, 2013 at 01:26 PM
A beauty of a book. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Jane | April 29, 2013 at 01:33 PM
I like the block you made. And I like that it was quick and easy to make. Thanks for the chance to win one of the books.
Posted by: Nancy M. | April 29, 2013 at 01:45 PM
Really like these big blocks!
Thanks for the book chance.
Posted by: Debbie in WA | April 29, 2013 at 02:26 PM
I would have never guessed the block was done in 30 min. You did a great job. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
Posted by: Vicki H | April 29, 2013 at 02:34 PM
what a great looking quilt book... I would just love to add it to my little collection of go to quilt books... thank you for the chance to win....
Posted by: Beth Finn | April 29, 2013 at 02:45 PM
I can't wait to have that book in my collection - such fun looking quilts! Thanks
Posted by: Lori B | April 29, 2013 at 03:00 PM