Mar 14
Love the idea of heirloom quilts but don't want to be hampered by tradition? Sherri McConnell strikes an inspiring balance between paying tribute to her grandmother's quilting skills and styles, and working with today's funky fabrics and designs. Whether you, like me, have an overflowing collection of "too-nice-to-use" fat quarters, your scrap fabric stash is taking over your storage space, or your simply have your eye on the latest Moda charm pack, there is sure to be a project in "Fresh Family Traditions" which will appeal.
This beautiful guide brings favourite quilt patterns bang up to date and includes a section of quiltmaking basics, plus eighteen different projects. Most of them feature quilts, both large and small, but there are also pillows and table runners. I would have appreciated a greater number of smaller, simpler projects, but then, I am a beginner, and the techniques could be adapted to make placemats, bags, and so on. Sherri McConnell talks us through her design process, encouraging readers to consider how best to work with different block shapes - I'd not heard of Tumbler or Spool quilts! - and fabrics, both in terms of prints, patterns and colours. Combining geometric prints with floral fabrics and polka dots with hexagons are some of her favourite approaches. A breathtaking collection of bright, lighthearted, modern fabrics and skills handed down from one generation to the next that will make you want to get your freezer paper and rotary cutter out, right now! http://www.mumtopia.blogspot.co.uk/
* Mumtopia *
Issue 8
Sherri demonstrates that she's got an eye for detail with this collection of eighteen heirloom quilts, all of which are inspired by traditional blocks. We love that the projects feature fabrics from some of our favourite modern designers (oh, and the photography is absolutely beautiful, too!) Several of the quilts featured have already leapt to the top of our to-do list.
* Love Patchwork & Quilting *
June 14
Sherri McConnell has delved into her personal family history of quilting and explored the techniques, fabrics and designs her relatives used to produce new takes with her own spin. The resulting book and the quilts featured within it are both clearly labours of love. The quilt that inspired the book, a Bear Paw design in appealing bright colours, is a riff on a quilt made by the author's great-great-grandmother - its contemporary appeal certainly illustrates that good design never truly goes out of fashion. But the book is far more than a collection of excellent quilting designs; the author treats us to an interesting examination of her inspirations which are sure to strike a chord with most of us, and even an insight into her own studio space. It's hard not to be swept along by Sherri's passion for her quilting and the stories her family quilts tell. This inspiring and effusive book is a pleasure; we loved the Kitchen Sink quilt so much that we've featured it in this month's magazine!
* Popular Patchwork *
