The seventh day of the eight days of book giveaways brings Mariners Compass Stars by Carol Doak. From the back cover: Sensational Starbursts from America's Favorite Paper Piecer!
This is a book that I knew at the time I really shouldn't buy. You see, I absolutely love the look of paper-piecing, but the little bit of paper-piecing I've done, I really didn't enjoy. However, those attempts were years ago, so when eying this book, I rationalized that maybe it wasn't as bad as I remembered; that maybe these stars were pretty enough to be worth the effort. Hmmmphhh! So here I am with a book in which I really enjoy the pictures, but when I go to read the directions about how they are made, all the memories about why I didn't enjoy paper-piecing return. I really admire those who enjoy this process and turn out such beautiful blocks, but it's time to quit pretending that I'm ever going to do this.
All you have to do to enter the drawing is to comment. It's okay to comment even if you don't want to enter, but be sure to make it clear you're not interested.
And if you're just now coming to the eight days of book giveaways, it's not too late to check out the books from previous days. The giveaways will close at noon (Pacific Standard Time) on September 7th and winners will be announced September 8th.
Looks like a fun book. I would love to try some of those patterns.
ReplyDeleteElzaan
What a great book. I would love to try some of those mariner's compass blocks.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure if I'd just end up looking at the pictures in this one too Michelle so I'm probably better off leaving this for someone passionate about paper piecing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with QIMP - my quilting has, by necessity, to be down and dirty fast - so as much as I might like to try an intricate pattern, there's just not enough hours in the day! But it looks like a great book to look at and wish through!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with QIMP and Sarah, it looks great but not for me. I m sure someone will absolutely love this book.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but smile when you said you shouldn't have bought this book. I can't believe how many books I just "had to have," only to let them sit on a shelf for years after that. I sold most of those in a couple of garage sales. That being said, I DO like paper piecing, and this is a book I don't have.
ReplyDeletePerhaps my paper-piecing experience will be similar to my applique experience; years ago I hated it and my sister and I would cheerfully speak about how we hated applique. Then I joined a block swap for an alphabet of blocks (I did H is for House) and well, the directions were for the blocks to be appliqued and I don't have a fancy, expensive machine. After 26 houses, my applique technique was a whole lot better, and consequently I enjoyed the process a lot more! So I'm hoping that with enough practice, my paper-piecing technique will improve and therefore I will enjoy it more than I do now.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a nice book - I love Mariner's Compass and I love Stars. I would enjoy giving the blocks in the book a whirl
What a cool looking book. I would love to make stars like that, and I do enjoy paper piecing. Would love to have that book.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
P.S. Please ignore dog blog identity, there really is a person with thumbs who wants this.
I can't believe that you can give a treasure like this away
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same as you do about paper piecing (so I'll pass on the giveaway chance, thanks), but I always admire these kinds of blocks and the people who do it so well.
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing. I began doing it before most people had an inkling about what it was. Those perfect points!
ReplyDeleteI would try this, I don't think I'd accomplish these kind of squares any other way EXCEPT for paper-piecing!
ReplyDeleteAs a guild librarian I hear a lot of comments about different techniques. Paper piecing seems to generate one of three emotions.
ReplyDelete1. Love it
2. Hate it.
3. It scares me. ;o)
Bert in Rice, WA
bertklimas@yahoo.com
Paper piecing is a great way to make neat points on a star. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chane,
ReplyDeleteHelle in Seoull
hellest@hotmail.com
This looks like a wonderful book. I have tried paper piecing and enjoyed it. Just haven't found a pattern I really wanted to try. This book may be the one!
ReplyDelete