The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters


Book Description

An exciting new approach for beginning to advanced quilters who want to improvise on their own, with a friend, or with a community of fellow makers. Forget step-by-step instructions and copycat designs. In The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters, Sherri Lynn Wood presents a flexible approach to quilting that breaks free of old paradigms. Instead of traditional instructions, she presents 10 frameworks (or scores) that create a guiding, but not limiting, structure. To help quilters gain confidence, Wood also offers detailed lessons for stitching techniques key to improvisation, design and spontaneity exercises, and lessons on color. Every quilt made from one of Wood’s scores will have common threads, but each one will look different because it reflects the maker’s unique interpretation. Featured throughout the book are Wood’s own quilts and a gallery of contributor works chosen from among the hundreds submitted when she invited volunteers to test her scores during the making of this groundbreaking work. “Wood offers a series of techniques, guidelines and lessons on color choice for those ready to explore improvisational quilting. Her book is loaded with full-color photos and examples to inspire.” —Dallas Morning News “Despite how it may “seam,” quilting isn’t all about rules! Quilting can be an exhilarating way to channel your creativity and express yourself. This book is focused more on exploration than explanation—a perfect mindset for beginners!” —Powell’s Books Staff Pick




Cultural Fusion Quilts


Book Description

For crafters “looking for patterns based on ethnic designs, modern quilters who love blocks with asymmetry and anyone who loves bright, exciting quilts!” (Sleeping Dog Quilts) Bold, vibrant, striking—and amazingly easy to make! This collection of 15 modern quilts draws on handmade crafts from India, the American South, and Africa to create a style that’s at once traditional and contemporary, artistic and practical. A simple stack, cut, shuffle, and stitch technique makes the sewing fun for quilters of any level, and also makes every quilt a one-of-a-kind creation. No two are ever alike! The author provides alternate settings, plus an inspiring photo gallery of the crafts that shaped her style. Use these projects to enrich your quilting by bringing in textures, patterns, and colors from around the world. “An inspired designer . . . The 15 free form block projects featured in this book are a celebration of this ‘melting pot,’ and brim with ideas. The book is accompanied, refreshingly, with photographs illustrating some of the inspirations and stories behind the projects, and it’s a pleasure to see how Sujata has translated them into works of quilted excellence.” —Popular Patchwork “A graphic designer and quilter, she finds inspiration all over the world—in the quilts from Gee’s Bend, the Indian godharis and the bold, colorful fabrics from Africa . . . A colorful and inspiring book. Highly recommended!” —Down Under Quilts Magazine “Sujata Shah takes a different look at traditional blocks and adds her interpretation with 15 simple and fun free-form block projects.” —McCall’s Quick Quilt




Quilt Improv


Book Description

Learn how to create twelve stunning contemporary quilts and develop your own designs using improvisational methods. Take inspiration from simple objects to create twelve beautiful, contemporary quilt blocks. Create original quilts from each block design and adapt them to your own style. Learn how to interpret print, pattern and shapes into unique quilting ideas and experiment with a range of innovative techniques for impressive, professional results. Inside you’ll find techniques such as square piecing, basket weave, half-square triangles, chevrons, quarter circles and portholes. So, if you love fabric and color, take a step into the world of improv quilting.




Improv Quilting


Book Description

An original and unique process for designing and constructing improvisational quilts developed by Irene Roderick. This book appeals to beginning and advanced quilters who are looking for a new creative and artistic method of quilt design and construction. A handbook for quilters who want to expand their skills and make unique, personal expressions instead of following traditional quilt methods. The author's approach is fluid and intuitive, inviting you to tap into your imagination and ingenuity in order to create one-of-a-kind quilts in your own creative voice. The book provides instructions for design and construction accompanied by tips and tools to enable you to work freely without preconceived ideas of where the process leads. She will ask you to learn to trust your personal experiences and instincts so that you can develop your own personal style.




East-Meets-West Quilts


Book Description

Fourteen simple projects: “Readers will be awestruck by the brilliant designs and . . . sidebars on famous stitcher Ayako Miyawaki, yukata cottons, and more.” —Booklist (starred review) Improv quilting—in which quilt designs emerge organi­cally as fabric is cut and stitched—is easy, popular, and fun. In this book, expert quilter Patricia Belyea offers improv instruction and shares her appealing Quilt Manifesto of five simple rules. While providing quilters with a starting point, the fifth rule of the Manifesto, “Break any rule you like,” opens the door to creative freedom. (However, the solid instructions allow even the rule-breakers to create beautiful quilts on the first try!) Fourteen projects combine authentic Japanese yukata cottons and contemporary fabrics; each is finished with bold hand-stitching. The quilt-making process is presented in detail, and each quilt shows the irresistible wabi-sabi influence of Japanese design. “With fresh designs and useful directions, Belyea's book is both practical and aspirational.” —Publishers Weekly




The Quilter's Negative Space Handbook


Book Description

Break down the process of modern quilt design with a scientific approach to design principles. Applying the concept of negative space in 8 key ways, you’ll start with traditional blocks or quilts and transform them into modern masterpieces, step -by -step. Each chapter teaches skills, such as removing elements or disintegration, with a quilt project for each technique! Complete with tips on piecing, choosing fabrics, and machine quilting for an artistic finish, this book has something for every quilter.




Artful Improv


Book Description

“Do away with patterns and embrace your creative spirit with this vibrant and fun book.” —Quilting Arts With simple design principles, you can create unique improvisational quilts. Without using patterns, learn five easy piecing techniques for your improvisational toolbox (including circles, blocks, and strips), and watch the art unfold before your eyes. Focus on color combos and negative space to discover your personal style—and then add dazzling texture with free-motion quilting. Also included is information on hanging finished art quilts without a sleeve, plus tried and true improv tips to encourage creative play.




Modern Quilting


Book Description

A quilt is about home, daily life, where you've been and who you've known. It's about stories and history. A quilt is imbued with the power to rediscover memories, open up conversations and bring people together. For Julius Arthur of House of Quinn, this idea extends into our design ethos bringing together stories and narratives to create everyday items and objects. Modern Quilting highlights how traditional quilting and sewing techniques can be utilized to create contemporary items and objects for the home. Showcasing 20 stunning projects, Julius shows you the beauty of renewing textiles and materials by giving them a new life. Contemporary quilting honors the traditional processes but allows you to create the rules of what you want to create. With a more creative and free approach to working with textiles, quilts and making, Julius guides the reader through four skill based workshops, and techniques, such as stitching, quilting, collage and mark making, before opening up into a range of modern quilt-based projects that can be created from combining these fundamental skills. With stunning photography and step-by-step illustrations throughout, fall in love with this age-old craft and discover how to create meaningful items for your own living spaces, places and daily rituals.




Modern One-Block Quilts


Book Description

Sewists of all skill levels can easily create quilts of various sizes from just one block with this step-by-step guide. Back to square one. Here are 22 exciting quilts, and all you need is one simple block pattern to make each one! From throws and wall hangings to queen-sized blankets, sewists of all skill levels will be inspired to create something new by manipulating this one simple block pattern with interesting fabrics, unusual shapes, and expressive lines. Expert quilters provide clear step-by-step instructions and a quiltmaking overview to help you from start to finish. • One-block quilts are beginner-friendly, with fast, easy piecing and endless design options by changing up fabric choices • Great value: 22 quilts in 3 sizes each - baby, wall, and queen - 66 quilt possibilities in all! • Graphic designs are perfect for use in home décor Praise for Modern One-Block Quilts “All you need is one simple block pattern to make 22 exciting projects. The manipulation of this one pattern is easy and beginner-friendly because of fast easy piecing. Interesting fabrics, unusual shapes and expressive lines make the difference. Clear step-by-step instructions and an overview will help you create throws, wall hangings and queen-sized quilts from start to finish.” —Quilter’s Digest




Quilt Modern Curves & Bold Stripes


Book Description

Sew fifteen inspired designs with strong lines and quilted curves! Laced with retro-inspired circles and bold stripes, these modern quilts leave an unforgettable impression. Piecing circles, half circles, and quarter circles is easier than you think, and the authors will teach you to add movement and depth two ways—through easy strip sets or stripe-printed fabric. These aren’t your typical Drunkard’s Path quilts, but distinctive quilts for adventurous quilters! With block-based patterns, some improvisational piecing, and designs ranging from beginner-friendly to complex, there’s something for everyone. Move beyond common circle-quilt designs to tackle curved piecing with ease Add stripes to curved piecing and use color to add depth for a simple way to make complex quilts Piece block-based layouts and improv designs ranging from simple to advanced