Finally, after almost three weeks, I feel well enough to get behind my sewing machine. First project up was completing my project for book review Tuesday (yes, it’s now Saturday). Better late than never!!
Review
Title: “Quilting Line + Color: Techniques and Designs for abstract quilts”
Author: Yoshiko Jinzenji
Publisher: Interweave Press, Incorporated
ISBN: 978-1-59668-333-4
There are quilting books/craft books that I really enjoy and love, as the projects or blocks that they have in the book are so much fun to do and create. Books like Patchwork please, Pillow Pop, or Vintage Quilt Revival are great examples of this.
This book, Quilting Line + Color, I found extraordinary. It is not so much a book to follow along, but a book that creates inspiration and opens the imagination on what could be. After flicking through the first pages, I had so many ideas on new projects and what I can try, giving me a new direction or extending where I want to go with quilting.
(image from: A Sewing Journal)
The book has two parts; the gallery, instructions and patterns. The gallery is made up with quilt images of the most fantastic photography. Yes, I caressed the pages, oohed and ahhed. The images above are two of my favorite quilts in the book. I liked that:
- The projects varied a lot
- Most of them are appliqué based projects, an area I want to try out this year.
- I loved the use of negative space in the projects
- How fabric can be used, as we would similar do in framing an image for drawing/painting.
(image from: A Sewing Journal)
The instruction section was detailed with photos, but not in a typical quilting/project way, I have got used too. It does have a technique section for appliqué, however I think you could apply any technique you are used to using.
I have to say, I loved this book. It is definitely my favorite so far.
Project
It was easy and difficult deciding on a project. I had so many ideas on where to start but I also knew instantly what I would love to try. I have been playing around with several ideas and this project pulled those all together:
- Borders and Line year-long project – what does that topic mean to me.
- The Pantone Quilt challenge using Radiant Orchid
- Obviously, the project for this book review.
I wanted to do something similar to left quilt in this image:
(image from: A Sewing Journal)
This is my finished quilt top – “Hothouse of Orchids” (I think). I used appliqué for the complete top. The fabrics for the squares is Alison Glass Clover Sunshine (purchased from Westwood Acres), and the sashing is Kona Violet.
I think I am leaving it like this, as I like the white space. Yes, I think it is finished.
The original idea, however, was also to add thicker sashing around the edges. In this image I like the increase of color the thicker sashing offers.
Let me know which one you prefer….I am being indecisive at this point. I still have time to add the thicker sashing before I quilt, or go on and leave it as in the first image :-). Thanks for all the feedback on the post and on instagram…I am sticking with the thin lines and not using the thick sashing. Have a great weekend.
Give-away
One brand new copy of Quilting Line + Color will be given away, all you need to do is leave a comment on what recently has inspired you in your craft/quilting world and where would you want to take it. There is a second chance to win if you are a follower, just leave a second comment. A winner will be chosen at random and announced after 6pm next Friday.
A disclaimer, all reviews and opinions of the books reviewed will be mine, unless otherwise stated. Please note, I may not respond to all comments due to volume and bandwidth.
Linking up with Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday.
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