January 16, 2020

Sisterhood of Scraps


What a wonderful title for a quilting book.  As a community of quilters, we teach, learn from, share with, inspire, and encourage each other.  The quilting community is truly a sisterhood.  Lissa Alexander’s newest book, Sisterhood of Scraps (published by Martingale) conveys that message clearly.  Lissa reached out to a few quilters who each contributed a quilt based on an agreed shape, quilt block, or concept, with no other rules.  Lissa also made “sister” quilts.  The result is a fabulous variety of scrap quilts in all styles for all skill levels.  It's so interesting to see what two different quilters create with the same idea.  There’s even a Sisterhood of Scraps membership certificate in the back of the book for you to frame and hang in your sewing space.  It's an honor to have my project included in this book along with women whose work I admire so much -- Lissa, Laurie Simpson, Sandy Klop, Sheryl Johnson, Barbara Brackman, and Susan Ache (Instagram).  

Lissa and I agreed to use the LeMoyne Star block as a jumping off point for our quilts.  For my quilt, I dissected the LeMoyne Star block into quadrants and rearranged them.  I also split the background squares diagonally so that there are no set-in seams, making it super easy to construct.  You’re welcome.  :-)  Here's my quilt, "Divergence." 



I don't even know how to describe Lissa’s sister quilt, "Christmas All Year," except that it's brilliant!  She pieced the stars (also without set-in seams), then arranged the units in an octagonal layout in multiple rounds.  She set the center on point and pieced the low-volume background.  Isn't it the perfect Christmas quilt?  I'm itching to make this one with a blue background for a Fourth of July quilt.  This would make a beautiful "fireworks" quilt, don't you think?



A while back, I lost interest in quilting.  When Lissa approached me about her idea for this book, I was so excited about the concept, and had so much fun working on my project.  After I turned in the project directions and the sample quilt, I lost interest again, and have only worked on small projects in little bits of time.  When I received an advance copy of Sisterhood of Scraps, it almost magically sparked my enthusiasm for quilting again.  It's all I can think about these days.  There are at least five or six quilts in this book that I want to start working on yesterday.  It was hard to choose which project to make first, but I already had tons of strips from an abandoned project, so I started with Sandy Klop's "Forever Friends" quilt.  Yes, this one.  



To say I’m obsessed with this project is an understatement.  All day, I look forward to rushing home to cut scraps and add new blocks.  Here’s my progress so far. 



Strip-piecing makes this pattern less challenging, and keeping the pieced units organized helps as well.   



Here's another favorite that's been bouncing around in my head for a while -- "Pot o' Gold."  Isn't it fun?!  I love the polka dots scattered across the quilt.  


  
If you want to know more about the book and the stories behind the quilts, make sure you check Lissa's blog and Instagram account for more details.   And if you'd like to win your own copy of Sisterhood of Scraps, just leave a comment here and tell me who (or what) inspired you to begin quilting.  I'll draw a winner randomly and announce the winner on Monday, January 20.  See you then!  Update: Giveaway now closed.

Kim 

55 comments:

Jeanne Bishop said...

I was inspired by the wonderful fabrics that became available in the early '90s. My mother and sister already were award winning quilters and I wasn't a fan of the quilts they made because they were too traditional. When I found brighter colors I new I was "home." That began a journey that continues to this day.

T Holzer said...

When I was just a young girl, my younger sister had a flannel yellow quilt with pink stars on it. It was my favourite and how I wished that it was mine and not hers! And then three kids and many years later I randomly pulled into a quilt shop, bought myself a sewing machine and the rest is history. Thanks for this chance, Kim and have a great day!

Quilting Babcia said...

I've loved quilts for about as long as I can remember, but I think my first real inspiration to make my own came from the well worn antique quilts that were on all the beds at my late MIL's house. All the kids had slept under them, and I believe they had been made by their great or great-great grandmother. These days I play more with scraps than my stash, and like magic the scraps never seem to be used up. A never-ending fabric supply! Would love to win a copy of Lissa's book.

T Holzer said...

And I hope that you find your joy of quilting again, Kim, because you have designed some gorgeous quilts!

Fran said...

Thank you for the chance to win! My Mother in law taught me how to sew and my first project was a quilt, I’ve been in love with it since. It’s been 29 years now and I know how you feel because I’ve had ups and downs with inspiration. I’m excited about it now!

Jocelyn said...

I, like you, have lost my interest in quilting lately. When I think back about my quilting journey, I think Eleanor Burns sparked my interest in quilting. Her easy to use patterns were not complicated and fun. So for 30 years, I have forged ahead until this last year. I do love the name of this book. Because it is true that we are a sisterhood. And after all these years, I have a mountain of scraps :-)

Rhona said...

All the beautiful fabrics inspired me, I have been sewing since age 9 but quilting for 9 years now, I sew everyday, in my sewing room at 4:30 -5 in the morning, I can't think of anything else I would rather do...Looks like a great book! I am presently sewing for the wildlife in Australia making pouches , its only been a week of not making quilts and I miss it already, but taking a break is always good also and I love helping for this cause!

sewsherry said...

I am a self taught quilter. I say that but I love learning and am always trying tips and tricks shared by others My grandmother taught me how to use a sewing machine but she never quilted.

Kelly said...

My grandma, Chat, won prizes at the county fair for her spectacular appliqué quilts. I caught the bug from her ��

Aniva Rose said...

I was inspired by a neighbor who did a trunk show at my church. It was amazing to see her creations. I have seen several photos from this book. It has many beautiful projects.

Janny said...

A neighbor was the first person to introduce me to quilting, it was quilting with double knits ���� but it sparked an interest. Then I found a book (yes just one back then) at the book store-oh the fun I’ve had since then!

Loris said...

Back in 1970 I went to live in the college dorm. As freshmen, my room mate and I bought yellow, orange and lime green fabrics to make scrappy pieced quilts for our beds. We used them as toppers even unfinished. Years later my granny folded mine over a thick wadding left over from who knows what...and hand tied it for me folding the edge in for a finish. Lots of sweet memories in that quilt. I still have it and love it.

Marty Toale said...

I don't even remember when I first loved quilts. I have always been in love with the intricacy and piecing of quilts and how many designs can be made with a few scraps of fabric. My inspiration for quilting comes from my sister-in-law who always made quilts and kept telling me I could do it. She has some really beautiful quilts she has made for her family.

Sherrill Ash said...

A friend took me to my first guild meeting and quilt class nearly 30 years ago. Since then, she's never made another quilt and I've never stopped.

Rebecca said...

My Mama is the reason I quilt. Come to think of it My Mama is the reason I do a lot of things including canning and electrical wiring as needed.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

looks like a great book! So - its my Dad. My Dad was a responder to the 9/11 twin tower attacks. He worked with a lot of fire departments and each department gave him one of their patches. He asked if I could make him a quilt with all the patches on it - and that is what got me started.....

sue s said...

I have been sewing since Junior High and sometime in the early 2000s got interested in quilting. My Mom did a little quilting and I helped her out. Then we moved to another state and I didn't work for a while, so I found a LQS and a class and I was hooked!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love your quilt in the book. I started quilting from a love of geometric shapes and how they fit together added to my love of playing with fabric. I made my first quilt at 17, 62 years ago. This book looks very interesting since I love working with 100 or more fabrics in a quilt.

Hildy said...

Beautiful quilts I love all of them! My mum took a quilting class way back in the 90ies and thaught me how to quilt. I was a teen thean but was instantly hooked and never lost the interest.

Linda said...

The quilts and this book looks amazing! I am so happy you found your desire for quilting again! :-) I get it... lack of inspiration is a thing and real. Elenor inspires me every day. Since the day I started quilting. I love her.

Mary Andra said...

All of these quilts look absolutely fabulous. So inspiring. My 7th grade homemaking teacher, Mrs. Marge Floor, was totally inspiring. From my first stitch of installing a zipper to my last stitch of installing the same zipper. Note: Several try’s later. I was hooked. I still am 60 years later.

suzanprincess said...

I love scrappy quilts, but have yet to make one for myself! If I win this book I will make one, finally, instead of procrastinating further.... susanprincess at att dot net

Susan said...

I wanted to make a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. I begged my Grandmother for a year before she would teach me how to applique, piece and hand quilt.

Karen said...

My mom taught me to quilt in 1969. I’ve never thought of myself as artistic but quilting provides me with an artistic outlet. Maybe I need to do an intervention to make sure you keep your mojo 🤪🥰.

Carol said...

I suppose my life long love of beautiful fabrics inspired me to start quilting when my oldest son left for college and I was so sad. I HAD to find something to get my mind off that and a friend called asking if I was interested in a quilting class at the local shop. I immediately said to sign me up before she ever finished her question. And the rest is history. That was 26 years ago. I have always loved looking at fabrics and all the wonderful colors and designs. I began sewing about age 8 and it has always been a huge part of my life.

Mary said...

I have loved working with fabric for as long as I can remember. I made most of my clothes, curtains, etc., and as quilting fabric and quilt information, such as books and magazines, became more available it was a natural transition for me to start making quilts. I also had an aunt who made quilts and did a lot of hand quilting for others.
Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful book.

May Britt said...

My mother taught me how to sew. Remember me as a little girl I used to play with her fabric scraps and make clothes for my dolls. Until I one day took her newest blouse and cut it in pieces. Always loved to play with fabric, colours and shapes.

Nancy L said...

I was inspired to start quilting by my mother. As a child, I used to sit and watch her use of fabric, and couldn't wait to see what the next color would be. She also quilted a lot of Trip Around the World quilts from scraps from the clothes that we made me. I love looking at the prints and remembering the garment. I have one of your Lone Star quilts that she did in different solid fabrics. To some, it wouldn't be the most beautiful quilt in the world, but to me, it is exquisite!!

Kay McCaffery said...

I've loved quilts as long as I can remember. My parents even gave us one for a wedding gift 45 years ago. I started quilting in 1989 & have never stopped since then. I have always been a fabric addict.

Cheryl Bjarke said...

I was inspired as a child to quilt by my Great Gramma Emma! She loved to quilt and most of her quilts were made from scraps that she acquired here and there. She did a lot of crazy quilts made from clothing scraps, especially old ties from the males in our family. Then when I was older, my Mom started quilting when she retired from work and moved to Colorado. She eventually purchased The Quilt Patch in Hotchkiss, Colorado and owned it until 2012 when she closed it and moved back to New Mexico, after losing my Step Dad unexpectedly. If I win a copy of the book, I will give it to her because I know she would really love it and appreciate it.

Cheryl Bjarke said...

I was inspired as a child to quilt by my Great Gramma Emma! She loved to quilt and most of her quilts were made from scraps that she acquired here and there. She did a lot of crazy quilts made from clothing scraps, especially old ties from the males in our family. Then when I was older, my Mom started quilting when she retired from work and moved to Colorado. She eventually purchased The Quilt Patch in Hotchkiss, Colorado and owned it until 2012 when she closed it and moved back to New Mexico, after losing my Step Dad unexpectedly. If I win a copy of the book, I will give it to her because I know she would really love it and appreciate it.

Cheryl Bjarke said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I was inspired by a couple of quilts I saw during the Bicentennial - a tie quilt and a denim quilt. It got me hooked! Your quilt really captured the mood of the quilt that the designer used.

Jennifer said...

Really neat quilts from both of you and I am definitely going to check out that book. I was inspired to start quilting when one of my high school friends had her first baby - I decided I wanted to make her a quilt and with a lot of help from my mom, I did! It’s all gone downhill from there (in a good way), and now I’ve taken over half of the basement and have a long arm!

a good yarn said...

What's not to love about a scrap quilt pattern book! I guess when you make quilts and patterns as a job, then you sometimes need a holiday from it all. That's the wonderful thing about sewing - you can return to it whenever the mood strikes. I like your pattern very much and the colours in your Forever Friend's quilt are a kaleidoscope.

Robby said...

I grew up with quilts my maternal grandmother made in regular use around the house. I associated them with fun times (sitting on them at the annual fireworks), comfort and tales of where different fabrics were first used. I took a traditional quilting class in the 80's and it just wasn't for me. Sometime in the 90's I was introduced to some more modern fabrics and ideas and have been quilting at various rates of productivity ever since. I have to say your quilt is one that caught my eye in this book. It looked complicated, but your description makes it sound attainable.

LizA. said...

I was inspired to learn how to quilt from the handmade quilts my mother owned from an honorary “aunt” who never had children of her own. She gifted my mother with her quilts and those bright, scrappy quilts inspired me to learn.

Janan Doster said...

How did I miss this??? I check your blog all the time for NEW posts?
I guessed I just missed out...........I am sad................but I am happy you are quilting again.

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abigailuna said...

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