SIMPLY SOLIDS BLOGGER BUNDLE

A few months ago, the lovely ladies at Simply Solids, a great fabric store in Huddersfield, asked me if I’d be interested in curating a bundle for a new stash club they were rolling out. The ‘Blogger’s Choice’ bundle is made up of fabrics chosen by bloggers and quilts designers, and once the first three names were announced, it was clear that I was in awesome company. After Karen Lewis and Nicole Dakiewicz selected their fabrics, it was my turn. I thought about it for weeks beforehand and am now so excited to say that my month is live and flying through the postal system to land in the stashes of subscribers.

As you may know, pulling fabrics is one of my favourite parts of quilt making. I went for a palette of rich blacks, hot pinks, earthy browns and a splashes of gold. I took the jumble print from Carkai by Carolyn Friedlander as my starting point and added some Handcrafted by Alison Glass, as well as some great blenders like the modern batik print by Me and You for Hoffmann Fabrics. I also couldn’t resist throwing in some Essex yarn dyed from Robert Kauffman for texture.

I received my bundle yesterday and it looks SO good in person! I think I may have outdone myself.  The metallic painter’s canvas has to be seen in real life. It’s just gorgeous!

There’s still time to sign up to the stash club and receive my bundle. Other bloggers will be announced over the coming weeks. For all the information you need to subscribe, visit simply solids here.

Thanks for dropping by!

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QUICK AND EASY QUILTS

When I first started out on my quilting journey I sent an email to Lynne of Lily’s Quilts, asking for advice about how to start a blog. I really admired her work and thought she’d have great brains to pick. Thinking back, the email was probably cringe worthy to say the least, but Lynne was kind enough to respond and give me some great pointers. I remember being so excited. It was like I was talking to quilting royalty and had been invited to join this crazy, fun world of quilting

When I was asked to take a look at Lynne’s new book, Quick & Easy Quilts, I jumped at the chance. As some of you may know, I’m a bit of a bibliophile and getting my hands on a crisp, new book is almost as good as fabric deliveries! When the book is about fabric, then I’m winning.

Published by Kyle Books with bright and cheerful photography by Jan Baldwin, it’s the kind of quilting book you can’t help but smile at as you flick through. I have to confess that I loved it even before I opened it. The cover is beautifully tactile; embossed, with a sheen across that title that begs to be stroked. I know what you’re thinking and you’re right; I’m mad, but you’ll understand what I mean if you get a copy.

I was pleased to see that despite the title, many of the projects look decisively more difficult than Lynne’s clear and concise instructions make them. The Supernova is a stunning, impactful project that looks like it would take you weeks, yet through clever strip piecing it could easily be a weekend project.

Lynne’s eye for colour has always made the quilts she makes special, and the ones in this book are no exception. Though it’s hard to pick a favourite, the cool, water-inspired fabric pull of the Out on the Ocean mini quilt makes my heart sing, as does the freehand curved piecing, something which I’ve experimented with myself a lot in the past. It was refreshing to see several improv pieced projects alongside Lynne’s more usual precisely-cut-out-projects.

Amongst the twenty modern projects featured, there really is something for everyone, regardless of ability or skill. Whilst tidying up the sewing room the other day, I couldn’t help but pull some fabric ready to make some Schoolhouse blocks. I’ve seen these beauties from Lynne before and the wall hanging in the book looks so awesome I think I need one of my own.

To get you all inspired for some quick and easy quilt making I have a copy of the book to give away to one luck reader. To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what type of quilter you are. Do you like long cutting lists and precision, or are you like me and love to hack, press and slash? The competition is open to all and I’ll draw a winner in a week. Good luck!

The giveaway is now closed and the winner has been notified.  Thanks to all who entered!