Saturday, February 25, 2012

Back to Charm School blog hop and giveaway

I buy different quilting books for different reasons. Sometimes I want to learn a new technique. Sometimes there are enough great projects in the book to justify buying it -- and now and then, it's just one project that I want really, really bad.

And there are the books I buy because they're total eye candy and I want to haul them around the house and drool over them. Back to Charm School is one of those books. If Mary at Country Threads hadn't sent me a copy to review, I would've absolutely bought it for myself! You could win the second copy they sent me, so make sure you read down to the end of the post to find out how to enter.



I can see myself making fourteen of the twenty quilts in the book. Just look at these little baskets!



I'm already making Do Not Put Your Elbows on the Table, which combines machine and hand piecing. The directions just made it seem so possible...and I had a charm pack with no plans for it.




Next on my to-do list from this book is Never Leave the Table Before the Other Guests. I was sucked in by the fabrics in the photo -- and then I read the pattern and realized that each 16 patch is made from two charm squares -- they're itty bitty!




Other things to love about this book? The instructions are clear and easy to follow. If there's a particular technique involved, like the set in seams in Leave Your Napkin on the Chair if You're Coming Back to the Table, or the hand piecing for
Do Not Put Your Elbows on the Table, it's explained right there in the pattern. And did I mention how cute those pattern names are?



Although the patterns are written for charm packs, the instructions for each one include a "making do" section that tells you what you can use instead. Sometimes you do need 5" squares and sometimes it's 2 1/2" strips or scraps of a certain size. For a scrap quilter like me, that's very helpful!

Want to win your own copy of Back to Charm School? Ten other bloggers are also hosting giveaways, so there are lots of chances to win!

To enter my giveaway, just leave a comment on this post before 11:59pm Friday March 2. I'd love it if you wanted to follow my blog, but with Google Friend Connect going away soon (not for my blog, but I don't know how that will affect my readers), I know lots of you are changing what you follow and how you do it. No one needs the extra stress right now! I'll use the random number generator and choose a winner.

Good luck!

153 comments:

sosarahsew said...

This looks like a fun book. I am with you on books intended for eye candy - I get so many inspirations and often quilts I make do not look exactly like book's pictures. Instead since there are so many quilts I want to make I combine techniques from different ones into one finished piece. Thanks for the chance to be inspired once again.

Johanna said...

This book is on the top of my wishlist. For some reason, I still haven't bought it yet.

Lisa England said...

This looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.

CC said...

It's so much fun to participate in a blog hop and be introduced to new blogs. Yours definitely looks like one I'll be keeping on eye on. The book is one I would love to win.

My Life In Quilts said...

I buy books and magazines for the same reason! When I go to Barnes N Noble I pull a bunch and sit and look. It's good quality quilty time away from home. These looks wonderful and I am hopefully going to win! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

Mary said...

This looks like a book I would love to have. Through the blog tour I've seen several quilts I would like to make, and small quilts are so much fun to do. Thanks for a chance to win.

Heather said...

Pick me random number god pick me

KaHolly said...

I haven't purchased a new book in ages. This just might be the one. I enjoy working on projects that combine different techniques.

Patti said...

Love the book and would like to win a copy. Thanks for a chance.

Martina said...

I love charms but it is sad, when they just ly around so this sounds like lots of great projects to use thos pieces up. Thanks so much!

Mom2RyandSis said...

Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Anonymous said...

I worry how my followers will do as well. I put thr follow by email gadget on my blog, do you have it? I would love this book and thaning you for the chance.

Diane Wild said...

I'm always looking for inspirational ways to use scraps. This would be perfect. Thanks for the chance.

Chatty Kathy said...

Just picked up my first "Schnibbles" book; looked at Back to Charm School but had to settle for just one; their are books that just entice you right into the sewing room, aren't there?

Pippa Parsons said...

ohh I'd love this book, thanks for the chance

krisgray said...

Books with small projects often catch my eye b/c in my mind, there is a greater chance that I may make something from it!

Cheryl said...

This book is on my wish list. So many cute projects. Thanks for the chance to win!!

Missy Shay said...

I think "do not put your elbows on the table" would be perfect for my living room. missysaprons@yahoo.com

robin said...

I'd love to win this book - it looks great. Thanks for the chance. :)

Anonymous said...

I would love to work on small projects. The quilts look like so much fun. Here's hoping!

Andra Gayle said...

I am a follower of your blog. I love your little baby quilts, especiallyt he uncontrolled scrappy one! Thanks so much for the chance to win this great book!

Lori said...

I love your blog! I recently found a new love of charm squares too. I think it's because I have a multitude of scraps that can quickly become charm squares.

Heidi said...

The patterns are so cute and the fabrics look great too.

Janet said...

Love Country Threads.Charm packs are such a convenient and quick way to make a wall hanging, etc. Thank you for the giveaway.
Janet

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Please sign me up to win. I've got to find out more about this Google Friend Connect thing. I think that is how I follow all my blogs in blogger. I guess I'd better copy the links. What a pain!

B Greene said...

I love charms, so I always need more ideas about to utilize them! Thanks for the chance to win and the great review!

Tricia Benes said...

This book looks fantastic! Thanks for hosting a chance to win this one. And thanks for the great blog to read!

wannabequilter said...

This looks likes a wonderful book. Here's hoping
Thanks for doing this

Pat said...

Hope I'm lucky enough to win this awesome book. Love your blog!

Katherine said...

Looks like fun! I'd love a chance to try it out.

Cindy said...

I am reading so many great reviews on this book- I would love to win a copy! And I love charm packs so I'm sure I would keep busy!:) Thanks for the giveaway!!

Michelle C said...

What's happening with Google Friend Connect? How the heck am I supposed to keep up on news without it? *Whine* However shall I follow your blog without it? Sending me this book would make me feel....a little better.

Debbie Lou said...

This book looks like such a fun one and is filled with can-do projects. I love Country Threads patterns and I can't wait to own a copy. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

This book looks like it could become my new favorite - would love it if I could be a winner!
Myrtlesgirl

Paula said...

This book has me so excited. I surely want it. Thanks for being a part of the giveaway.

Diane H said...

All these great introductions to this book have me hooked. Thanks for a chance. I now follow.

Stephanie said...

Pick me Pick me

Linda at LRDesignsQuilting said...

I'm so into cutting charms! Would love this book!

Shelley said...

I'm glad you shared the part about Making Do instructions! I love charm squares but sometimes you have pieces left over! I would love to have this book :)

Gretchen said...

I loved the first charm school book and would love to win a copy of this one too. Thanks for the chance!

Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts said...

I can't wait to get a copy of this book!

Mrs.Hearts
www.busyhandsquilts.blogspot.com

pbee ... said...

Only another quilter would understand that we choose quilt books for viewing pleasure and inspiration and sometimes we find a book and say, "I want to make every one of those quilts." Back to Charm School is one of those! Can't wait to win the book and get started! Thank you.

WoolenSails said...

What a great book to have and so many wonderful patterns. I do like the Do not put your elbows too, definitely something I would make.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

Such a neat book!
Thank you for your Blog and the giveaway!

msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

Jan said...

Hopefully, I'll win this book! If not I've definitely seen enough of it this week to want to buy it. Silly me - not want to but have to!

Siena Van Brabant said...

This looks like a great book with lots of small projects to try. Can't wait.

Kathy H said...

this looks like a great book. the directions look pretty easy too. I love to collect those charm packs and am always looking for a new book or pattern to use them.

Mrs. DillyDally said...

This is my first visit to your blog! I'll come back often! Have been a big fan of Country Threads for years and am happy they introduced me to your blog. Thanks!

Lisa Cox said...

I am already a follower, and have you bookmarked under favorites if stupid GFC messes things up.
I love quilts that you can use scraps on. I would love to add this book to my library.

Heartsdesire said...

A great book, and a great review from you. I love any patterns/books using charm squares. They're my very favourite pre-cut. So easy to use, and so versatile. Love your blog, and I happily follow you.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! I think everyone's projects have been inspiring too! Thanks for a chance.

Brenda said...

This book is on my wishlist.I would love to win it.

Phyllis said...

Thank you for the chance to win this great book!

Crystal said...

Love the book. Please enter my name for a chance.

Joan said...

I'm adding this book to my list. Looks great! Thank you for the generous giveaway.

Lee Ann L. said...

This book looks really awesome! Thank you for a chance to win.

Karen O said...

Hi Michelle, I am already a happy follower. :) I love all your projects, and I love charm packs. This is one book I know I will buy if I don't win it somewhere. Thank you for hosting.

Loris said...

I love the quilts from this book. Can't wait to make some of them...especially the honeycomb!
thank you for hosting the giveaway.

Jacqueline said...

I am working on my first quilt using charms and am hooked. Would love to win this book. Thanks for a chance.

jleibfried@aol.com

Quilting "b" said...

I would love to win this book, please enter me into this wonderful giveaway. Thank you

Deb said...

Thank you for the chance to win. That looks like a great book.

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

I'm loving this bloghop! Seeing everyone's take is so helpful to a novice like me. Thanks!

Monique said...

Oh, please include me in your giveaway! What a wonderful little book!

Nancy E said...

This a book I need. I have the other one and love it.

Sunnybec said...

Would love to win this I have the first one and really like it, thanks for the chance.

Beth said...

This book is going on my "must have" list. It looks fabulous. Thank you for the chance to win it. Your blog is going on my favorites list.

nlcalendar said...

Like so many others, this book is on my list of things to get. The patterns look so interesting. Thanks for the giveaway. Marilyn

Joan said...

I love the Country Threads quilt shop and would love to win a copy of their new book! Thanks so much for the opportunity. Joan

Jennie P. said...

This is a great book and I love the one that you're working on.

Marissa said...

What a great book!

Kathy MacKie said...

Yes, I think this would be a great book to win, thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Looks like an awesome book. Thanks for the chance to win. KMA

Karen said...

This looks like a great book. I would love to win.

Delores said...

Love to have a chance to win the book - the patterns look really interesting!

Jan said...

This book looks great! Thanks for the offering!

Anne said...

Yes, please. I'd like to be part of the fun too.

Julie S said...

Hey, I'm sorta like you! I love to have quilt books hanging around, and it does not matter how many times I have looked at it, I still go through it again and again. This is definitely one of 'those' books!

Swedish Scrapper said...

What a fantastic looking book! I would love to learn how to use my charms for all sorts of projects in there!

Lynn said...

Thanks for showing the book, and a chance to win!

Sis-O said...

Would love to win this book. Thank you.

Carla G said...

This looks like a great book! Thanks for showing some of the patterns in that book that I haven't seen yet! I'd love to win a copy of the book! :)

Gill said...

This looks such a great book! and I'm interested to note that you plan to make 14 out of the 20 quilts in this book! so often I buy a book only to find there's only 1 or 2 projects I like enough to make!!

Marcia W. said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. So far, my favorite pattern is the honeycomb. Mary E. sent me.

Marcia W. said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. So far, my favorite pattern is the honeycomb. Mary E. sent me.

Jackie said...

This book looks like such a great addition to have. Would be nice of you to count me in for your giveaway. Thanks d for the chance!

AlHo said...

The book looks like a wonderful book to call my own. I really love the look of the quilts and I love the fact that all of these can be made with charm packs.
Greetings from Germany, Alex

Bev in TX said...

I follow you via your RSS Feed. I would greatly enjoy getting a copy of this book :-).

hueisei said...

I loves to have a chance to win the book. Thanks.

Mary said...

I am a follower. I'd love to win the book. It looks like one to read and laugh a the "Manners" that our children forget to follow.

Texas JennyWren said...

This look like such a FUN and informative book. I love what you showed us so far. Thanks for a chance to win this book and for your fun blog.
jenny wren at texas kay dot com

Sallie said...

I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!

Michele T said...

I love table toppers and wee quilts... this book looks awesome! Thanks for the chance to win one!!

LeAnne said...

Looks like a cute book. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

Anne said...

I don't at all understand the whole Google Friend Connect issue, but I became a follower via GFC and email.

Love the title "Don't leave the table before other guests." My son often eats quickly, then gets up and leaves. If I win this book, that particular runner will be my first project!

Cheryl said...

Looks like a book that I need for my shelf....put my name in!

emmy said...

Thank you for the great giveaway. The projects are so attractive, and I love charm squares.

quiltgrammy said...

Would love to have this "charming" book, thanks for the chance.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

This bood is simply 'charming' and should be on everyone's wish list. Would love to have this in my library.

Kathryn said...

thanks for the review. I will follow you in thanks for showing me the book. Wish me luck. Kathie L in Allentown

VickiT said...

I've been following this blog tour and just love the pictures each have shown so far. The names are super cute and who doesn't need a refreshing of our minds of some of those manners that seem to be forgotten in todays' world.!
Thank you for the chance to win. I am already a follower of your blog also.

Searchfamilies said...

Thank you for the chance of winning this book i only just found you so look forward to following you more i become a follower
Hugs Janice

Anonymous said...

I was down at Country Threads today but didn't buy the book because I hope to win it! Linda B.

Jenny Johnson said...

Bought my first charm pack ever today -- I am ready to sew --all I need is instructions i.e. Charm School Book.

Becky said...

Thanks for a wonderful book review! Lots of great projects! Have a great week!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the book review. I am really interested in this book..I love charm packs! :)

Teri said...

I think even if I don't win a book....I will go get one for my library.....it really looks like a good book....thanks for the great giveaway....

carol said...

Thanks for sharing your pics and thoughts on this new Charm Quilt book. Looks interesting.

cityquilter grace said...

sneak peek reveals this is a handy book for anyone with charms or scraps...meaning me....i'd love to have it!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait for this book!! I just want to carry it around and drool at all the projects I can do! Jane E.

Leah said...

Thanks for sharing...

Janet said...

This looks like a book with a lot of fun projects. I'm enjoying the blog hop too.

Quiltsmiles said...

What a different spin on using charm packs with the etiquette charm names implied. Even If I don't win this, This book will be on my got to check it out list. Thanks for the heads up. Jane

KMSC said...

I have my fingers crossed! I hope I win a copy of this book. Looks wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.

RandR Serenity said...

There are some amazing projects in this book. I hope this will be the lucky number Mr Random chooses.
I think there will be a lot of projects in this book for me.
Hugs

Gwen said...

This looks like a wonderful book-- and a very "usable" one, too! Thank you for the chance to win a copy! :-)

Lisa said...

The quilts in this book look great and I love your review. Thanks for the chance to win.

Sue said...

This looks like a fun book, thanks for the preview and a chance to win.

Dolores said...

What a great book. I have a couple of charm packs waiting for a project.

Vic in NH said...

I'd love to win this book, thank you for the chance!

Rosa said...

this book looks awesome.Thanks for the chance to win!!

u keep sewing said...

Love the name of your blog. Appreciate all your wonderful thoughts and tips. Crossing my
fingers to win this book.

patricia.shotwell said...

Looks like a great book, I would be honored to win it.

libbyquilter said...

i'm happy to have found your blog thank you for the chance to win this book. i think that little basket quilt is very tempting . . .

:-)
libbyQ

JustPam said...

Google is making lost of not so nice changes lately. :^(
I would love to win a copy of this book.

Tania said...

I really love their first book and would so love to win a copy of this one - thanks for the lovely opportunity!

Gari in AL said...

I don't usually buy books but this one looks like it would be both fun to have and inspirational, all at the same time. Please put my name in the hat.

Judy D in AZ said...

Sounds like such a good book. My small group of quilting friends are doing a charm square swap, starting this month. How great it would be to have this block. Thanks for the chance.

PJ said...

It sounds like a good book to use charm squares for. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance. BTW - I'm a follower too.

Augustsnow said...

I need a little inspiration. Thanks for the chance to win.

Dianne Giles said...

I love quilting books! So far I have about 150 and still waiting for more. This one whould be a great addition to my "book stash". Thanks for the chance to win a very generous giveaway, Dianne

janequiltsslowly said...

Thanks for the chance to win the book and thanks for showing more of it than the other blog hoppers. I hope I can still see you on my Google Reader if the Friend Connect thing goes away. Why do they always have to mess with this stuff !?!

BizyStitches said...

I've been watching all the 'charming' photos that have been posted would love this book

goody said...

This book is on my wishlist! would be even better to win it! And yes, if do follow your blog, Love it!

southernhushpuppy said...

Oh that honeycomb charm quilt looks so hard to resist!! The book looks fabulous and perfectly drool worthy.

Terri Ann @ ChildlikeFascination.com said...

Oooh oh o pick me. Those projects you posted previews of look so amazing! I love using pre-cuts cause no matter how hard I focus on clean cuts mine always end up wonkey. Gotta get more practice but I like to leave that for the extra pieces on my pre-cut projects! :)

Jocelyn said...

This book looks so awesome! I love using charm squares, and this book would be such an inspiration. Thanks!

lisa said...

I appreciate your blog and all the info you share with us newbee's. Thank you, I am the one quietly hoping I'll win but really love the idea of the girl who waves her hand and says ooohooh pick me, too cute!

Mom C said...

I love to read quilting books and I actually will make a quilt or two. Thanks.

Sherryl said...

Oh I have been ogling this book for a while now! I really want to make the little coffee cup quilt for my kitchen and so many others in this book. Thanks for the chance to win - and for your lovely blog. :-)
- sunsdhws at yahoo dot com

Mhairi said...

This looks like such a great book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I love reading what other people think about craft books before I add them to my wish list.

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this book to drool over too ;>) Thanks for the chance, Rhonda (marshudson at comcast dot net)

Kathy S. said...

This book is on my wish list. I'm sooooo in to charms right now. Thanks for the chance to win.

nlcalendar said...

Pick me...pick me! What a great book to win. All the photos show projects I would love to make. Thanks for the giveaway. MS

Maxine said...

LOVE working with charms. Pick meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Skye said...

What a great give-away..Please put my name in that basket..By the way, I love your blog..Very inspiring...Thank you so much, Skye

quiltmom anna said...

It looks like a fun book to win. Thanks for the opportunity to win a new quilt book- one is always looking for new ideas.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna

Deb said...

Love all the illustrations in the book and I think it would be very useful! Thanks for the giveaway!

Average Quilter said...

I can always use more charm

Amy said...

Those are great great pattern names!

trillium said...

I have several charm packs just waiting to be made in to something. I'd love to win this book.

Sarah said...

I love how easy charm packs make it to create a scrappy looking yet coordinated quilt.... discovering them changed the way I designed my quilts drastically! Would love the book - I'm always looking for new patterns and designs!

Mary said...

My computer at home is forcing me to miss so much these days!

I would love this book. In fact, I seriously considered buying it at the quilt show I was at Thursday. I controlled myself because I am saving myself for my trip to Texas in two weeks.

Laurel09 said...

This book does look like a lot of fun. Thank you for the chance to win!

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