Sunday, July 01, 2012

An Apple a Day Blog Tour

Hello everyone! Welcome to day 1 of the An Apple a Day blog tour! I'm so glad you've stopped by. What is An Apple a Day? I'm glad you asked. It's a fabulous book put together by The Quilted Fish Creative Consultants Design Team. Amanda assembled the team about a year and a half ago, and I am thrilled to be a  part of it. These women are creative geniuses! 


The book features 9 different projects, ranging from simple to challenging. My contribution? A quilt.
 I am enamored by precuts. It seems to be all I order these days. I love having every print in a fabric line, because I know my finished product will look color coordinated and beautiful. My quilt uses 2.5" strips, which Riley Blake calls a "Rolie Polie."
The coolest thing about this quilt isn't the stunning top. Oh, no. It's the back. Namely the foot pocket on the back. Within the pocket are three smaller pockets where you can put foot warmers in. Now, on a day like today where it's supposed to be 100 degrees with 80% humidity, that doesn't sound so appealing. But come November, you're going to love it.
When I made the quilt, I had an extra block left over. What to do, what to do. Why, a pillow, of course!
 Cute, right? For the top, just quilt as you want. I quilted in the ditch, which made the fabrics pop a bit. I added a border around the block, and then bound it in leftover binding from my quilt. It's very matchy-matchy. For the back, I did an envelope closure. Here's how I do it:

Measure the front of the pillow. Divide the length by 2, and then add 2 inches. Cut two pieces and finish one edge of each piece. In the book, there are instructions for the foot pocket that you can use for this part.
 Place the pieces on the back of the quilted pillow front, and baste where the two pieces overlap.
 Bind using your favorite method. Mine? I like the stitch the binding by hand. I find it very soothing, and a great excuse to watch horrendous Summer TV that I just can't seem to get enough of.
So there you go. A cute pillow to go with the cute quilt you are going to make.

Now because this is a blog tour, there is a very strict rule that there must be things given away. Up for grabs is a copy of the book and a kit to make this necklace:
All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me your favorite thing to make. Is it quilts? Is it bags? Is it knitted washcloths? Is it dinner? I really want to know! I'll announce the winner a week from tomorrow, July 9.

Here is the schedule for the rest of the tour. Thanks for coming by!!


Sunday, July 1st: Amanda's Blog & Jana's Blog <--- that's me :)
Monday, July 2nd: Julie's Blog
Tuesday, July 3rd: Sally's Blog 
Wednesday, July 4th: Candice's Blog
Thursday, July 5th: Stephanie's Blog
Friday, July 6th: Johanna's Blog
Saturday, July 7th: Jackie's Blog
Sunday, July 8th: Brooke's Blog

88 comments:

MaryBeth said...

Wow, am I the first to comment???? I love to make quilts. So far the largest I've made is twin, but I'm making a queen for my daughter and son-in-law for Christmas - wish me luck.

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

I love to make quilts. I also love to make dessert!

Lisa England said...

I love to make quilts! I'll bet you'll hear that a lot. I also like to bake cookies -- or maybe it's the eating part I really like.

Cecilia said...

I love to make quilts of all sizes. I really like your idea of a foot pocket on the back of your quilt. :-). Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book and the necklace kit.

Rosa said...

I love to make quilts of all size,runners and pillows.I love love cooking.Thanks for the chance!!

Cheryl said...

I love to make bags and purses!

quiltma said...

I love the quilt, the book looks fantastic and my favorite thing is quilts and wall hangings

Unknown said...

Oh my, my favorite thing to make???? Well, it is usually whatever I'm working on at the moment. I just jump from quilts, to bags to bookmarks to zipper cases to pillows.... you get the idea. I just love to sew. Thanks for the chance to win!
tilleybl@aol.com

Janet said...

My favourite thing to make is quilts. I'm smitten with them.

sandra said...

I love to make quilts and yours is really cute. Thanks for chance to win.

Leslie said...

you have seen my blog and know that my favorite thing to make is quilts. i love the quilt you made for this book...that is such an exciting thing to be a part of.

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

I love making runners, place mats and small quilts. Thanks for the chance!

Lee said...

I love making clothes and small gifts like placemat and napkin sets! thanks!

Anonymous said...

Well I do love to make quilts...b/c I think I enjoy a finished quilts so much.

That said, there is just something really fun about making a great bag! So it's a toss-up b/t the two of them!

And I really love your quilt and pillow! So lovely!

Addibrae said...

I like to make bags

Cindy Sews said...

My favorite things to make are girls dresses and pin cushions!

Anonymous said...

Baby quilts are mt favorite to make!

Sallie said...

I love to make quilts! Thanks for the chance to win this great-looking book!

Jennifer said...

What do I enjoy making?... that's a hard one. I really don't have a "favorite", it just depends on the mood I'm in. For long term, quilts for sure. But for the real quick, I think bags/purses/wallets. I do like to make clothes, too. So there you go! (My husband and I own a catering company, so you can add "in the kitchen" to that list, as well! :) )

B Greene said...

Quilts are my favorite thing to make by far!! Thanks for the chance to win - I love your quilt pattern!

Marcia W. said...

My favorite project is making a bed quilt. Lately I've been making smaller projects which are fun as well -- dolly quilts and my first bag. Thanks for the chance. I like that necklace when first saw the quilt market photos of folks making them in the booth.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Love the footwarmer pocket idea. My favorite thing to sew is little girls dresses.

Jocelyn said...

Isn't it fun to use a left over block creatively? I love to make quilts! Thanks for the giveaway :-)

CJ said...

Great quilt! I really like to make quilts and aprons. All the new babies in our church get a quilt, all the new brides get an apron. I sprinkle some others in there too, a quilt for a friend or an apron for someone for a hostess gift. I also love to sew for my daughter who, unlike me, has the perfect figure.

Tamie said...

My favorite thing to make is a quilt. It is definitely not dinner.

Kate said...

Baby sweaters are my favourite thing to make. They knit up quickly and they don't use much yarn. New moms seem to love getting them as gifts, too.

LJ said...

Favorite thing to make...Well, definitely NOT dinner! Anything where I get to sew is a favorite thing to make. I do like to make iced coffee - especially in the 90 degree heat we've been having.

VH said...

I love to make children. That may sound gross, especially since I am your sister. But what I mean is, I think it is cool that a human can grow inside of me.

I would also love to learn how to make things such as the ones in your book so if I don't win can I have one for Christmas? Pretty please? And can you come here and help me make something?

Linda said...

Hi.
I love to make quilts, bags,and stuff for the store.
Right now that's crocheted hanger covers.
Thanks for the great idea of foot warmers in your quilt - how inventive! L

Carol said...

I love making bags!

lindag1947 said...

I like small projects that are fast and easy to make. Linda gerig

Laura said...

I have found that I really love to make table runners.

Ali said...

The more I'm seeing of this book the more I love it! I have some extra Apple of My Eye jelly roll strips that I'm sure would fit a project for this, and I love the idea of a foot warmer in a blanket, my husband isn't working as well for this as he used to!

My favorite thing to work on right now are small projects, I like something I can finish in a day or two, it makes me feel proficient ;)

Mhairi said...

As it is currently 47.5 degrees F at the moment where I am your quilt looks like a wonderful idea.
I love to make quilts, clothes, dolls and other softies. I am not really fussy as long as I can sew. If I could find a magic fairy to do my cooking and cleaning then I would sew all day long.
I really love the look of this book and every time I see something new from it I just want it more. Thanks for sharing.

Anita said...

I love making quilts, purses, and small wallhangings. Thanks for the chance to win :)

Gabriella said...

I love Quilts!!!!
And I love your Quilt and I love the collection of "Apple of my eyes" ... I have ordered them the last week!!!!

Susanne said...

I love making bags and little Accessories. So quick and fun.
Susanne

JLVerde said...

I love making dolls and stuffed animals/creatures.

Pippa Parsons said...

I love to make quilts and wall hangings, I've just sent my son to school with one for his teacher's end of year present :) am waiting to see what she thinks... thanks for the giveaway

Josie McRazie said...

I tell you I LOVE precut quilt patterns! I am a new quilter and it takes a lot of the guess out for me! LOVE IT!! This book is beautiful!!

Unknown said...

I love to make quilts of all sizes. This fabric lines is great and I love all the different projects each of you created.

java diva said...

I like making tissue holders. And I have to joke, your question made me think of that picture going around of the pregnant woman that says "I'm so crafty I make people." LOL

Christine Slaughter said...

I've just started quilting, and so my favorite thing to quilt so far is... quilts! It is challenging and fun all at the same time!

Syd said...

I love everything about quilts, bags and knitting. I always have to have a (several really) projects in progress! I do tend to make more quilts though!

Sowing Stitches said...

I love making quilts AND little girls dresses with puffy sleeves, Peter Pan collars and long sashes.

sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, pick me pick me!!!! There are several projects in that book that I'd love to make. I love to make anything with a needle and thread!

RSHudson said...

Quilts, especially baby quilts. Thanks for chance to win! (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)

Nancy said...

I like wallhangings, doesn't take as long. Totes too!

Deb said...

What I like to make is constantly changing. Right now, I am into little projects that don't take a lot of time. I really like the little pencil cases in the Zakka Style book. They make great gifts.

Calikisses said...

I like making bags. Thank you for the chance to win. Such a lovely quilt!

Mom C said...

My favorite thing to make is quilts. Your quilt is my favorite of all the projects and that was before I knew about the foot pocket. Love the pillow too. THanks.

Doris said...

It's probably a toss up between quilts and bags, but I do enjoy sewing clothing when I get the chance.

Nancy D. said...

I really enjoy making blocks for block swaps (bee blocks). I get to try different patterns and color combos that I might otherwise never try. Thanks for sharing!

Helen L said...

Love your quilt!! that block pattern is on my to-do list :-) And my favorite things to make are quilts and little girls' dresses. (gonna make a little girl's dress in that Apple A Day fabric:can't wiat!!)

Donna said...

I love to make quilts! Love yours you made and the pillow.
Hugs,
Donna

Anda W said...

I am obsessed with making quilts and I have the entire line of Apple of my Eye to create my next quilt, can't wait! awolk at rogers dot com

Fran said...

Your projects are so gorgeous & the book looks brilliant! My favourite thing to make is quilts, though I am quite partial to the odd pillow. Thanks for the chance to win.

MaddyMaze Studio said...

I love to make clothing...I make bags mostly, so I don't get a chance to make clothing as often as I'd like.

hafza said...

I love making bags...most of the time I create my own bag. thanks for the chance at the giveaway!!

Deb said...

Quilts, bags, wallhangings, things for my granddaughters. I love it all!

Joyce said...

It's pretty much all of the above, depending on the day! I keep collecting all the "ingredients" and my to do list gets larger and larger. Thank u for the chance to win!

Cheryl said...

Quilts are my favorite thing to make and I sneak in a purse or little girl dress every now and then!

Deb said...

It would have to be quilts as my favorite! I love a new quilting project.

barbara woods said...

quilts but i wont to learn to make a bag

Jo's Corner said...

Oh, I want to make a quilt..so badly! Briefly, it's due to brain stem tumors & poor eyesight. I LOVE fabric! ALL FABRIC! And, I have way too much. But, I keep waiting for new designs as they are released.
The book looks fantastic and I really would love to have one. The book and one of EACH project! : ) ANyone willing to sew them for me? Totally kidding...sorta.
Hugs and Congratulations on the book. I love your quilt and the pillow!

saramariewright said...

My family knows that if it were up to me, we'd eat cereal for every meal since it's fast and easy and leaves me more time to make my favorite things, especially quilts. Luckily, my wonderful husband does most of the cooking ;)

saramariewright said...

My family knows that if it were up to me, we'd eat cereal for every meal since it's fast and easy and leaves me more time to make my favorite things, especially quilts. Luckily, my wonderful husband does most of the cooking ;)

Jackie said...

um, i like to make BFF's

Jennyroo said...

I like to make lap quilts!

Carla G said...

My favorite item to make is bags! Thanks for a chance to win this great book & kit! :)

Kate Brown said...

I love to make quilts as well as kitchen stuff, placemats, mug rugs etc.

Charlene S said...

I love to make quilts but lately I have been in love with bags.

Beth said...

I love this quilt! This book looks like it is going to be fabulous. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book and the necklace kit.

Diann said...

I love to make doll clothes-and salads, at least in the summer!

Njeri said...

I love making bags.

memmens said...

After the day I've had today my favourite thing to make is a gin and tonic! Usually however it's quilts! thanks for a chance to win

Anonymous said...

I love the pillow. The only pillow coverings I've ever made were knitting - but they turned out great.

Unknown said...

I like to make crib quilts because they're easier to machine quilt myself. But recently I made the iPad bag that Julie of Intrepid Thread made a tutorial for (and Mama Pea made). It wasn't as hard as I thought, and it was fun!

Gwen said...

I'm sort of torn... I love making small quilts-- they are so much fun and easier to finish than a large quilt. And I also love making clothes for my little granddaughter-- sewing for kids is such fun. I really enjoyed making outfits for my daughters when they were young! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!

Lisa and Doug said...

Wow! I love reading what everyone loves to make! I'm feeling a creative surge!

Phyllis said...

I enjoy making knitted dishcloths and scarves. I am a beginning knitter. I also enjoy doing counted cross stitch designs and making pillows, needlebooks, and other small items from the finished stitched designs.

JustPam said...

I posted before, but my comment doesn't show-there were some blogger issues. I see there are some duplicates too. Sigh....

I love to make quilts and am putting this one on my bucket list.

mary mahoo said...

My favourite thing to make is quilts, for sure. Thanks for the chance to win.

Rhonda D. said...

I just love this book. All the projects are something that I want
to make. Very unusual for a book
to achieve this! I am keeping my
fingers crossed for this one!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!!!

Breanna S. said...

I love making Ruby Lou dolls they are so cute

Gill said...

I love making bags! and I'd love to make the featured necklace!

Celine said...

I love to make quilts! I am a sewing addict.. Thanks for the chance to win!

~mo sews said...

I am making my first two quilts simultaneously... and I'm doing small projects in-between. I love using my scraps (pre-cuts from my quilts) and making useful things with them... It's been coffee cozies, mug rugs, coasters, trims on my granddaughter's market skirts, and I've purchased books with more projects I hope to try. :D