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Fat Quarterly Issue 8

I recently ordered the latest issue of Fat Quarterly as I was excited to see an issue on paper piecing, so thought I’d share with you. Foundation paper piecing is simple with great results, but I’m afraid that many people are reluctant to try it simply because it’s difficult to explain. Here, you’ll find helpful instructions as well as many projects to try out your skills. You’ll also find instructions and projects for English paper piecing and freezer paper piecing, other helpful techniques for piecing quilt projects with accuracy and efficiency.

Featuring some fantastic contributors, the issue contains a variety of projects. Pictured are: Robot Softie by Jenny Novinsky, Cozy Cottage by Charise Randell, Kingdom Courtyards Quilt by John Adams, Apple Pie Pillow by Tacha Bruecher, Quilter’s Clock by Sylvie Roussel, and Teapot Fancy Block by Kerry Green (this one has instructions for both the freezer paper technique as well as foundation paper piecing).

When I have more time to sew for myself, I look forward to trying out that clock project. The issue is just $8 and you’ll find it as a downloadable .pdf, which is quick and convenient. With 125 pages featuring instructions for quilts, pillows, blocks and other projects, I think it’s a good deal. You can read more about the issue here.

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Etc.

Quilt top by Rosie Lee Tompkins of Richmond, California. Quilted by Willia Ette Graham of Oakland in 1986. From Eli Leon’s collection, from the exhibition Who’d A Thought It: Improvisation in African-American Quiltmaking at the San Francisco Craft and Folk Art Museum.

Just thought I’d share a few links from around the internet. I’ve been thinking a lot about quilting, obviously. Why am I buying fabric, cutting it up and sewing it back together? That’s odd. So I’m thinking about necessity, hobby and art. People quilt for those reasons and many more, I’m sure.

I’ve also been thinking about quilting traditions and the differences in European style versus the folk art, improvisational style of rural American quilts made in places like Gee’s Bend. What I keep coming back to is the fact that when I see a beautiful, detailed and perfect quilt, I am amazed by the technical skill of the maker. But when I see a graphic, improvisational quilt, I often have a strong visceral response. I think any argument about which quilts and styles are better than others is nonsense. Everyone should make what they want for their own reasons.

I thought this article comparing improvisational quilts to jazz was really interesting.

And in unrelated news…

If you are thinking about trying to publish a craft book, Kathreen’s series over on Whip Up is full of helpful tips and guidance.

I’ve enjoyed reading the Reflections and Predictions series over at Sew, Mama, Sew! If you missed it, it’s worthwhile to go back and check it out.

A college friend and photographer, Kathleen Robbins, has an achingly beautiful photography project featured on NPR, called In Cotton.

And I thought I’d mention the internet piracy bills again. It’s worth educating yourself about this topic and speaking out if you feel so inclined. Although SOPA appears to be dead, this will continue to be an issue and we should pay attention.

And if you live in Atlanta:

the beehive is having its giant warehouse sale this weekend, so go check that out. I love this shop and so glad to see local, handmade things close to home.

Speaking of, Youngblood Gallery is having a nice show of local artists in February, and of course they always feature great artists in their shop.

The new fabric collection, Washi, from Rashida Coleman-Hale, is popping up in fabric stores. You can head over to Intown Quilters to check it out.

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1, 2, 3 Quilt

Exciting news! I’m working on a follow-up to 1, 2, 3 Sew. The new book will be called 1, 2, 3 Quilt and — you guessed it — it will be all about quilts, including quilted and patchwork projects! I’m excited to be working with Chronicle Books again. This book will be geared towards beginning quilters and those with more experience who are looking to try new designs and techniques.

I just finally finished up a couple of quilts I’ve been working on for a while (not for the book). One is the Crossed Quilt Block that I wrote about last spring and another is a baby quilt. On the crossed quilt, I made the quilting in a wonky pattern just like the crosses. I’ve got a new free motion machine that I’ve enjoyed working with and am loving the handmade look it creates and am enjoying the quilting process, but still not a fan of binding quilts. But I love the puckered look of a freshly washed quilt.

The book will include some very finished, manicured looking quilts as well as those with a more handmade aesthetic. So I’m curious — what kind of quilts do you like? What would you like to make? Modern, traditional — a mix? What techniques do you most want to learn? What are you afraid to try? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions as I’m working on the book. The book will be available in Fall 2013!

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Top 100 Tutorials of 2011

There was lots going on in the craft world this year. So much that I can hardly keep up anymore, but I’ve tried to round up 100 of  my favorite craft and sewing tutorials of the year from around the internet. In the sewing category, I’ve included the free projects available from my book 1, 2, 3 Sew. Looks like I actually have a few more than 100 projects listed here. Go make some stuff this year! The projects pictured above are marked with an asterisk.

 

Sewing Projects

Quilting

Paper Crafts

Crafts

Be sure to check out my tutorial round-ups from 2010, 2009 and 2008.