Design.Make.Quilt Modern

I've been an admirer of Heather Black's work for quite some time. Her modern graphic aesthetic, use of color, and the way she uses quilting to enhance her designs are indeed inspiring, as well as beautiful. I think her work is quite distinctive; you may know her best from her blog, Quiltachusetts, or on Instagram, @quiltachusetts. Whatever, of course I was happy to receive a copy of her latest book, Design.Make.Quilt Modern, for review.

The book's byline, "Taking a Quilt from Inspiration to Reality," reveals alot. Containing just 4 quilt patterns, the book's real focus is on design: 

• Design Basics for Modern Quilts
• Designing with Color
• Finish the Design with Quilting
• Making the Quilt - From Design to Reality

And honestly, that really appealed to me. Considering most of my work is of my own design (or lack thereof), I can really learn from an expert like Heather. 

Fact is, she unlocks the design process quite succinctly in each of the categories listed above. So it's a handy resource whether you want to cover the entire gamut of quilt design, or focus on a particular facet. 

One of the features that Heather incorporated into her book that I thought was brilliant was self-inventories - a way to evaluate your skills while also taking into account what you actually enjoy doing - or not. Meaning, it's important to integrate your own 'personality' into your quilt-making while considering all the design principles. That simple combination will help make your work reflect yourself better and I like that.

A section that I will refer to again and again is about Using Design to Tell a Story. That's something I've thought more about in recent years, and I'd actually like to become more intentional about it. Heather offers alot of good food for thought.

If your interest has been piqued, Heather shares alot more in her own blog post about the book, including a complete table of contents. If you're like me, that would be of interest, as I always take a glance at that before considering a book purchase.

You'll find that Design.Make.Quilt Modern is currently only available for pre-order , but luckily Heather already has copies available in her own shop. I have no doubt you'll find Heather's book to be a welcome resource as you design and create your future quilts.

Southwest Modern

The newly-published Southwest Modern caught my eye the first time I saw Kristi Schroeder post about it. I mean the cover alone was intriguing, and the thought of travel-inspired quilts really piqued my interest. That's something that I've thought about, not really followed through with, but really like the idea of. So when Lucky Spool Media offered to send me a copy for review, it was an easy, 'yes.'

I actually had no idea where the Marfa mentioned in the byline was (it's a high-desert city in Texas!) but I had been to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, the location shown on the cover. And as Kristi shared behind the scenes photos from the book, I was drawn in.

So different from my own aesthetic, I love the bold patterns and colors.... and all that straight-line quilting that somehow ties the collection together.

Part travel guide and part quilt book, Southwest Modern really is a unique combination. Besides the expected quilt patterns, Kristi shares some of her favorite places she's discovered in her travels, and of course they provide beautiful backdrops for her quilts.

Lucky Spool has a reputation for making beautiful, compelling books, and this one's no different. Whether you're looking for new modern quilt inspiration, a travel guide, or beautiful photography, this book has it all.

 

Meaningful Patchwork

It must have been shortly after I joined Seattle MQG that I discovered Blair Stocker/[blairs]. A fellow guild member, I found her craft - though quite different than my own - intriguing, and I enjoyed following her blog, wisecraft. I remember the day I read about her vintage quilt photo collection and how smitten I was with them. I own a couple of vintage quilts, but have no photos whatsoever of people actually using them. So a collection of old photos of quilts in use seemed very precious to me.

Now, personally, I don't think I've ever made a quilt - or much of anything, really - from repurposed goods. I've never been inclined to cut up baby clothes or blue jeans, or make a quilt with hankies.... until now. Blair and Roost Books sent me a copy of her new book, Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide to Turning Beloved Fabrics into Meaningful Patchwork, and it has certainly given me something to think about! And truth be told, I do have some ties and shirts stashed away that I've never known what to do with, and several Tanzanian Kanga cloths that were gifted to me, so I already have some unique fabrics to consider.

The book contains 21 quilt projects, each focusing on a particular focus fabric. A couple of cool features is that Blair includes 'Color and Design Notes' for each, where she gives suggestions on where to find the particular fabric if need be, suggestions on quilting, and other tips to make the project successful. I also really like that each quilt chapter lists the techniques that project will focus on, such as 'using unconventional fabric for patchwork,' 'using large prints,' and 'creating design using color values.'

Taupe :: repurposed clothing in a controlled palette

Lucky me, Blair presented a trunk show at our last guild meeting, so I got to hear her stories about some of the quilts and see them up close!

Indigo :: denim clothing

Willy Loman :: vintage fabric swatches

D'Orly :: vintage handkerchiefs

The book is really nicely done, and if you've had even a hint that you'd like to create with repurposed or cherished fabrics, or are just plain curious about it, I have no doubt you'd find Wise Craft Quilts useful and enjoyable. Here, you can check out a video trailer to get a feel for Blair and her lovely work.

xxxxxx

And wouldn't you know, Blair just posted about her interview with Pat Sloan, so you'll want to listen in for sure. There is also a FB group for the book and you can see more on Instagram under the hashtag #wisecraftquiltsbook.

*** Giveaway is now over! Congrats to Debbie/Shadows of the Blue Ridge, who was chosen at random to win the copy of Wise Craft Quilts. Thanks everyone! *** Finally, I have an extra copy of Wise Craft Quilts to give away! Just comment on this post, and if there's some 'beloved fabrics' you'd like to make into a quilt, do tell! Besides the stashed items I already told you about, I have a wonderful collection of hankies from my husband's and my grandmothers, and I was really intrigued by the project in the book of making a wholecloth quilt from a vintage tablecloth. Hmm.... See? Lots to think about.

Giveaway will be open until Sunday night, April 2. Yes, I was gifted a complimentary copy of Wise Craft Quilts for my own use. But be assured that my opinions and recommendations are always my own, and that I would never suggest a product that I wouldn't actually use and enjoy.