September 24, 2018

Scrap-Basket Bounty Blog Celebration - Day One

Welcome!  I can't stop talking about it, so you may have already heard about my new book, Scrap-Basket Bounty, published by Martingale.  I had so much fun working on the quilts in this book.  Each quilt is made with a single block that can be rotated to create many different layouts.  None of the quilts have sashings; just make the blocks and sew them together.  Later this week, I'll be demonstrating how simple it is to arrange the blocks to make your own unique layout.


All of the quilts in this book were made from fabrics that were in my stash or scrap basket, or from leftover precut fabrics, and even a few new precut fabric packs that I bravely tore into!  Honestly, it didn't really take a lot of courage to do that -- I used what I needed and put the rest aside.  There will always be another quilt waiting for the leftovers.
THREE-PATCH CHAIN
Photography by Brent Kane
Although I sometimes use a single background fabric in my scrap quilts, I really enjoy using lots of light (low-volume) background fabrics to make the quilts "sparkle." I don't hesitate to buy at least a small piece when I run across a nice low-volume print. As long as the print is light enough to contrast with the main fabrics, I don't worry much about the style of the print.  In Three-Patch Chain and Dazzle, I used dots, bicycles, animals, text prints, florals, stripes, plaids, and whatever else I could find. 
DAZZLE
Photography by Brent Kane
Candy Canes, made by Karen Williamson at Nana Girl Quilts, is also made with lots of low-volume prints.  Most of the background prints have a Christmas or winter theme, but there are some non-seasonal prints mixed in as well.  
CANDY CANES
Photography by Brent Kane


These low-volume fabrics are part of Moda Fabrics' Color Cuts.  Back last spring, Moda released color-coordinated bundles of fabrics in various precut sizes, curated from the collections of several Moda designers.  This is the low-volume Layer Cake, Sugar on Top.  It's perfect for scrappy block backgrounds.  Even though they were released last spring, I knew even then that I wanted to share a bundle with you, so I bought an extra one.  How's that for planning ahead?

As part of today's blog celebration, I'll be giving away a downloadable e-copy of Scrap-Basket Bounty, courtesy of the sweet folks at Martingale. The winner will be drawn randomly.  I'll also send the winner a Sugar on Top Layer Cake.  So if you'd like to win a copy of Scrap-Basket Bounty and a Sugar on Top Layer Cake, simply leave a comment here and tell me whether you prefer quilts with scrappy backgrounds or a single fabric.  This isn't a trick question, and there are no wrong answers. :-)  The giveaway will close on Friday, September 28, at 10:00 p.m. CDT.  The winner will be announced at the end of next week.

I hope you'll stop by tomorrow -- I'll be showing you some really scrappy quilts made from designers' fabric collections.

Kim

p.s.  At this time, I am still experiencing issues with Blogger.  I am able to see comments on posts, but do not receive notifications for all comments.  When I do receive notifications, they all have "no-reply" e-mail addresses.  Not a problem, but you'll need to check here for further instructions when I announce the winner.  :-)

Update:  Comments are now closed for this post.  Thank you for visiting.

85 comments:

Panto Pam said...

Thank you for the chance to win your book! I LOVE scrap quilts, and would definitely go with ScRaPpY backgrounds.

Jackie said...

Sgrappy, definitely. I love scrappy and I love your books!

Jeanne Bishop said...

I'd love to win your book! The quilts you showed today look fantastic! I have all the others too! I've been a scrap quilter for many years and I prefer the look of many different background fabrics. If I'm in a hurry, however, I use one fabric because it's a lot quicker!

Cassie said...

I love scrappy backgrounds! I’m slowly collecting lots of white and gray low volume prints. Thank you ❤️

Polly said...

I like scrappy backgrounds because I love looking at the different fabric designs. I think the give a quilt more depth and texture, too. I would love to win a copy of your book!

Anonymous said...

I love everything scrappy and am looking forward to seeing your new book!

Caro said...

Great book with fun quilts. I almost always make my quilts with a scrappy background. I just think it creates more interest. My motto, “scrappy is best”! Thank you for a chance to win a copy of your e-book.

Sharon said...

I use scrappy backgrounds when it looks right for the pattern. After all, where fabric is concerned, more is always better!

Loris said...

The more I see of this book, the more I love it! I love the cover quilt but now that I see the Three Patch Chain....I need this like NOW :-)
Thank you for the sweet giveaway.

Nancy L said...

I love quilts with a scrappy background. I started quilting with either white or cream backgrounds, but once I tried a scrappy background, I have never gone back.They give a quilt a much more complete picture. I love your books, and have them all, except your newest one!!

Havplenty said...

Scrappy quilts are the bestest. I love scrappy backgrounds too. I'm not sure how to do it any other way. I have a throw it all in approach.😄

tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

Susan said...

Thanks for the chance to win a PDF I like both types of backgrounds it depends on my feeling with the quilt. Your book looks awesome!

Barb Neiwert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barb Neiwert said...

Hmmmm....I love a solid background vs. scrappy. Unless it's a very low volume scrappy background. Loving all your quilts though - fun, fun, fun! mountainquiltworks at gmail.com.

Unknown said...

I love using scraps everywhere! I like your method of buying small amounts of super low volume prints. My eyes usually head straight for the brights and batiks! Love what I’m seeing of the book. Best wishes for lots of success!

Aunt Marti said...

I love your books and bought the new one the instant I saw it — I just don’t remember which shop had it! But I’d love to have that low-volume bundle, I often use multiple low-volume prints for backgrounds.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

You have so many great ideas for scrap quilts. I definitely go with a mix of low volume prints because I would be really bored with the same background all the way through.

Cindy Golding. said...

Hello. The quilts you show today are so fun and use lots of fabric. That is usually what keeps me interested. I enjoy scrappy backgrounds. Thanks for the chance to win both. Book and fabric!

Jaylene said...

This looks like a great book to have so I can use up my scraps. I like using lots of different backgrounds. I think it makes the quilt so much more interesting to look at.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I love scrappy quilts and prefer to use lots of background fabrics. I very rarely purchase yardage, so I have to use what I have on hand. Love your books--they are so fun!

up on callico hill said...

I’d love your book and I prefer a single color background. Congratulations on your new book! ❤️

Unknown said...

Kim--You are so creative and inspiring! I'm drawn to the scrappy background approach because I could stay true to the make-do-with-scraps approach, rather than buying yardage.

Chrissiequilter said...

Definitely love scrappy backgrounds, the more the merrier! Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

I had no idea Moda had those low volume bundles. Shoot! I love the colors in your latest book and seriously need to expand my stash with low volumes and color!

Nancy A said...

Scrappy all the way! This looks like a GREAT book. I love all three quilts you showed today. ( nkadenver at yahoo dot com)

suzanne, dutchess county NY said...

The scrappier the better! Whenever there’s a shop sale and I go, once I’m there I completely forget what I need and I try to resist just buying because something catches my eye. So to keep in track so I buy neutrals/low volumes to add to my stash. Still there’s never enough! Love mixing up the backgrounds!

Barbara said...

I'm an equal opportunity quilter - depends on the quilt. Somwtimes I do scappy and sometimes I do a single background.

piecrust said...

Your quilts are always "happy" and I'd love to win a copy of your latest book. ("Bali Stars" is my favorite pattern from a previous book.)

Quilting Babcia said...

I love scrappy backgrounds and am constantly running low on them. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your new book and the layer cake!

Stephanie in MI said...

I love scrappy backgrounds, but I tend to use a single background because I am really chicken when it comes to scrappy quilting!

Hildy said...

I love scrappy backgrounds but mostly I use a single fabric for it because a scrappy background doesn't work for all quilts and fabrics.

Susan said...

I love all the quilts in the new book! I prefer to use the same background fabric in a scrappy quilt.

Quiltgranny said...

Love love love all the different ways scrappy quilts look and tour books really help me see “beyond”. I love scrappy backgrounds for all the motion and texture they give a quilt. Would absolutely love to have a copy of your book!! Sharon, Quiltgranny

Jayne said...

I love the look of scrappy backgrounds!

Unknown said...

Love this!! And scrappy all the way :)

Anonymous said...

I have made your patterns both ways. I think it depends on the design and scrappiness of the blocks. I like both ways!
Thanks for the opportunity. N Hash

Deb said...

I prefer using scrappy backgrounds, unless I have leftover scraps from the back of one of my last quilts. These make great background fabrics.

Gretchen said...

It depends on the quilt but I love scrappy backgrounds to try to use up more of my stash. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I have 2 of your other books and have used them alot. I do alot of scrap quilts and save all my scraps. I recut the prints and lights down into use able pieces starting at one and a half. Would love to win your newest book. I alot of times want my quilts bigger and the way you have everything broke down makes it easy for me to figure out.

Heather said...

I love a quilt with a scrappy background, but it sure is easier and faster to have a single background sometimes :)
Gunterheather at yahoo dot com

Lori said...

I love both

Carol said...

Scrappy is best even though it is more work. Sometimes I really get tired of pressing all those fabrics to create 'scrappy' but the end result is so worth it. I can't wait to see your new book.

Jocelyn said...

I LOVE this new book. And I do like using the same background colors, even if they are different fabrics. Great fun!

lvkwilt said...

I am so excited to see this book! I love scrappy backgrounds and scrappy quilts in general. You are so talented and I love your designs...have a couple of your books. If I don't win this one, I will definitely be purchasing it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Margaret said...

I’m passionate about all things scrappy and I can’t wait to read your new book - thank you for this opportunity!

Michele said...

Hi Kim! I enjoyed reading more about your thoughts when you wrote Scrap- Basket Bounty! I love quilts with scrappy backgrounds, but I seldom make them myself. I think I’m too bound by what fabrics ‘go together’ or the theme of the quilt and things like that. Thanks for encouraging me to mix it up a bit! It’s so freeing! Oh by the way, I’m having the same issue with my Blogger comments. I was thinking it had to do with them discontinuing Open ID, but I’m not even sure what exactly Open ID did, so maybe it doesn’t?

Susan said...

What a wonderful looking book! I want to make each and every one of the quilts NOW!!!!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Love scrappy backgrounds! Scrappy everything. LOL

Anne said...

This book is chock full of sumptuously scrappy quilts. A scrappy background would be bold new territory for me , but I like it and would definitely give it a shot.

Lynda said...

Scrappy backgrounds and scrappy quilts all the time. Love your books.

Marie Atkinson said...

Recently I have been having the most fun making quilts with scrappy backgrounds!

momto1 said...

Scrappy is best in every way!! I will admit to making non-scrap quilts, but my favorites end up being the ones with a huge mix of colors. I taught my daughter her colors on a scrap quilt!

Jennifer said...

Looks like another great book! I have to say that I usually prefer less scrappy backgrounds, but that may be because I don’t have a ton of low volume scraps....I tend to look for bigger background pieces.

vkh6210 said...

Love these scrap quilts. It depends on the pattern I am using as to the background I choose. Then it depends on what I have on hand. If it looks like I might not have enough for the full quilt, I will mix in another background. Thank you for a great giveaway. vkh6210 at gmail dot com

mangozz said...

I like both but scrappy is the best!

Linda Enneking said...

I love scrappy backgrounds in my quilts. I have used them in most of the quilts I have made in the last few years, since I began making designs from your books. I could really use more light pieces like those in this group.

Jane Cisneros said...

So far, I haven’t made a scrappy quilt or one with a scrappy background. Everything has been planned but I’m starting to collect enough scraps to try a scrappy. Your book looks wonderful ... congratulations! I love the quilts you’ve shown and would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity!

Jaynie said...

I love scrap quilts. I generally use a scrappy background as well as the main portions of the design. I have already decided I really want this book. There are at least two quilts already on my 'to do' list from your book. Thank you & keep up the great work of designing quilts. Would love to win the giveaway.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Wow, I can see that this is going to be an incredible book with gorgeous quilts. I like scrappy backgrounds, because it is easier to cut smaller pieces, and you don't have to worry about running out. Plus it makes the quilt look more interesting. Thank you for the chance to win both the low volume fabric and the book!

janie said...

I absolutely love making scrappy quilts, I receive pieces leftover from a group I belong to that make quilts for cancer patients (totally Free). So I have lots of scraps and a scrappy low tone is the most awesome with a truly scrappy quilt. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome looking book. Congrats

Barb said...

I have always used a solid background, but the scrappy look is growing on me. I have all your previous books and would love to have the new one (and the fabric bundle)--Thanks for the chance!!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

AnnieO said...

Scrappy is best in my book! I’d love to win a copy of your newest book. I’m definitely going to add it to all your other books. I’m currently working on a tablerunner from Cross My Heart blocks. Thanks for the chance to win!

Amy DeCesare said...

I always use a solid background, but only because I don’t have many low volume prints. I love that look!

Unknown said...

I love a scrappy background.

Nancy said...

The scrappier the better in my book! And in your book, too. I'm so impressed that you stuck with fabrics from your stash for these wonderful designs.

Nikki said...

LOVE scrappy backgrounds. I am trying to increase my stash of low volumes. I seem to have a lot of white TOTs.

Vivian said...

Although sometimes a single background can help "calm the noise", I really love it when a scrap quilt goes full out and the background is as scrappy as the "focus fabrics"! Trying that with low volume prints as you have done is high on my "To Do" list. Love it that you have a new book out!

Lidwina said...

As I sew more quilts I have found I prefer scrappy the more prints and backgrounds the better. I didn't know Moda had released a low volume package - I will have to look for it.

rsgrandinetti said...

I definitely prefer scrappy quilts. I love the traditional roots.

Kaye M said...

I love scrappy quilts, but I haven't done a lot of scrappy backgrounds. When I go shopping I am attracted to batiks and colorful prints so I don't have many low volume background prints. I do like the look so I will Need to make a special effort to purchase some. I love the designs in your new book!
tkmattson@hotmail.com

Vicki in MN said...

Beautiful quilts. I love looking at quilts with a scrappy background but I love making them with all one background.

Laura said...

Scrappy background for sure!

DSL said...

I've just started using scrappy backgrounds and I love the way they look. It's a lot harder than just using off-white.

Sheila said...

I can't wait to get my hands on this book to add to my Kim collection! With me being a fabric saver for "just the right quilt," I think you give permission here to use it up and make them all beautiful.

Anne Simonot said...

Definitely scrappy!

The Rx quilter said...

Not sure my first comment went through? I love both but the scrappy Moda LV fabrics are perfect! Congratulations on your new book! RxQuilter

The Rx quilter said...

I enjoy both, but I do really like the scrappy low volume Moda Fabrics you have. They are perfect for a scrappy background. Congratulations on your new book! RxQuilter

Renea said...

I like both ways, scrappy or all the same fabric for the backgrounds. Thanks for the giveaway.

Vicki W said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. The low volume fabric would be so much fun to use with my scraps.

Kristen said...

I'm in between ... My "scrappy" backgrounds are mostly a variety of WOW fabrics but I'm starting to mix in more more volume scraps ... This bundle would help!

sue s said...

I'm still new to this "low volume" idea so my backgrounds tend to be very neutral. But I'm willing to start mixing them in!

Becky said...

I love using lots of different lights blow volume) prints in all my quilts. The scrappier the better!

T Holzer said...

I love looking at your new designs and searching for fabrics in them that I have also used or have in my stash. I've seen a few! I typically only use one background fabric because I am a chicken! But I made a scrap quilt last winter and for the first time I used several different background fabrics. I guess that I don't know how to go about collecting backgrounds. I'm so used to buying backgrounds in 2, 3 or 4 yard pieces. How would you suggest going about collecting them??? Fat quarters or half yards or more?? Thanks for this chance.

Anne D said...

I prefer a single fabric background. The book looks great. Thanks for the chance to win.

Material Girl said...

I am loving these quilts. I am addicted to those low volume backgrounds too. I just love that look! Thanks for the chance to win that awesome fabric and pdf