little bits quilting bee
November 15, 2011 at 3:12 pm | Posted in books and mags, chatty, quilting, reviews and interviews | 46 CommentsI’m today’s stop on Kathreen Ricketson‘s Little Bits Quilting Bee blog tour and very happy to be reviewing this lovely, colorful quilting book. I wanted to share some of my favorite parts from the book, and especially why it resonates so much with me as a quilter and a crafter.
Kathreen has designed 20 quilts that use standard sizes of precut fabric sets (charm squares, jelly rolls, layer cakes, and fat quarters – though of course, you can use your own stash fabrics instead). She also includes thorough instructions all the way from choosing fabrics to binding; advice on color and design; and paper patterns for many of the blocks. Once you learn these quilt-making basics, any of the quilts she’s designed is within reach. My favorite LBQB quilt is Prismatic, which uses layer cakes.
Here’s a closer look at the piecing, which I love, and the overall layout. Simple and striking.
Another instant favorite is Garnets and Gold, which uses fat quarters. This one is so lush and colorful…
But the one at the top of my list to make is Rhombus.
My PMQG guildmate and friend Monica Solario-Snow gave me and Daniela each a jelly roll set of her Happy Mochi Yum Yum fabric line, and I have been saving this amazing gift for a special project. The fabric makes me happy (the name couldn’t be more perfect!) and I’m picturing such a gorgeous HMYY Rhombus, bordered in a bright solid. Lovely.
Which brings me to my favorite part of Little Bits Quilting Bee – the bee. I love craft books that offer more than great projects – that tell a story or share history or resources we can all enjoy. Kathreen includes an engaging section at the front on the history and culture of community quilting, from traditional bees to online swaps and groups – I loved reading this part.
Of course Kathreen’s whip-up site has been a huge pillar of our craft community, and my whole life has been shaped so beautifully, and I have met so many people I treasure, through craft.
From my earliest days of learning to sew and getting a million ideas on getcrafty… to hosting naked lady parties and swapping tons of clothes and craft supplies… to our beloved Portland Church of Craft meetings, led by Sister Diane… to my partners in Portland Super Crafty… to Maker Faire… and now the amazing Portland Modern Quilt Guild I’m proud to be a member of, I am very fortunate to be part of our huge, beautiful craft community.
One of my favorite blog entries I’ve ever written, originally as a column for getcrafty in March 2006, was Start Your Own Craft Circle! – half fun details about a weekly knitting circle in North Carolina, and half tips on starting your own craft group. Except for a few links that could be switched out for their 2011 counterparts, it feels as fresh now as it did when I was interviewing the organizers five years ago! Thank you to my friends, everyone who inspires me with your crafts and projects, and to everyone who reads my books and stops by this little corner of the world, too. Now, I would love to hear about your favorite craft groups and swaps and bees!
Giveaway time! I’m happy to be giving away a copy of Little Bits Quilting Bee today – to enter, please leave a comment with your favorite experience in a quilting bee, craft circle, class, or guild, whether it’s with family, friends, online, a swap in the mail, or any other take on this vibrant community. Comments are open through next Tuesday, November 22, and readers in the US and Canada are eligible. I’ll ask Kathreen to choose a winner from the comments and Chronicle will send a book to him or her right away!
Check out the rest of the blog tour here, with lots more reviews, giveaways, and posts about this lovely book!
46 Comments
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This book looks great! I’m working on a baby quilt that’s similar to Prismatic. It has 144 HSTs!
I always have fun when I get together with members of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild and we laughed really hard when we were working on a banner for our guild. We were just about to iron on the letters when we realized we were missing the L in quilt and were about to rename our group the “Vancouver Modern Quit Guild’!
Comment by Holly— November 15, 2011 #
Holly,
Oh my gosh. That story is awesome! Seriously awesome
Thanks so much for your call last week! My voice is back but then Everett got a bad ear infection and was so sick so there went the rest of the week… ugh. I’m flying to the east coast tomorrow and will be there visiting family for two weeks, but at least partly on vacation and would love to catch up whenever you have time, Friday morning or after. My cell is the same #, 503-358-9812, and aside from the time change (I’ll be on Eastern time) I’ll be super free. If you have time to chat I’d love to say hi whenever works for you…
xo susan
Comment by Susan— November 16, 2011 #
It’s so exciting for me to have recently found all you lovely, talented quilters online. I’ve been quilting for years in my little studio without much outside contact. Next step is getting my own blog going. Wish me luck. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway. I love the look of the quilts you showcased.
Comment by Anne— November 15, 2011 #
I am lucky enough to have a great group of quilting friends who provide me with so much inspiration and help. I have taken a few classes and when I could finally figure out how to do something new, it was a great feeling.
Comment by kathy h— November 15, 2011 #
Looks like a great book. I was lucky enough to attend a retreat last fall on a beautiful Gulf Island….so inspiring to have 4 whole days and night doing nothing but sewing….a bit of eating and drinking too!
Comment by Ssgirl— November 15, 2011 #
I have loved the evolution of the modern quilting movement and the community it has fostered in my city. I founded our MQG and have loved every minute of our meetings, sew-ins, challenges, swaps, and games. We have a blast and surprise ourself every time with how creative we can be. It revives your soul to have such creative comradery.
Comment by MBMeadows— November 15, 2011 #
When our children were small, my friend Debbie and I spent many happy hours crafting together. Our crafts were varied and included sewing, plasteramics, dough art, embroidery, etc. Although our lives have taken different paths and we no longer craft as a pair, we cherish the items that we created together and the memories attached to them. We both still live to craft… especially sewing-related projects. Kathreen’s book of artsy quilt patterns that eliminate tedious fabric selection by utilizing quilting packs of charm squares, jelly rolls, layer cakes, and fat quarters so beautifully draws one in… I can do this!
Comment by Adrienne— November 15, 2011 #
the photos alone are worth a look! what fun!
Comment by brenda— November 15, 2011 #
I swear I’m not saying this because you were a part of it…but I absolutely loved doing a big felt-food swap with 19 other crafty women. We still play with our felt food!
Comment by hilary— November 15, 2011 #
This book looks fabulous! I’ve never been involved in any swaps or guilds or classes as I’m just getting into quilting & don’t know anyone that does my new hobby. Thanks for a chance to win!
Comment by Carla G— November 15, 2011 #
It’s hard to pick just one pinnacle of craftiness.
I’ve been so blessed by a connection to my mom through quilting, subsequently discovering knitting and the many joys of making handmade gifts for loved ones in times of joy and sorrow, teaching others how to knit, becoming part of a knitting community in our town, being inspired through the web and books, and finally getting to make sweaters for my own children. Such joy it brings, this crafting life. It blesses and hallows the Ordinary (which is where we all actually live!), bringing thankfulness as well as beauty to every day.
This book looks lovely and I’d really enjoy thinking about how to use those precut fabrics… never have done much in that realm and it looks interesting. Thanks!
Comment by Kathy— November 15, 2011 #
This is a lovely looking book. Truthfully, I have never had the pleasure of participating in a quilting bee, and I would love the confidence to join in! Maybe 2012 will be my year?!?
Comment by Jennyroo— November 15, 2011 #
I have had 2 experiences with quilting, both of which I enjoyed. I hadn’t a clue what I was doing but I worked very much by instinct. The first was a double throw for my bed made 30 years ago with cord clothing (jeans, jackets etc) bought from a jumble sale, simple square design. Which I still have. The second was a silk cushion using wadding and lilac silk which I hand stitched a design into.
I’ve never come across any quiliting groups but this is something I would love to return to, this time exploring the craft more fully.
Comment by Phiona Richards— November 15, 2011 #
i actually just started a crafting circle with family and friends. it’s nothing big, but we enjoy ourselves as we talk and learn from each other. this weeks project are MUGRUGS. i can’t wait because i’ve been wanting to make one but just haven’t out of laziness or something. so it’s great to have my butt kicked into gear.
Comment by Binks— November 16, 2011 #
I’ve only just been introduced to the world of quilting and crafting, so I haven’t had the chance yet to be involved in a bee, class or anything of that sort, but I am really enjoying reading a number of crafting and quilting blogs and am finding a lot of inspiration through those. The book looks wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
Comment by Julia— November 16, 2011 #
I just love my quilt guild and the chance to meet so many different people. But my favorite times are when we get together and sew on one project for charity. Such fun sewing, chatting and laughing and all towards a common goal, its the best!
Comment by Heather— November 16, 2011 #
Susan, I have so many fond memories of crafting with you and other other friends. From the clothing swaps to the art car parties. A favorite experience – one was the crafty gift swap we did one year at Christmas with over a dozen crafty ladies. It was so much fun to see which gifts kept getting stolen before resting with the new recipient. My most recent collaborative crafting project was sewing a new laundry room sink skirt for my mother. It was so much fun to go to the fabric store with her to pick out something special, and then watch my mom playing with my baby while I ironed, pinned and sewed her project.
Comment by PaperDollyGirl— November 16, 2011 #
I don’t know that I have a favorite moment precisely, but I do know that I love hanging out and taking classes with the women of my local quilt shop. They are so funny and so irreverent. If this is what all quilters are like, quilters are a crazy fun group of people!
Comment by mo— November 16, 2011 #
My favorite quilting experience has been my little weekend getaway with a friend and her family. My friend Karen and I met online through a birth board, we were both pregnant and due with a September 08 baby. Coincidentally, we live in the same state, about 4 hours away from each other. My love of sewing and quilting inspired her to dust off her old sewing machine and now she’s addicted. This past spring she invited me up to her home for a sewing weekend with her, and her mom, aunt and cousin. Except for the break for the obligatory fabric shopping and the outing for dinner and margaritas, we spent the whole weekend gabbing and sewing, from bright and early in the morning to the wee hours of the night. It was a total blast and we’re planning for another one this coming spring!
Comment by Julie— November 16, 2011 #
Sadly, I’ve never been part of a crafty group…but maybe I’ll start one!
Comment by MiChal— November 16, 2011 #
I have no group. But I have a sewing buddy that I got last year through a shop on line. I am in MI and my buddy is in GA and we love exchanging ideas and sewing experiences! It has been fun to share our sewing together. Thanks for the lovely review and giveaway. My buddy and I will need to share this one if I win! thanks again!
Comment by lee— November 16, 2011 #
I love working with the online do.good.stitches charity bee. It’s so fun to get the blocks in the mail and put them together into a quilt that we then donate to someone else.
Thanks for the review of this fun book and a chance to win it too. So generous! =)
Comment by Lyanna L.— November 16, 2011 #
Ohh, prismatic is very fetching. I absolutely love crafting with friends – PMQG all day sews are the best. And I love my weekly knit night too; sometimes I think “I don’t want to go out, it is cold and nasty outside” but I go anyway and always come back feeling refreshed.
Comment by anotheryarn— November 16, 2011 #
I have been a member of our local guild for probably 18 years but love our smaller splinter groups. There is a wealth of support and friendship there. The book looks great.
Comment by Tamie— November 16, 2011 #
I haven’t done any quilting groups YET, but I have a weekly gathering with my metalsmith studio friends. Most of us make jewelry using base metals, silver, or gold. We have a great time gossiping and gabbing about things we probably shouldn’t be discussing while we work. There is a group of 11 of us and all are females except for one guy. He is very tolerant and a good sport when we talk about female “issues” and the like. This group is pretty much my weekly mental therapy. Not only do I get to make beautiful jewelry/metal objects, but I get to socialize while doing so. You just can’t go wrong!
This looks like a great book! Can’t wait to see it in person.
Comment by Ali Coe— November 16, 2011 #
This looks like an awesome book. I wish I could give you an answer to your question however, I’m fairly new to quilting and haven’t had any experience in any type of quilting bees other than those I have seen mentioned online so far.
Comment by VickiT— November 16, 2011 #
Looks amazing! I just started quilting in January through a class offered through my town’s adult ed and it has been amazing! I have always made things but felt I needed help to start quilting. Am soo obsessed! And I love having the shared group to bounce ideas off of!
Comment by Keri— November 16, 2011 #
My favorite quilting time was with my mom, sister, grandmother and cousins. We were making a quilt for my grandmother’s bed. It was fun hanging out and working together.
Comment by Mindy— November 16, 2011 #
I’m so looking forward to getting a copy of this book. The quilts are amazing. I’ve been saving a jelly roll for just the right project! I met one of my best friends at a quilt class. We belong to several BOM programs and take classes together as well. Neither one of us like to take a class now without the other. hehe. Through classes I have met alot of great ladies that have become my good friends.
Thanks for the giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment by Jodi G.— November 16, 2011 #
I would love to be included to win this book! I have such a big scrap pile that I’d love to start at the front of the book and work my way through! It’s just the type book I could use! Thanks for the chance.
Comment by Deb— November 16, 2011 #
I started going to my local MQG meeting about 6 months ago. It’s a lot of fun and I get a lot of inspiration from my fellow quilters.
Comment by Margaret— November 16, 2011 #
As a student, during my summers, I worked as a camp counselor. One of my joys was the sewing class that I taught! We didn’t quilt but we completed lots of hand sewing projects! I loved sharing this skill of sewing with young girls!
Comment by Henria O.— November 16, 2011 #
I would love to read this book. I belong to a small quilting club, and it is really the only me time I have. Such a joy to spend time with other women who love doing what I enjoy doing.
Comment by Pam— November 17, 2011 #
my favorite crafting groups have all been around knitting… though I love quilting, I haven’t done much and haven’t been part of a group yet. My knitting chicks though, we meet at the pub and have a pint with our purls. I love them to bits!
hobart.the.owl(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment by Amy— November 17, 2011 #
It’s hard to come up with a favorite. I’ve had so many great experiences with my local guild. We just had a retreat where we worked on a mystery quilt designed by one of our members. It was so much fun. Now I just have to quilt it and give it to my daughter for Christmas!
Comment by Pat V.— November 17, 2011 #
I’m a member of the Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild. The MQG is such a great organization isn’t it!? You guys have so many talented members in Portland. And for online, I really enjoy the do.Good Stitches group. It’s so nice to get to do charity work and in nice small manageable doses!
Comment by Becky M— November 17, 2011 #
My favorite guild activity so far has to be a quilting retreat in the San Juan Islands. There was so much fun sewing plus lots of eating and shopping and story telling and walks on the beach. A perfect mix of all, plus so much more. I am looking forward to more of the same.
Thanks,
Betsy Pratt
Comment by betsypratt— November 17, 2011 #
My favorite crafty group activity was getting together every year to carve pumpkins for halloween with my college friends. Now that many of us have children, we are trying to get them in on the fun.
Comment by kelli— November 18, 2011 #
My favorite craft group activity is getting together with my fellow LA Church of Crafters who are an endless source of inspiration and terrific ideas. Whenever we meet (which is sadly a bit sporadic because of my crazy schedule), I get more and more confirmation that making things by hand is so vitally important in our increasingly hands-off world.
Comment by Brenda— November 18, 2011 #
My quilting “group” meets every Wednesday at my Aunt’s home– my sister, Mom, Aunts, cousins and friends just get together and sew (or not), and visit. We’ll occasionally go out to eat and always try to go any quilt show that is within driving distance. It’s a great way to stay in touch with loved ones and definitely creates a lasting bond… Thanks for the opportunity to win such a wonderful book!
Comment by Gwen Windham— November 18, 2011 #
It would be grand to win this book both for the great quilt patterns, but also for the tips. I’ve begun sewing blocks from blog quilt alongs, and participating in posting to flickr / making comments. It feels good when someone happens upon a block (or quilt finish) that have made and they send you a sweet comment. 3 aunts, and my mother and I, all quilt so we have lots to discuss and enjoy. As my mother and I live together, we have our mini quilting time together most days. Thanks for the giveaway – hope to win this book. I’m eyeing Garnet and Gold as a quilt to make for my sister (her college colors).
Comment by MarciaW— November 18, 2011 #
Unfortunately I have not had the experience of working with others on crafts, but I did recently teach two friends to knit and now I understand how much fun it is to have someone to talk to who enjoys the things you do. Hopefully this book will inspire them enough to let me teach them to sew!
Comment by jessica marie— November 19, 2011 #
My favorite experience that has to do with online quilt bees is every month I get to open my mail box to a new project.
Comment by Jenniffier— November 20, 2011 #
ohhh, this book is currently at the very top of my wish list. one of my favorite craft experiences was last year when 4 of us got together weekly and knit the same projects out of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac. It was so nice to see how different the same project could look and to be able to help each other through any tough spots.
Comment by Mims— November 20, 2011 #
I haven’t gotten much done this evening, as I stumbled upon Susan’s blog and have been reading it for hours. This book looks amazing as I love buying jelly rolls and the like. I recently joined the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild and I love it! I truly need to get busy making some modern quilts, I’m so old fashioned, I need to figure out how to work with vintage fabric and make modern designs. I’d love to receive a copy of this book!
Comment by chrissy ortman— November 20, 2011 #
My favorite was making a scrap bull’s eye quilt with several friends. We all sewed, cut, and exchanged quarter circles. I love the scrappiness of my quilt! Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment by Sallie— November 21, 2011 #