Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Playful Petals Blog Tour

As you may know, orange peels (or petals) have been my life the last three to four months here on the blog. So, when Corey Yoder of Little Miss Shabby asked me to be a part of her book's blog tour, I didn't have anything else to say but a resounding yes! Corey is a fellow blogger and friend, and I always enjoy reading about her creative pursuits! Look at this cover quilt... you can't stop looking at it, right? It's love at first sight.

Playful Petals

I had the privilege of reading a digital copy (how cool is it that sewing books are now so easily accessible?) of Playful Petals, thanks to C&T Publishing. Corey has done a bang up job of demonstrating the versatility of orange peels/petals. She supplies clear instructions and uses different sized petals. The petal templates are conveniently located with each of the 9 quilt patterns.

Playful Petals
^This design, "Posey Patch," involves layering petals. I can't wait to try this!

Corey also explains fusible applique ("Applique Basics") by guiding you through the process and stitching options. She encourages you to use the method you like best, whether fusible or not. I really enjoyed her tips on how to make applique a bit faster (complete with diagrams) - I like to put my pedal to the metal sometimes! Another unique part of the book is the section about using precuts for petals. Plus, I can see myself using her handy "Pillow Back Cutting Guide" chart for basically any pillow I make in the future! That is one valuable little chart!

Playful Petals

My favorite part of the book: it doesn't end there. Corey designed 9 smaller projects (minis or pillows) based on her quilt designs. So you have 18 project options! I love a good mini quilt and I know many of you do as well.


 I decided to try out "Flower Garden" first. I love how you combine large prints and small, skinny petals with this pattern. I could repeat this block throughout a quilt or just making a one block pillow (as Corey has done). This block, however, is destined to become a medallion-like baby quilt! Can you believe I actually used some of my AMH fabric? I even have the rest of my fabrics picked out - all based on the center.

In the future, I'd love to read a book about improv (improvisationally pieced peels? maybe I should start experimenting?) and more about using scraps for applique. Also, it would be fun to read about all different types of applique and make specific projects to practice each technique. I really love reading about techniques more than patterns - and Corey's book has a lot of both!

Altogether, Playful Petals is certainly a great place for beginner and seasoned quilters alike to practice and challenge themselves with fusible applique and petals. I'm confident you will love the projects Corey has come up with. :)


Thanks again, Corey, for inviting me! I hope you will all check the rest of the blog tour (these bloggers have all made petal minis as well!):

September 15: Amy @   http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/
September 16: Melissa @ http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/
September 17: Jessica @ http://quiltyhabit.blogspot.com/
September 18: Faith @ http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/
September 19: Amy @ http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
~Break for Weekend~
September 22: Sherri @ http://www.aquiltinglife.com/
September 25: Amanda @ http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
September 26: Lee @ http://www.freshlypieced.com/
September 27: Corey @ http://www.littlemissshabby.com - Final Round-up & Giveaway


11 comments:

  1. I have loved the revival of the Orange Peels. The examples I have seen from this book look great.

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  2. Oooh I like your block! I was like Hmmmm about the purple and orange, but I think you made it work. And your idea about using colors from the center sound perfect! I'm sure it will tie it all together so nicely.

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  3. I grabbed this book the minute I saw it on the new shelves here at the library. The projects really are great. Thanks for your review, Jess. I know this is right up your alley!!! That mini is so cute :)

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  4. Hi, what neat projects>love this post!
    Thanks for sharing!

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  5. Great projects already on this Hop!!! This book is high on my Wish List already too...Looove it! :)

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  6. i really like your block, i almost did this layout for the QAL (its all about the red lol), but i ended up doing a version of the tossed petals. i was fortunate to win a copy of Corrie's book during the summer sew along at sewmamasew. i love this book and her instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Next up Rainbow Petals

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  7. Check out Jacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen's book "Quilting Modern." The chapter on curves shows improv "pods" or petals. I was very tempted to try this for your QAL.
    I have a fat quarter of that same AMH. I love the idea of using it as the center of a medallion quilt! Maybe an almost all solids medallion quilt?

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  8. Wow what beautiful work. I would love to give this try

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  9. hi never mind "pedal to the metal" but how about "petal to the metal"?

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  10. Thanks for highlighting this, Jess. I love those navy pillows of hers! Having seen so many light/rainbow peels, seeing that dark contrasting background seems really fresh!

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  11. Love the projects from the book.

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Let's start a conversation! I love comments and I'd be happy to reply to all who have an email address accessible. Thanks for commenting!

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