Monday, June 25, 2012

Generation Q Review + Giveaway!

Hey all! Are you ready for the first stop on the Generation Q Magazine blog tour? Do you like giveaways?  If you answered yes to either question (or a big double-yes for the pair) then you are in the right place! Remember, that this is just the first stop on the tour/giveaway spree - the full list of participants and dates can be found here over at GenQ.

I originally intended to have this post up earlier in the day but my hard drive crashed this morning (oy!) and now needs to be replaced - I am currently using Alex's old laptop but it is slow going (obviously Alex replaced this one for a reason). In all honesty, I've actually been trying to post a different blog post since Thursday but my computer wouldn't let me - this morning it just bit the bucket entirely (mixed-metaphor, what!).

Generation Q is a brand-new print magazine from the wonderful people at the GenQ BlogZine - it is bursting with fun, fresh, and creative ideas, awesome interviews, reviews, and feisty commentary.



I received my copy of the first issue in the mail on Friday as part of my little "bribe" for backing the Kickstarter campaign a few months ago, haha! Don't Amy and David Butler look all cozy there snuggled up in a quilt designed by Scott?

Let's talk a little about the outside first, shall we? It is quite nice and compact measuring 7x9" rather than the standard 8.5x11" (or so) - it is very neat! I like the more compact size because it makes it easier to throw into a purse or tote for travel reading without having to worry about wrinkling up the cover or folding it to fit. The cover is glossy and eye-catching, and the paper has a nice feel.

Now let's open it up! And just so that you know, I'm trying hard not to give away too much of the interior content with my pictures here, so you're not getting to see all of the really good stuff! You'll need to get your own for that *wink*.


Oh, look there's me! Haha, sorry, I just has to put that it there (this is the lovely list at the front of this issue thanking everyone who helped to back the Kickstarter campaign). Anywho...


One of the first elements that really caught my eye was the Block Builder feature. In each issue there will be a "starter" block which will be used by the participants to create a quilt block. In this issue the awesome peeps over at Fat Quarterly were invited to use the starter block shown in the picture to create a block design; there are five designs spread over three pages and Brioni's take is shown above. As well, each issue features a new starter block and invites readers to create a block with it which can than be submitted and possibly featured in the next issue. I think that's pretty fun!


This issue also features a fun and fresh interview and studio/home tour with Amy and David Butler - the pictures are lovely and learning more about their lives and art was great.

On top of other great product reviews, gift ideas, fun commentary and articles, the magazine also features patterns! We all love patterns, don't we? Here's just a little taste...


This is the full view of Scott's quilt, Hugs and Kisses No. 9,  which was also featured on the cover. Scott's quilt features a number of different blocks in different sizes and the really wonderful thing about this pattern is that there are step-by-step diagrams for making each and every block, along with written instructions. There are also notes for each block on using scraps to create the different values and achieve the same effect.

Along with Scott, this issue also features patterns from Julie Herman, Melissa Peda, Heather Jones, Pat Bravo, and the info on getting an exclusive downloadable pattern from Rashida Coleman-Hale.

Really it's fabulous! And no, I'm not just saying that because they asked me to do a review, I am so so so proud of Jake, Melissa, Scott, Megan, and everybody else who helped to put this magazine together. They should all be very proud of themselves.

So I guess you want to now a little bit more about the giveaway then, eh? Well, step right up and enter to win your very own print copy of the magazine! You have two ways to enter here, and also if you want another chance you can "like" GenQ on Facebook and get entered to win over there too (however, liking on Facebook, will do nothing to help your chances here). Here's what you need to do for your two chances:

1. Tell me what you would most like to see from a new print quilting/sewing/crafty magazine. 
Are there specific people you'd like to see interviewed, specific types of patterns? Anything goes!

2. Leave another comment if you are a follower of my blog.

Two easy-peasy ways to enter, just make sure that you leave a comment for each entry (if you combine both into one I can only count it as one). I will close the comments in a week (on July 2nd) and announce the winner here on the blog. International entries are, as always, welcome! Any duplicate comments will be deleted.

*the giveaway is now closed*

97 comments:

  1. Boy, I don't know. I find that I often flip through magazines at the store but rarely buy them. I don't often see projects that really grab me. I think that often the projects I see in magazines are pretty simple or really traditional. So I guess what I'd like is more challenging projects that are more modern!

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  2. {1} i'd love to see lots of interviews with fabric designers and colorful inspiration

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  3. {2} i follow you in my google reader :)

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  4. I love to see modern patterns using modern fabrics...a rarity in most quilt magazines these days. This one looks fantastic, though!

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  5. I'd love to see some features on different bloggers since they're such a big part of the modern quilting community. It would be cool to see some fresh new quilt/block designs and tutorials that don't just come from the 'big' companies.

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  6. FOLLOWING YOU!

    msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

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  7. HELLO! I'D LIKE TO SEE LOTS OF PHOTOS+BLOCK DESIGNS AND HINTS ABOUT NEW THREADS, LIKE COSMO MULTI WORK. THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

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  8. I'd like to be introduced to a least one new talented quilter in the each issue. I know who I like and who I follow but I think it's really important to see the creative projects of quilters who are just coming on the radar.

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  9. Thanks to GenQ I just found you and am now a follower on GFC.

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  10. I am tired of the magazines that have been around. I would like modern and challenging projects to drool over. Projects from table runners to full size quilts.

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  11. I'd like to see non-biased product reviews (irons, sewing machines, thread) etc. I'd also like to see more on quilting. Everyone has tops pieced together, but what else can I do (with my sewing mating or by hand) to really enhance my quilt. There is a lot of talk about long arm, but very few can afford those and I'd prefer to quilt myself rather than sending my quilt off ton someone else.

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  12. I am just so happy to see more modern fabric and quilts get a magazine of their own! Don't get me wrong, the other magazines are fine, but I hate having only one or two projects that draw me in when I am spending $$ on it monthly. I'd like to read about quilters (the "famous" and non) and how they got started. I like fabric designers, but I like to see quilts with a mix of designers/collections in them.

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  13. I follow your blog through RSS feed! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  14. I like to see projects that are original. Too many magazines show old patterns with new fabrics -- but to me, an Ohio Star with the latest fabrics is still an Ohio Star.

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  15. i'd like to see a magazine with a little applique in it more often than once in a while. i like big blocks, new gadget reviews and technique refresher tutorials.

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  16. I like seeing new fabric lines and interviews with the designers. I also like to see very modern designs and I feel like that is a niche that needs to be filled. Hopefully this magazine fulfills this. I look forward to checking it out.

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  17. I would appreciate articles on the trends in quilting. The piecing is done, now what?

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  18. I follow your blog via Google Reader (RSS).

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  19. Can't wait to see a copy. :) I'm with Kimberly - non-biased product reviews would be awesome. Also - rate projects in difficulty. I'm fairly new to quilting, and need that. Also - to help find projects, a pic of each on the table of contents by the page numbers is a nice time-saver.

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  20. I pretty much like anything goes. Always want to know the latest tools.

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  21. Lots and lots of quilt porn! You know - gorgeous pictures of beautiful quilts (and directions for making them). Other than that, informational articles about the tools we use everyday - such as explaining the different types and weights of threads, when to use which; needles, etc. Product reviews that aren't trying to just sell you the product.

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  22. Would love to see a copy of this - I don't know what I would want and am impressed that so many magazines keep coming up with ideas, etc. I do love the modern quilting and don't know if it is a fad or what. Just to see some updated and current work would be great. Thanks.

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  23. Quilts magazines - photos of quilts with information about how they were made and vignettes of the quilters; quilt patterns and instructions - I like to see the quilting motifs and fabric lists too; quilting on home machines; blogger-quilter articles.

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  24. I am so spoiled by the online blogging world's attention to modern patterns and fabrics that I was surprised to see that many quilt shops do not carry ay at all (I have no local quilt shop, but visited about six in a week of travels). Keep that laser focus and include some small projects, too.

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  25. I would love to see great quilt patterns and variations!

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  26. Color...lots of color for inspiration!
    Toni
    www.lifeinapinkbunnysuit.com

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  27. Happily following your blog!
    Toni
    www.lifeinapinkbunnysuit.com

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  28. I would like to see new ideas from not so famous quilters. While scrolling through blogs I find lots of things more interesting than the featured quilters.

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  29. The list of contributors is enough to convince me that they don't need my help! :) The one thing I can add is that if a pattern is published, I like to see a straight-on view of the finished product, not an artfully draped quilt that shows me a tasteful corner but doesn't give me the full picture. Sometimes what looks good in the quarter view would be busy or bland in the whole.

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  30. I follow you!

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  31. I would also like to see non-biased reviews on new quilting tools.

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  32. I'm a follower. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

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  33. I would like to see moderen fabrics and patterns. I would also like to see Japaness patterns and fabrics.

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  34. I would love to see more quilts made with solids....for a modern aesthetic. I love interviews with designers, what their creative spaces look like.....various projects...no traditional quilts..there are already lots of mags out there with that stuff. Thanks for a great giveaway!!
    jodym7atyahoo.com

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  35. I really want to see lots of gorgeous modern quilts - not art quilts, which are lovely but so very individual that they don't appeal to me, but great pieced quilts, with modern ideas and fabrics. I was so excited to find what I thought was a new modern quilting magazine this week, only to find that it was really just an annual publication of another quilt magazine. There is a definite niche to fill here!!

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  36. And of course I follow your blog!!! Sorry to hear about your computer....

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  37. I actually don't buy magazines alot...but I'd love to see anything with tutorials in one if I were given a copy.

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  38. I follow your blog via rss feed.

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  39. I'd love to see one that was all about modern and contemporary quilts/colors/mini projects. It's nice when quilt mags have a variety of different styles, but usually that means I only like one or two of the projects.

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  40. I subscribe to your blog via blogger! Thank you for the giveaway!

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  41. I like to see the new fabric collections along with the designer and hear what inspired them to do the collections and what type of project they would like to make from their fabrics.
    paweis at yahoo dot com

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  42. I love patterns that are alittle challenging, along with good directions. I love hearing what's new and upcoming with quilting, learning about new designers, some educational lessons ie what kinds of different thread, when they are used and how made, needles, tools, how to increase/decrease a pattern or the story with batting etc. Of course pictures!

    Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. I'm a follower of your blog via GFC.

    Thanks again for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I'd love to see some features on quilting bloggers that have 'made it' - whether it be with selling their patterns online, posting lots of popular tutorials, or having their work published in books.
    ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  45. I haven't read many quilt magazines... just tend to read blogs, etc online. I don't really know what is in them. Although I'm liking modern quilts

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  46. I am a follower through GFC.. Thank you I would love to read this magzine. Comlisajohnson(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. I love to read backgroundstories about quilters and of course see some nice patterns and tutorials!

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  48. I am a follower of your blog! Thanks so much!

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  49. What I would love to see is acticles about the new Modern Movement. The people behind the movement ie Scott - Blue Nickel Studio. I know he has work very hard to get this off the ground. I love tools. Ones that really work for people with disabilities. Such as extention tables that lift you sew space up to you sewing machine. Different types of scissors. I think I have spread my wishes around. Interview Jaque she would be another one to interview.

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  50. I really like for there to be an emphasis on modern quilting, with a fair number of quilt patterns that are of an intermediate skill lvel, with lots of photos as well as written instructions. Other types of crafty patterns (non-quilty) are also a bonus & I LOVE interviews with pattern/fabric designers & maybe some sneak peeks into their studios - so on on the basis of what I like to see in a new quilting magazine Gen Q looks like a winner! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

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  51. I'm a happy follower of your blog, thanks for the great review & the extra chance to win!

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  52. I would put in more pictures of the featured quilts/patterns s done by quilt "celebs", fabric designers, pattern designers and regular people.

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  53. I follow your blog via Google (Betsy.pratt@gmail.com).

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  54. I love to see the 'new fabrics' in wonderful products ...so for me pictures

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  55. I love patterns that are both useful and beautiful-- anything that can be handy is ideal. I'm also really into paper piecing right now.

    So excited to have Gen Q in print!

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  56. I'm a follower of your blog :)

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  57. I would love to see a little blogger's corner insert maybe showing a new to you blogger that has a great quilt blog...

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  58. I'd LIKE to follow your blog but prefer following by email. Could you add that link? Things get "lost" in the reader for RSS.

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  59. I'd love seeing more and more and more pics of modern quilts! I NEED this magazine!

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  60. I like a range of patterns. I would like to see some of the Japanese patterns I see in Cotton Time and similar magazines in English magazines. I would also like to see a block feature so that as time goes by I would be able to build up my block library although I would also like to see ways that the blocks can go into a quilt in different ways.

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  61. I am a follower of your blog.

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  62. I love patterns - don't we all? I particularly like to see blocks made several different ways, with differing layouts. I can never get enough essays by designers that I admire, from Kaffe Fassett to Amy Butler.

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  63. I love to have both big projects like quilts that feel like a masterpiece when finished, and small, quick project that are just so satisfying because results come quickly'

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  64. I'd love to see something in a magazine that shows you how to quilt without free motion. I have a sewing machine that will allow you to make your own stitches. As a result, I almost never free motion any more.

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  65. Hmmmm, what would I like to see in a future issue? I assume I can't say a David Butler centrefold, LOL! I would love to see some features on upcoming fabric lines, and maybe some 'behind the scenes' in fabric design and production?

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  66. I have been a follower for quite a while now, and what might be an interesting item in the magazine is to feature quilt blogs, perhaps one or two an issue?

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  67. I just subscribed to your blog. Thank you for the insight on the magazine! And of course, the giveaway too!

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  68. It is always nice to have a reference to the resource to purchase specific products used in a project. So often I find myself liking something because of a particular fabric or embellishment they used. Knowing where it can be purchased is wonderful.

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  69. my friendhads this magazine, it is a really great magazine i like that there is not alot of advertisements i also love that we get patterns, awesome magazine

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  70. I like to see quilt patterns --- and I like lots of color

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  71. I am really like the size of this magazine!
    I would love to see ideas for brainstorming, a book list, time management, tips, trouble shooting, and exciting surprises....I love the unexpected.

    sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

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  72. Hmmm, I wonder if the 'wyn' to left and up from your name could be me? I love seeing photos of quilters' work spaces. :)

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  73. I like to read about the process of idea to finished project and what goes on in the designer's head.

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  74. I would like to see a reocurring article on home decorating with modern fabrics and patchwork. Window coverings, cushions, pillows, bed headboards, rugs, lamp shades, towels, kitchen and cooking linens, frames, holiday home decor, bunting, tree skirt, mantle scarf, baskets, containers...

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  75. Tools! lots of tools! not just new tools but how to use the tried and true tools better.

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  76. I want new quilt ideas, colour combinations and interviews with creative people. I find all of the other quilt magazines are repeating themselves ... Thank you for the giveaway!

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  77. I follow your blog on Google Reader - keep up the good work!

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  78. I like to see more articles on what I call normal quilting techniques. Not so much the artsy kind but the kind my mother might have used. If that makes any sense.

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  79. I follow you in Google connect

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