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.

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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.