Have you ever read something where you heard the Hallelujah Chorus going in the background? Sung along with it? Just me, huh? ;o) Anywho, it was when I cracked open Quilting Modern
that I had my moment of revelation while trapped in a freezing loft for 12 hours back in May (don’t ask). We’ll also not go into the fact that it had been on my bookshelf since it came out without me even cracking the cover before then!
It was while reading through this that I realised that I didn’t have to make quilts out of traditional blocks, HSTs, squares and blinking geese! Now I don’t mind making these for other people, but there’s a reason that all my bee block requests so far have been a bit abnormal, and this book helped me see I’d never need to be normal again (as far as my quilting goes, there was already no hope for the rest of me…)
Split into seven sections, the techniques covered are:
- Free-Piecing
- Improvisational Log Cabins
- Slice and Inserts
- Stitch & Flip Triangles
- Strip Piecing
- Modern Crazy Piecing
- Improvisational Curves
Now this book does contain several quilt projects in each section that you can do which have all the measurements and construction instructions, but those are really just showing you how to apply the technique, so for this review I decided to embrace the Modern Crazy Piecing, and to take it one step further and use it not in a quilt, but in a mini messenger bag, made from my own pattern:
I used some of Michael Miller’s ellies inside just because they were cute…
Here’s a close up of the crazy piecing:
I had so much fun with this that I have another crazy piecing project in progress, and another one planned – I may be a little obsessed in fact!
With the project in progress, once I’ve got my crazy piecing done, I will then be moving on to the Free Piecing section to get the overall piece finished, and then I may wander through the introduction sections to read up on the quilting suggestions there.
So have you made anything this year from a craft book? Well write up a post on it, and link up to the
Craft Buds linky party for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!
Making stuff up is way more fun!
I love that book too! You bag turned out so nice and such a great use of crazy piecing!
I love the crazy piecing on the bag. I chuckled when you wrote that you never had to be normal again, thinking, since when were you? 🙂
Oh, so awesome! You are killing it two years in a row, my friend. 🙂 Thanks for being a part of Craft Book Month–I love your bag!
I haven't seen this book. But reading Lu's improv book made me feel 'normal' again after all the uber picky quilt police type stuff. Bag looks fab!
Gosh, that's right out of my comfort zone – I'm looking forward to seeing your other projects
As if you were ever normal!
The crazy piecing is beautiful. I really like the modern look piecing. I'd say Im much more of a modern quilter than a traditional one myself.
Normal? You mean there's a normal state? Love this book! Love your piecing need more hours in the day!
I love that book too! Your bag is fab missus, love the pieced panel.
I love this book too. You would enjoy Gwen Mardson's books, she wrote about the same basic techniques, only in the 1970's and since, these are not actually new techniques. However they are so nicely explained and put into practice in this book. Your bag is excellent, I love the design and the crazy piecing.
Can it really be crazy if there isn't some random stuff sewn on top? What's the modern equivalent of yarn and ric rac… chevron twill tape? 😉
Anyway, your bag looks great, as usual!
I love crazy piecing, it is so freeing! Love your purse 🙂
No need to hurry opening a book! 🙂 I'm SUCH a perfectionist, I LOVE symmetry, and order, and harmony…but improvisational piecing? Wonky log cabins?? LIBERATION!!!!! I have felt SO free since finding modern quilting! Plus, I kinda suck at following patterns and making things the way I'm supposed to, so I don't have to fight with the perfectionist on my shoulder! I love this book, and the methods and ideas behind it. 🙂
Besides the fact it has 42 pages of "how to quilt" in it… I'm with the BitchyStitcher – there are enough 'how to begin quilting' books – not every book needs it and 42 pages is excessive!
Great bag and I love me a bit of improv. 🙂
I had that same Hellalujah with angels singing experience when I first saw Gees Bend quilts, and then later Gwen Marston knocked my socks off with her liberating attitude to quilts. I do like books that are about techniques rather than just patterns so this one sounds great. You are such an awesome bag maker and this one might be my favourite of all you have made!!
I know what you mean when a revelation hits you. I'm glad you are free flowing patching.
Hugs
Love the bag!