I have always loved scrap quilts . . . so much so that “back in the day” I wrote a book about them. Published in 1992 by the American Quilter’s Society, Sensational Scrap Quilts enjoyed multiple re-printings, and was the basis for a workshop I taught all across the US, throughout the UK, and even on the “high seas. ” SSQ is long out of print now, although you can still find “gently used” copies on Amazon and other similar sites.
That said, you can imagine how excited I was to receive my copy of Scrap Quilting with Alex Anderson, my friend Alex’s latest book from C&T Publishing.
The latest from Alex, hot off the press!
There are seven wonderfully scrappy quilts patterned in this colorful, 80-page book, in fabrics and styles for most every taste.
For example, Bow Ties is a true stash buster, great for combining bits and pieces from all the fabrics in your collection. Notice how the subtle change in value placement within the block creates a “faux border” for this cheerful quilt.
Bow Ties, 56 1/2″ x 56 1/2″, designed and made by Alex Anderson, machine quilted by Dianne Schweikert. Photo courtesy of C&T Publishing.
Looking for something that reflects the Modern aesthetic so popular in quilting these days? If so, you’ll love this fresh re-interpretation of the classic Sawtooth Star block.
Seeing Stars, 48 1/2″ x 54 1/2″, designed and pieced by Alex Anderson, machine quilted by Dianne Schweickert. Photo courtesy of C&T Publishing.
Alex called upon her impressive stash of 19th-century reproduction prints to create Scrappy Sampler, which includes all the blocks featured in the project quilts in a fun-and-easy, jigsaw-puzzle set.
52 1/2″ x 56 1/2″, designed and pieced by Alex Anderson, machine quilted by Dianne Schweikert. Photo courtesy of C&T Publishing.
Do you have a large collection of solid scraps? This arty solid scrap quilt, which Alex made from her collection of Cherrywood hand dyes, features a snazzy “squiggle” border–instructions included!
Double Flying Geese, 49 1/2″ x 57 1/2″, designed and pieced by Alex Anderson, machine quilted by Dianne Schweickert. Photo courtesy of C&T Publishing.
In addition to these wonderful projects, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for a scrappy, batiky Birds in the Air quilt, a super Shoo Fly Variation made with 1930s reproduction prints, and elegant Baskets inspired by a rich, large-scale focus fabric. An 11-page gallery of vintage and new scrap quilts, including two by Diana McClun and See How We Sew‘s own Laura Nownes, provides even more inspiration.
The quilts, however, are just the “dessert” in this info-packed book; Alex offers a tasty serving of “meat and potatoes” as well. You’ll find tons of helpful info and photos to guide you through fabric selection, design and construction strategies, setting and border options–even quilting possibilities–so that you can adapt any of the projects to suit your taste (or stash) or design your own scrap quilt from scratch. There’s even a color wheel on the book’s final page.
Alex shows you how the same block looks when worked up in various color schemes. Photo courtesy of Alex Anderson.
Check out this three-minute YouTube video to get the scoop from Alex herself.
Bow Ties in a casual setting. Photo courtesy of Alex Anderson.
Now for the giveaway! Alex has generously provided not just one, but two autographed copies of her brand new book for two of our lucky readers. Leave a comment below by noon (PDT) Thursday, September 26, and I’ll announce the winners in my Friday post. Tell us anything “scrappy”–what you like best about scrap quilts; about a favorite scrap quilt you’ve made, seen, given, or received; a tip for collecting, sorting, or storing your scraps . . . it’s up to you!
Before I sign off, I’m happy to annouce that Elizabeth A. Monahan is the winner of the Amy Smart’s Chain Linked pattern from my August 30 post. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
That’s it for now. ‘Til next time, happy stitching!
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