Perfect Quilts for Precut Fabrics-Book Review

I had such fun looking through this book.  Seriously, if you ever want to make a quilt from precuts, you should definitely check this book out.  Even if you are a purist, and like to design your own quilts, this is a great jumping off point.  

This book has a ton to offer.  I love that the sections are organized by the kind precut fabric.  If you're like me and you have some precuts sitting on your shelf, pick one of these quilts patterns, and turn that fabric into a magical quilt, your next masterpiece, or something for a loved one to snuggle in.

Check out some of the quilts below.  And get to work.

You can find more info about the book here and here.

Creative Eye Thursday - Fabulously Fast Quilts by Amy Smart

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

If you are a new quilter, or a seasoned quilter who is looking for something quick and beautiful to put together in a jiffy, this book is for you.  Every quilt is adorable.  Seriously so cute.  I know there are times for me, I just need to make a quilt for a kid, a loved one, etc...in a short amount of time {like yesterday}. This quilt book is for those times, when you need a super cute quilt in a hurry.  If you are new to quilting, this book will teach you a ton of the basics in quilting, and you will be able to make some awesome quilts (which is sometimes difficult when you are new).

Here are some of the goodies in the book.

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Fun.  Simple.  Perfect.  

As I was looking to see which quilt block I would make, I came across this quilt.

I love this quilt.  It really is just a variation on a pinwheel block, a block I tend to love.  I also enjoy that the instructions were clear and fun to follow.  It used PRECUTS, which I am a big fan of.  Less cutting for me = a happier me.  I also enjoy the fast piecing and cutting methods.  Totally my style.

I pulled out my STACK of precuts and picked out a few choice squares, cut a few white and gray squares and rectangle.  

Lower right hand corner = my favorite way of sewing. Sew, slice, and make life easy.  YES!

After a day of sewing, this is what I pulled together.  Making more than one block meant I could make this into a little girls baby quilt.  Lately, because its the  7th anniversary of our stay in the hospital with Lizzy, I have been having feelings like I should make all these quilt blocks into quilts for Project Linus.  Showing up to that hospital and being greeted with a handmade quilt, well, it touched my heart in a way I couldn't have anticipated.  I have made a few quilts for Project Linus, but maybe a few needs to turn into a few hundred (I digress a bit...).  Anyway......

So here's my little quilt...with my little quilt blocks.  What colors would you choose?  I pondered going way back in time, and doing some nice reds and browns....but the baby quilt part made me use pinks and grays.  MADE ME.  ha ha.

Have a super day.  And get some sewing done.  You know you want to.

Creative Eye Thursday- Beyond Neutral

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

This was such a fun book for me to look through and be inspired by.  I love his take on the art of quilting.  I am such a fan of modern quilting.  I love the use of color, the mix of solids with patterned prints, and the space created in the quilt.  Check out these projects and see which you like best.

I prefer the ones that aren't typical.  Where you wouldn't have guessed that he would have put that block there, or spaced the blocks the way he did.  The unexpected is fun.  A bunch of these quilts I have put in my imaginary box, of quilts I'd like to make.  They are definitely simple.  Something you could accomplish in just a weekend.  And yet, with the right fabric placement and choices, the are impactful.  So fun.

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

The block I chose to duplicate, and do my own little thing with, was from the quilt, in the lower right hand corner from the collage above.  Piecing this together was a breeze.  It came together in about an hour.  The only hard thing, was I ran out of fabric. {Isn't it fun when you are cutting, and you realize what you thought was a yard, turns out to be less than that, because you secretly cut out a square earlier, and just folded it all back together to hide your secret combinations}.  So because of my fabric craziness I was short about 1/8 yard.  Hmmmm.  The joy of having a fairly extensive fabric collection.  I just pulled a like color fabric, and plugged it in.  No big whoop.  And guess what, I am a quilter.  Quilters adjust and change things all the time.  We call it creativity.  Right?

Here's the quilt, as I was piecing it together.  See, those plaid pieces, they are inspired.  It adds a whole new level of interest to the quilt.   ha ha.  

Here it is finished up.  Well.. pieced together.  Finishing might take some time.

 It's hard to believe that this ONE block, can be a baby quilt for a sweet little cherub.   So fun, it can be a big quilt, or something small.  It's nice when a quilt pattern is very versatile.

 What quilt would you choose to make?

Creative Eye Thursday-You Can Quilt IT!

Creative Eye 

You Can Quilt It!

by Deborah M. Poole

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

After reading this book, the best description of how I feel is inspired and humbled.  Deborah has been long arm quilting for only 6 years...probably since this book was published, 7.  But even though that seems long to some, to be this accomplished after such a short time is wonderful.

I love that her message to all of us quilters, is perfect practice makes perfect.  This is definitely a physical task, its an art, and we need to train our muscles.  If we train them by doing something incorrectly, we won't be able to make the progress we desire.  (I feel like I try to teach this to our children all the time).

Just FYI...this is definitely from a long arm quilters perspective.  I wish with all my heart, I had a long arm quilting machine.  But I don't.  So some of these things are a little hard for me practice.  {But Luckily....sometimes I get to work on a long arm quilting machine}

Some of the gems I learned from this book are:

• use templates
• mark less, but use registration lines
• imperfection is to be expected, give the illusion of perfection
• use different feathers for different kinds of quilts
• tips for using less thread

Deborah gives instruction for common mistakes, and their solutions.  She also gives solutions for tricky corners, she has all sorts of math tricks to make things work out perfect.  She even gives her favorite thread choices for blending.

If you have ever wanted to really tackle quilting, and challenge yourself to become amazing, you should definitely check this book out.

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Creative Eye Thursday-Book Review for Fun-Size Quilts

 

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

When I first opened this book, I scanned through the pages to find the one quilt that I knew I had to make.  I found a bunch of quilts that I thought would be fun to work with.  The closer I looked, I realized, these really are fun size quilts.  Like tiny quilts.  If you are looking for a small project, or a small area that needs a little brightening, this may be the book for you to check out.

White Stars, Julie Herman, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Fox in a Box, Jeni Baker, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Quiltilicious, Melissa Corry, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

size 18 1/2" X 18 1/2"

I finally decided on this little quilt.  I am definitely drawn to patterns, I often look past color, and fabric choices to find the pattern I enjoy.  This quilt was perfect for that.  I generally am not drawn to purples and pinks, its just not my deal.   But, the pattern, was pretty interesting.

Making it- Pros and Cons
Getting to work was pretty fun.  I loved the instructions for cutting this quilt pattern.  I am a total nut, but I love it when I am cutting out fabric, and all the parts of the strips are used up.  Efficiency is like crack for me (well, maybe, I've never tried crack).  But, I did get kinda giddy that the fabric usage was so nice. (And conversely, I get kinda grumpy when I cut a strip and use less that a 1/4 of the strip).

Piecing it was pretty fun too.  Easy, and delightful.  But, when I started piecing the blocks together, I realized something.  The instructions call for making the half-square triangles, and then trimming them to the correct size.  I completely understand why the author wants to do that, it makes for perfect half-square triangles, and yet....I'm me.  That takes extra time.  I have limited time, and extra cutting isn't on my agenda.  I would rather spend the time stitching carefully and precisely, and have the half-square triangle be the right size after sewing, than have to trim later.  ****this is totally personal preference.


After I battled trimming (I know, my life is pretty tough).  I pieced this together in no time.  I loved the instructions for seam pressing, and putting the quilt together to make it come together nicely.  I could tell there was a lot of attention to the little details.

Now let's compare....Here's my version, navy blue, turquoise, red, and whites.  That's a little more me.  And that's what I love about good quilt patterns.  They work for everyone, with different preferences.  If you gave this quilt pattern to 20 different people, with only shaded portions (so they don't already see a color, and duplicate it), they would come up with 20 different variations.  Creativity is the best, and I love seeing what people come up with.

Want to check out the rest of the book?  Go here.

Thursdays Creative Eye Review- A Flair for Fabric

The first book I chose to review for my Creative Eye series is, A Flair for Fabric, Creative Sewing Projects from the Designers at Henry Glass, Compiled by Linda Lum Debono.  It's always fun to look through compilation books, because the styles are so different, and it gives a lot of opportunities to try a variety of new projects.

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

I scrolled through a number of projects, and a few of them really stood out to me as something I could work on, something I could change to my own style.   I was drawn to all these projects, I'll let you scroll through, just like I did.

Delightful by Jacquelynne Steves, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

I really liked this one.  I love how the colors in this quilt could easily be changed, everything could change, and it would represent the color scheme in your own home.  I particularly enjoy the creativity of the border.  I'm a big fan.

 Funky Flowers by Heather Mulder Peterson, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

 Blueberries and Bananas Place Mats by Vicki Oehlke, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

I really considered this pillow as well.  It's super cute.  And yet,....well, I don't make pillows.  My kids are delightful, they are wonderful, and guess what, they destroy things.  Like pillows.  But, if you have a non-destructive home environment, this is a delightful project to make.

 Close to My Heart by Linda Lum Debono, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Then I saw this baby.  Why was I drawn to this?  Where are the bright colors I usually use?  Not present, but the design, well, that totally calls my name.  I have often used Buggy Barn patterns, so I knew this could be fun.  But I knew I wanted to shake it up.  Change things to my unique style.

Starburst Maple Delight by Janet Nesbitt and Pam Soliday, Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Then I started pulling some fun pieces from my collection of fabric.  These fabrics just make me happy.

Little Note:  This block has about three million pieces (exaggeration?).  And quite a few fabrics.  Well, let's be honest.  Completely changing where each value is, and all the colors, etc.  It made it confusing.  So I organized.  And organized.  I tried hard to make sure I had all my ducks in a row before I started sewing.

One big tip I have, is to prepare.  I got each of the piece of the block prepped and ready to go.  Placing them on the ruler, to keep them all organized and at my finger tips for easy piecing.

Love seeing all the pieces coming together.  Seeing the fabrics actually combined, makes my heart do a little happy dance.

Chain piecing is my favorite.  I think this is one of the reasons I chose quilting as my art of choice, I get to be organized and mathy (it's a word, for sure, it's a word), and yet it is pretty at the same time.

And sometimes at the end of the chain, you might be tempted to cut the thread.    But not me.... I just pulled out another (yes, yet another) unfinished project, and I started piecing that....in between the parts of the chain that needed to be separated. 

 (Luckily, I have a whole box of unfinished sewing projects...I'm a pretty big deal).

And after all that organizing  and all that sewing....I got, THIS.  

What do you think?  What's your style? Do you prefer the designers take, with fall colors, or are you drawn to bright?  Would you rather pinks?  Or black and whites?  

The real thing I wanted to get quilters to do, is look at a block with their own creative eye.  What do you think of the difference?  What might you do differently?

Does this make you want to try the book?  

You can get it here or here.

Book Review of back to Charm School

by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene

There are 20 cute and fun quilts to make in this fun book.  All the quilts are small, table or wall sized, and they will take you very little time to whip up for yourself or a loved one.

My favorite quilt is the pattern called..."Don't Tip your Chair at the Table."  It is the fun method of piecing a quilt, and then cutting out squares and repiecing it to make it look wonky and like windmills.  I am a sucker for quilts made in a different and unique way.  I love it, and I totally want to try it out.

There are also patterns for a fun and funky pillow, and a super cute tree skirt.  You should totally check this book out.

Book Review of Urban Country Quilts

by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks

The cover quilt on this book is so super duper cute.   Check it out here.   I love it. I want to make it right now.  It is totally my style.  As I thumb through the pages of the book, there isn't one quilt that I don't like.  That is saying something!  All of these quilts are cute and fun.  They are traditional with a twist of modern that appeals to this young (ish) quilter.

There are patterns to make a variety of sizes of quilts, wool wall art, and pillow cases.  I love that there are a bunch of patterns to choose from, and I like all the instructions.  I really enjoyed learning how to frame the applique patterns.  I have been wondering how to do my own framing for awhile, and now I have the information I need.   ya hoo!  I love having good information.

Book Review of everyday Handmade

by Cassie Barden and Adrienne Smitke

I love the idea behind these everyday Handmade books.  I love the return to making things yourself.  Everything from wallets, bags, stuffed animals, aprons, etc...  Returning to self reliance, to giving gifts made from the heart, to spending time and energy to make something special, it all kinda makes my heart go pitter pat. 

If you are looking for an easy project or something a little more complicated, this book has something for you to try out.  I SOOO want to make the messeger bag, but I know it is going to take hours (something I don't really have).  But, the cute fun iPad case I could totally take care of in 1 hour.

Go to amazon and check out all the projects.  I guarantee there is something there you will just have to make!

Book Review of Fast and Fun First Quilts

by Sara Diepersloot

I loved it when my sweet kiddos saw this book on our counter.  Mitchell leaned over to me and asked me if I wrote this book.  After I said no, he said, "Did she steal the name of your book?" ....the answer is NO!  Okay, it is similar, but this book wanted to stay away from the flirty idea which has earned me some funny looks.  I guess the other Sara is a little smarter than me.

Okay, onto the Book Review. This book has 18 fun projects to choose from.  The author clearly loves large scale prints (as do the rest of us quilters), and the fabric does most of the work here, so you don't have to.  Any quilter who needs to get a quilt done in a hurry will love these quilt designs, they are perfect for weekend projects, and great first quilts for those who are beginning their addiction to this fun art.Check it out....and have fun.

Book Reviews

One of the fun parts of being an author for Martingale, is that I get to review books for them.  Seeing new designs, new designers, and different ways of doing things is so fun.  Each quilter tends to have their own way of doing things.  We all have our own style and personality.  Some of us like bright and cheerful, some of us like things bold and daring, while others love the subdued and calm.  Whatever style we adopt, we can always appreciate the work that others do.

So...let's start the appreciation!

What a fun book!  You can find dresses, tops, accessories, home accents, and some great basic sewing instructions in this great new book.  This author did a great job showing how inventive one can be with thrift store finds.  My favorites are all the purses and accessories, she takes fun sweaters and turns them into some really fun things.  You should check it out!

4 Stars

Amy Ellis takes a totally unique look at quilting.  She teaches, you don't need a dedicated sewing space, you don't even need a stash of fabric, you just need some fabric and a sewing machine!  Her simple designs make it easy for any level of quilter, and each quilts design is new and fresh.  These quilts are modern but certainly have traditional roots.   I love the colors, the design, and the personality that shines through each quilt.

4 Stars

This book offers 9 different patterns for you to satisfy your country quilt whims.  Each quilt is easy to make, and great for your precut fabrics.  The quilts that feature applique have just enough applique to satisfy your urge to handstitch, but you won't be handstitching for the next 2  years just to finish!  (of course, you can always machine applique too).  If you are a country girl, you will love the quilts in this book!

5 Stars

When I received this book, I had no idea I would be reading about history as well as books.  I probably should have known, I mean look at the title.  This book is full of great information about the civil war and the role that quilts played in its history.  

4 stars

Jelly Rolls, here we come.  18 quilt designs beckon us to take the challenge, and make quilts using up our 2 1/2" strips.  The designs

lend themselves to any kind of jelly roll.  She has examples in brights, muted, pastels, etc.  But whatever colors you like, you will find a pattern to showcase what you love.

 4 stars

You may not know this, but I am a total sucker for wool.  I love it.  Absolutely adore it, so this book is a winner in my book.  This book is the pattern to 1 fabulous quilt, and a 8 smaller projects that use the appliques from the larger quilt.  This is the perfect book for someone who wants to  work with wool.  It is fun, beautiful, and endearing.

5 Stars