I am so excited to be a small part of the Quilting Modern book party, after having been a casual observer of the evolution of this book for a long time. Jacquie and Katie have so much to be proud of. This book combines the knowledge of these two very knowledgeable, talented quilters and artists into one source of inspiration and knowledge for any new quilter who is inspired by the modern quilt movement, as well as the seasoned pro who is looking for something new. I know that many others are partying and talking about this book this weekend, so I want to talk specifically about what stood out to me the minute I saw this book.
* Jacquie and Katie talk the reader through innovative techniques that, to me, represent what the modern quilt movement is all about. If you've ever seen a quilt that has gorgeously crazy piecing that seems like it would be impossible to do, then this book can break it down for you and expose the mysteries behind it. There's sections on free-piecing, slice and dice piecing, stitch and flip triangle piecing (my favorite right now), strip piecing, modern crazy-piecing, and improvisational curves.
* This is not a book of quilt patterns, although there are some of those in there. No, once you learn the techniques, you have the knowledge to create your own type of quilt. As Katie told me once, "No two quilts from the book will be the same." You will have the knowledge to take chances and explore new things once you understand the techniques.
* What these ladies explain apply not only to modern quilts, but to the revisited traditional patterns as well.
They are giving the power to the people!
* This book actually discusses the process of quilting your quilt, it doesn't just assume you know that part. So many books don't.
My 2 very favorite quilts in the book-
Add It Up Quilt-
This quilt is a play on traditional World War I "cross quilts" created to raise money for the Red Cross, and it illustrates the "Slice and Dice" section of the book. I love the look of this quilt, its very neutral but its full of interesting quilting lines, variations in ground fabrics and in the cross fabrics. A lovely design, and inspiring technique. I could see so many variations of the slice and dice technique. Rita did her own version using this technique beautifully.
And, the quilt that made me gasp the first time I saw it? Blind Co-Pilot-
I love this quilt so much, and actually got the opportunity to see it in person a few weeks ago. The technique used in this quilt is the "stitch and flip triangle" technique. I was so taken with this quilt I started on my own stitch and flip triangles before I ever got the book in my hands. I was stumped on quilt inspiration for a dear friend and it suddenly came to me exactly what I wanted to make her! More on that in another post, but here's a peek at my own stitch and flip triangles-
I am making a series of circles out of my own version of the stitch and flip triangles. I'm so happy with the way they are turning out. I'll show you the finished piece very soon (I don't want to give to much away to Lisa before its done).
Elizabeth did a version of another favorite from the book, the Fiesta Wall Quilt. Something about those little tiny pieces I just love, I'm going to have to add that one to my list.
Amber was inspired by the SuperNova quilt, another version using the stitch and flip triangle technique.
Ashley did some beautiful versions too.
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I have one copy of this fabulous book to give away to one lucky reader (US only). Please leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I'll draw the name at the end of the day on Monday.
And please stop by and see the others talking about and making projects from this book all weekend-
A Stitch in Dye – Malka Dubrawsky
Fat Quarterly blog – Tacha Bruecher
Film in the Fridge – Ashley Newcomb
Generation Q – Jake Finch
Handmade by Alissa – Alissa Haight Carlton
Happy Zombie – Monica Solorio-Snow
iheartlinen – Rashida Coleman-Hale
Oh Fransson! – Elizabeth Hartman
One Shabby Chick – Amber Carrillo
Pink Chalk Studio – Kathy Mack
Quilting is my Therapy – Angela Waters
Red Pepper Quilts – Rita Hodge
Sew, Mama, Sew! – Kristin Link
Sew Take a Hike – Penny Layman
West Coast Crafty – Susan Beal
Whip Up – Kathreen Ricketson
Wise Craft – Blair Stocker
