Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Recreating Antique Quilts blog hop (+ giveaway!)

I was thrilled when my quilting and blogging friend Wendy Sheppard asked me to be part of the blog hop celebrating her new book, "Recreating Antique Quilts" from Landauer Publishing. I've enjoyed seeing Wendy's work for years--she's amazingly prolific and has a wonderful eye for design--so I couldn't wait to see what was in her book. 


Wendy takes inspiration from five antique museum quilts and gives them her own interpretation in ten different projects. Some quilts have a more traditional feel, some are just bright and happy (like the "Oh Happy Stars!" quilt I chose), some use the inspirational block in ways you'd never expect, and some have a decidedly modern feel. All feature Wendy's phenomenal quilting--inspiration in itself!

The best part about this book? No matter your style, you can make these patterns work for you. Make the quilt as Wendy shows it, or play around with color palettes, fabric choices and layouts to change things up.

The second best part? All the projects are do-able, with plenty of diagrams and instructions to help you along the way, as well as useful tips to improve your skills.

I'll be honest--the project I chose to recreate isn't even my favorite in the book--my favorite would be a very cool two-color modern version of a Baltimore Album quilt, shown here:
"Ivory Baltimore Wallhanging"
Photo credit: Landauer Publishing 

However, I had an idea for a version of "Oh Happy Stars!" that I was really excited to try. So I'll have to save that Baltimore Album quilt for another day...maybe when I learn to like actually doing applique instead of just admiring it! :) 

The cover quilt and the project I chose to use: "Oh Happy Stars!"
Photo credit: Landauer Publishing

Here's the second version of this design in Wendy's book:
"Stars & Snowflakes Table Topper"
Photo credit: Landauer Publishing

And here's my version:

I wanted to play up the modern feel this pattern can so easily have, so I sewed a wonky star for the center and used a variety of low-volume and text prints for the surrounding patchwork. Wendy has some great tips for piecing small squares accurately too. 

Here's a close-up of the block from Wendy's quilt; I simply added some pieces from the alternating (non-star) blocks to complete my wall hanging.


My version needed a pop of color, so I used an orange flange inside the black border.

I really enjoyed making this low-volume version of Wendy's colorful "Oh Happy Stars!" quilt--I do love seeing how a pattern can look so different based on color and fabric choices!

Make sure to check out the other stops on the blog hop today--I can't wait to see how these talented ladies interpreted Wendy's work!


Stop by Wendy's blog as well! 

To read Wendy's post about "Recreating Antique Quilts," click here.
You can purchase the book here and find out how to get a signed copy here.


But...thanks to Landauer Publishing, you also can win a copy of Wendy's book right here on my blog! For a chance to win the book, leave a comment letting me know which of Wendy's versions of this quilt (Oh Happy Stars! or Stars & Snowflakes) you like best and make sure I have a way to contact you. US entries only, please. The giveaway will remain open through March 12 and the randomly drawn winner will be announced on March 13.

*International readers, here's how you can find the book: Consumers will need to contact their patchwork shop and let them know that they are interested in the book and urge the shop buyer to bring them into stock.  They can also order directly from us online or they can also order them through Amazon.


68 comments:

  1. I am having a hard time picking one...but choosing Stars and Snowflakes

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  2. Wendy is so creative. It seems she can pull quilt patterns and quilting designs out of thin air. Oh Happy Stars is just that, bright and happy with a touch of whimsy.

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  3. They're all nice but I really love Wendy's cover version - so bright and cheerful. I love your take on the pattern too, I can see that for a college-bound grandson!

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  4. I have loved the cover photo ever since I saw it would love to win a copy of the book

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  5. Oh Happy Stars is my preference. I liked your version, too!

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  6. Love the Oh Happy Stars version

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  7. I like the Oh Happy Stars version.

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  8. I adore the cover quilt..the birds and ribbons set it off perfectly!

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  9. I love the 1st one you showed!

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  10. Your take on the modern block is wonderful. Her book is fantastic and I look forward to seeing her next one. Please do not add me to win a copy as I already have my own. ;-)

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  11. Oh, Happy Stars, is just that - so happy looking, can't help but love it.
    sascott4@htomail.com

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  12. "Oh Happy Stars" just sings with the clear, bright colors and would have to be my favorite! Your modern take is great also!

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  13. Oh Happy Stars is my favorite. I don't know how Wendy gets so much done.

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  14. I love the cover version of Oh Happy Stars--so cheerful and fun!

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  15. Oh Happy Stars is such a fantastic quilt. I can't wait to make it. And if I don't, I'm at least putting that bird and scroll border on something!

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  16. Beautiful book, I love. The patterns, thanks for the chance

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  17. I am surprisingly drawn to your version of the pattern. I'm not a modern quilter, and not a fan of grey, but I love it. CDahlgren at live dot com

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  18. I am surprisingly drawn to your version of the pattern. I'm not a modern quilter, and not a fan of grey, but I love it. CDahlgren at live dot com

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  19. Oh Happy Stars is my favorite with the bright happy colors. The bird and the swirls are a great touch as well!

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  20. I would have to go with "Oh Happy Stars". I love stars, any type. I also like the touch of the applique bird and vines. Thanks for showing us your version of the star quilt.

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  21. I really love "Oh Happy Stars". I like the low volume version but Love the original brights. I always seem to go for the brights and jewel tones.

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  22. Do loooove the "Oh Happy Stars" too!! But I would also love to make the "Stars & Snowflakes" for my Daughter! :) Thanks for chance to win this grrrreat Book!

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  23. I love your version of Oh Happy Stars! It made me happy! LOL I have been w orking with black and whites/grays and you helped me see new possibilities. Thank you. And Thank You to Wendy for creating such a beautiful book.

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  24. For me it is Oh Happy Stars - I love the bright colors. Thanks for the chance!
    dragonfly9716 at yahoo dot com

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  25. I'm like you and love the Baltimore Album quilt. Thanks for the chance.

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  26. I'm like you and love the Baltimore Album quilt. Thanks for the chance.

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  27. I think Oh Happy Stars! is my favorite!
    Thanks for the chance!
    Susie

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  28. I love Wendy's work, too. I'm drawn to Oh Happy Stars, too, but maybe because it's bright and colorful, and I'm seeing lots of snow outside.

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  29. Lisa - your quilt came out beautifully. I love the way you took the pattern and made it your own with colors and especially the wonky star. No need to put me into the giveaway chance - I'm enjoying my own book now. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us though. Take care - fun hopping with you. Karen

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  30. "Oh Happy Stars" is definitely my favorite!

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  31. Oh! Happy Stars is my fav. Your version is great.

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  32. I like your fun little wall hanging, and yes, the orange is a great accent. I really like Wendy's Oh Happy Stars best.

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  33. I like the O Happy Stars version. And I love your modern take on it too!

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  34. The offset bird appliqué in Oh Happy Stars really speaks to me. Your version speaks to me,Mao, because I would never have thought to modify someone else's pattern that way!

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  35. Love both but if I had to pick I think it'd be Oh Happy Stars!

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  36. Oh Happy Stars! Awesome achievement.

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  37. I have loved the cover quilt, Oh Happy Stars since I first saw the book on her blog last year. The colors she chose for that quilt really are beautiful.

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  38. Oh happy stars! love it! thank you!

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  39. I LOVE you the colors in the cover version of Oh Happy Day.

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  40. Oh Happy Stars is just what I need right now. Beautiful.

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  41. My favorite is Oh Happy Stars, a stunning quilt. Thank you for a chance to win it. By the way, I love your blog!

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  42. I like Oh Happy Stars, but also love your version! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  43. The cover quilt is amazing - love it.

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  44. I like the quilt on the book cover” Oh Happy Stars” such a cute little red bird in the corner.

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  45. I love, love, love the cover photo Oh Happy Stars, esp with the bird! i'd make that for sure!

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  46. I really like the cover picture of Oh Happy Stars. Those bright colors are so appealing.

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  47. I would love to win this book - it looks so good! I am a newbie quilter and thanks for the chance to win! I like Oh Happy Stars!

    merryorganic at gmail dot com

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  48. HELLO, well I like them both; but will choose "Oh Happy Stars"! Thanks for your Blog and sharing in this giveaway! Happy Stitching!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  49. Thanks for chance to win this great book giveaway. Love the Ivory Baltimore wall hanging.
    lbcookie1@gmail.com

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  50. Definitely the "O Happy Stars" version, but I'm not sure if that's just because I like the color choice better.

    I think I'm not a no-reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

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  51. I loved your touch of orange! Really was the icing on the cake!

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  52. thanks so much Lisa for your version. I love to take the inspiration from fellow quilters and add a touch of my creativity also. That's what makes us truly unique. Thank you also for the chance to win this awesome book.

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  53. I forgot to add Oh Happy Stars is definitely my fav!

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  54. I love books that don't just give me a pattern but give me an inspiration to tweek, just like you did.

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  55. Yes - that pop of orange is fantastic. I love the quilt on the front cover of the book.

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  56. Oh Happy Stars! is so cheerful! and it doesn't look too hard either.

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  57. Oh Happy Stars! is so cheerful! and it doesn't look too hard either.

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  58. I love the Oh Happy Stars on the cover of the book, because of the bird applique on the side. I love patchwork and applique together! I also like the version you made; I like how the diagonal blocks frame the cute little star! sarah@forrussia.org

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  59. Love your grey with the pop of orange. I would choose happy stars. Thanks for the chance.

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  60. Thanks for sharing your skills and talents with the world! Both quilts are beautiful, but I would make OH! HAPPY STARS first as it reminds me of my sister.
    Gayle
    Gayle@gayleballinger.com 206-799-0521

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  61. Thanks for sharing your skills and talents with the world! Both quilts are beautiful, but I would make OH! HAPPY STARS first as it reminds me of my sister.
    Gayle
    Gayle@gayleballinger.com 206-799-0521

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  62. Oh Happy Stars is my favorite, but the other is really cute too. Really like your wonky star. It's on my list of things to do. Thanks.

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  63. I liked Stars and Snowflakes. Please enter me in the drawing. My email address is eviebritt@live.com. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  64. I prefer oh happy stars. I would love to make it in traditional red white & blue

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  65. Always love Wendy's work... and my favorite is "Stars & Snowflakes Table Topper" I would love to make this in 30s fabrics and again in some batik maybe. I need to make some table toppers too.

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  66. Beautiful quilts. I think my favorite is e happy stars, I love the colors.

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