Big Stitch Quilting Review & GIVEAWAY

Learn how to hand quilt in the big stitch style! Carolyn Forster's brand new book Big Stitch Quilting: A practical guide to sewing and hand quilting 20 stunning projects is now out. Inside, the UK's expert quilter, master teacher and best-selling author introduces big stitch quilting - also known as utility quilting. Don't let the word utility mislead you - these quilts are beautiful. This method of hand quilting uses longer stitches, thicker threads and a bigger needle to hold the layers of the quilt together. It makes the quilting process easier and therefore faster. The stitches add texture and visual appeal to the quilt. I love the distinct look of the stitching. The 20 projects in this book are quilted using a range of big stitches inspired by Indian kantha and Japanese sashiko and boro style stitching. This includes a selection of 9 quilts and 11 smaller projects. All are lovely. The small projects are perfect for building your skills and confidence while using up scraps. You'll find patterns complete with measurements, requirements, fabric cutting and instructions. To make the process easy to follow, all methods are explained step-by-step, include diagram instruction and generous photography. All of them are beginner friendly. Full-size templates are provided. Big stitch quilting is ideal for the modern quilter who wants a handmade element with a quicker process. Of the 11 quilted items shown below which is your favorite? The complete table of contents is listed below. Publisher Search Press released the 144 page paperback on May 25, 2021. An electronic version is available. Get your copy below!

CONTENTS

Introduction

What is big stitch quilting

Historical and cultural examples of big stitch quilting

Tools and materials

Stitching the patchwork

Tacking/basting

Quilt designs

Quilting stitches 

Binding

The Quilts

Navy Borders

Octagons

Swedish Bars 

Fabric Stack

Stepping Stones 

Every Last Piece 

Scattered Flowers 

Quilted Vines Mini Quilt 

Dolly Quilt

The Gifts

Coasters

 Furoshiki cloths 

Kitchen table topper 

 Sewing roll

Ruby McKim Tulip Pillow

Knot bag

Zokin

Hot Water Bottle Cover 

Golden pincushion

Lavender bags

Table centre

Templates
Index

From the Quilting stitches section, pages 36 - 37. 

From the Binding section, pages 38 - 39.

Five of the 9 quilts, pages 44 - 45.

Navy boarders quilt, pages 48 - 49.

Swedish bars quilt, pages 58 - 59.

Fabric stack quilt, pages 64 - 65.

Stepping stones quilt, pages 70 -71. 

Lavender bags, pages 132 - 133.

Coasters, page 99.

Sewing roll, page 109.

Furoshiki cloths, page 101.

Every last piece quilt, page 77.

A very useful tip from page 14.

Big Stitch Quilting ISBN-13 : 978-1782218210 is available worldwide at Search Press. Search Press is an independent, multi award-winning, family owned art and craft book publisher. Check out their unique catalog at Search Press. Search Press has generously offered to giveaway a copy! One winner will be selected at random. Open until June 27, 2021. Canada & USA only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Modern Rainbow Patchwork Quilts Review

Quilting has a fresh new look in Modern Rainbow Patchwork Quilts by Paula Steel. It features 14 gorgeous rainbow-themed patchwork projects - 3 mini projects, 5 cushions and 6 quilts. The smaller projects are ideal for beginners, while the blankets are for those more confident. Chapter 1 begins with the basics - color, fabric, tools and techniques. In Chapter 2 tutorials cover the skills necessary to complete the projects and serve as a reference. They include blocks, basting, quilting, binding and making an envelope cushion. Both the tutorials and projects are broken down into easy-to-follow steps with detailed illustrations. Alternative design ideas like changes in color, size, fabric etc. are offered for each of the blankets. A link to a downloadable PDF with coloring pages and a layout supplement is included. With her contemporary designs, techniques, fabrics and color choices Paula shows us an appealing take on modern quilting! The complete table of contents is listed below. Casemate IPM released this 176 page paperback on May 19, 2020. It is also available in e-book format. Get your copy below!

contents

CHAPTER 1 The Basics

Introduction to the basics

Using colour and fabric options

Rainbow order (ROYGBIV)

Using the whole Rainbow or part of it?

Types of fabric

Sourcing your fabrics, finding a rainbow

Useful tools / Things you will need

Essentials

Extra fun tools I use

Techniques

Abbreviations

CHAPTER 2 Tutorials

Introduction to tutorials

Basting Quilts

Quilting your quilt

Binding your quilt

Making an envelope cushion

Half Square Triangle Tutorial

Method 1. Half Square Triangles 

(two at a time)

Method 2. Half Square Triangles 

(four at a time)

Method 3. Half Square Triangles 

(eight at a time)

Trimming Half Square Triangles

Flying Geese Tutorial

Method 1. FLYING GEESE 

(one at a time)

Method 2. FLYING GEESE 

(four at a time no waste method)

Diamond in Square

CHAPTER 3 Quilt Projects

Introduction to quilt projects

Vintage Stars Double Quilt

Racing Stripes Lap Quilt

Ombré Compass Double Quilt

Starburst Lap Quilt

80s Revival Single Bed Quilt

Picnic Squares Quilt

CHAPTER 4 Cushion Projects

Introduction cushion projects

Vintage Dash Cushion

Cabin Block Stripes Cushion

Shaded Arrows Cushion

Large Garden Floor Cushion

Neon Squares Cushion

CHAPTER 5 MINI PROJECTS

Introduction to mini projects

Large Rainbow Star Purse

Rainbow Coasters

Rainbow Drawstring Bag

CHAPTER 6 RESOURCES

Shopping Guide

Acknowledgements

Ombré Compass Double Quilt

Starbust Lap Quilt

Cabin Blocks Cushion

Large Rainbow Star Purse

Back cover of my copy.

Modern Rainbow Patchwork Quilts is available in Canada and the USA at Casemate IPM and in the UK and Europe at Pen and Sword Books. It is published by White Owl an imprint of Pen & Sword Books, publishers based in England. 

Atomic Kitty 

Not in the book but a PDF is available at Paula Steel Quilts. 

Download for mini quilt, large tote bag and cushion (pillow).