Do you know Diane Knott from Butterfly Threads blog? Well, now she is also Diane Knott, author of the new book called Scrap Quilt Secrets! I've always liked Diane's blog - she posts lots of fun stuff, among my favorite are her 10-minute-tip posts. When Diane asked if I would be interested in reviewing her new book, I of course, said YES! And, I'm not sorry for doing it - you really need to check it out. What I love most about it is that it is good for everyone. All quilters, whether they be newbies or have been quilting for years - there really is something for absolutely everyone. I love that there are some easy quilts, some with curved piecing, paper piecing, applique - you name it - it's covered!
The book starts with Diane giving you some things to think about when you are starting a new quilt and then she introduces you to a great SCRAP system. I have heard a lot of people say that they just like to buy kits, because they can't choose fabrics that end up all looking great together in a quilt. Kits are nice for that very reason - but really...everyone can choose fabrics that will play nicely together. Diane gives you terrific tips on doing just that.
And then it's on to all of the quilts! I've been trying for weeks to pick a favorite, and I can't do it. Some days this one is my favorite - it's just so striking. It looks really difficult, but in the book there are tons of tips about how to make the arcs and step-by-step instructions on curved piecing. She also gives instructions for more than one way to piece it. So cool!
Some days Windblown Wishes is my favorite
And another thing that is so fun about Diane's new book? She included blank quilt diagrams of all the quilts in the book. You can copy these and sit down with your crayons or markers and play with different color placement to really make these quilts your own.
Trust me...you really will love Diane's new book and you can enter right here to win a copy of Scrap Quilt Secrets. Oh, and if that's not enough, you can also go to all of the other blogs that are included in the hop and sign up to win there! Make sure to check them all out...
3/21 C&T Blog
3/22 Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville
3/23 Lori at Humble Quilts
3/25 Audrey at Quiltyfolk
3/26 Pat Sloan at Pat Sloan
3/27 Valerie at Val's Quilting Studio
If you want to enter to win, just leave me a comment below and tell me if you like to buy kits or if you make your own fabric choices. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU ARE A NO-REPLY BLOGGER THAT YOU INCLUDE YOUR E-MAILL ADDRESS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT BE INCLUDED!!! SO FAR ALMOST HALF OF THE ENTRIES ARE "NO-REPLY". I will draw a name on April 6th and C&T Publishing will mail your book to you.
Have a fun April Fool's Day!
Have a fun April Fool's Day!
Great give away. Loved your jewelry at the Dallas Quilt Show
ReplyDeleteI love this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteScrap quilts are my favorite! The books looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThese quilts are awesome. The SCRAPS system sounds like great advice.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy of this book. Windblown wishes looks like a winner. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, the red used Pulls it all together. Hope I win so I can make it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing in this giveaway. Love your jewelry.
ReplyDeleteNever bought a kit. I like to choose my fabrics.
ReplyDeleteLove scrap quilts, love it that my quilt looks totally different than others made from the same pattern. Rarely buy a kit. This book looks fabulous!! Love it that it has blank diagrams for picking your colors. Thanks. Diane O
ReplyDeleteI usually make my own fabric choices but have bought plenty of kits too. If they have the perfect fabrics already, I think that's great.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilts in Diane's book. I most often shop from my fabric collection. I love making scrappy quilts.
ReplyDeleteI really like scrap quilts and have made several. Picking out the fabric is part of the fun. I do not buy kits.
ReplyDeleteDiane's color choices are wonderful! The more I hop around (LOL) the more I love this book. I typically pick my own fabrics - it is my favorite part of quilting... so no kits for me!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to make my own fabric choices. Scrappy quilts or quilts with some scrappy elements are my favourites! My theory is that a quilt calling for a blue fabric is much better with 100+ blue fabrics!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book for those of us who are intimidated by choosing colors!
ReplyDeleteLast year I bought a kit for the first time. (quilter of 10 years) I like it but I know that I will add a few more fabrics in there from my stash because: I love scraps; I love to make it my own; I love the element of surprise. If a quilt looks exactly like the picture, where's the fun? lol. Thanks for the chance to win. ;^) Chantal
ReplyDeletescrap(dot)and(dot)quilts via gmail(dot)com
I like to choose my own fabrics and I love scrap quilting. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletecottonboll8503@att.net
If I found a kit that was just the perfect blend of pattern and fabrics and price, I'd buy one. I really like when a fabric collection is shown with pattern suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI have never bought a kit before! Lot's of FQ bundles! Even though I agonize over picking fabrics for projects...thats what I do!
ReplyDeleteLove scraps!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE to by already made kits! Scrap quilts are my favorite type of quilt, the smaller the pieces, the better.
ReplyDeleteI love to pick my own fabrics. I have been quilting long before kits, pre-cuts and a line of fabric that all go together. Choosing my fabrics is one of my favorite parts of making quilts.
ReplyDeleteI generally like to choose my own fabric. I would live to win this book!
ReplyDeleteKaren Carpenter
fkmsc@comcast.net
I do both! I love kits for the convenience, but I'm also a fabriholic who can't resist buying more fabric. I think playing with fabric is one of my favorite things about quilting! Thanks for inviting us in!
ReplyDeleteMost of the time I choose my own fabrics but the last couple of quilt shows I attended, I bought a kit. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this book. It looks to be a great resource.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have seen reviews for this book on a couple of other blogs, but thinking I didn't need another book, I didn't enter. Well, you wrote a great review and you convinced me I want this book!
ReplyDeleteI have only purchased kits for two reasons--when required by a teacher for a class (Kim Diehl and Lisa Bongean), and when something I really liked was on a clearance sale that was too good a deal to pass up!
I am really loving this blog tour because this book looks fabulous!!!!
ReplyDeleteI usually enjoy choosing my own fabrics, especially for scrappy quilts....the more variety, the better. But, every once is a while, a kitted up set of fabrics just pulls at the heartstrings.
Gunterheather(at)yahoo(.)com
I usually fabric pick my own fabric, but have bought a couple of kits. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
ReplyDeleteI only buy kits that are on sale and use the fabric for other projects--I have to do my own thing!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love kits for the convenience, I do love going through my stash to find that certain fabric to make my quilt "just right". Kits are fabulous when I don't want to fret over fabric choices and just get down to sewing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win "Scrap Quilt Secrets, I love scrap quilts!,
I've received a couple of small quilt kits as presents. Otherwise, I "design" my own and use my scraps or buy new fabric for that project.
ReplyDeleteI rarely buy kits. Most of the time I use my own fabric choices.
ReplyDeleteI have never bought a quilt kit....The most fun I have is picking the colors for a quilt and the other most fun part is binding it cause its done!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, i prefer to choose my own fabrics ! Let's speak our creativity !
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when I liked to buy kits (and I still do occasionally), but by far, I love digging in my many, many scraps (some left from kits :-) ).
ReplyDeletequiltschon@att.net
I love to buy kits but do have a stash of fabrics to create from also.
ReplyDeleteI generally pick my own, but do buy kits sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI lovemaking my own fabric choices....I rarely buy a kit unless I really love the fabric and can't get it as yardage. BTW, your jewelry is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI've never bought a kit. I know if I did there would be something I would want to change. I'm a scrap quilter and I know I could learn a lot from Diane's book. Thanks for participating in the blog hop.
ReplyDelete--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)
Love kits. Agonize over fabric choices for days. With kits I can just sit down & stitch!
ReplyDeleteBoth. I buy kits because I am tempted, but making them is ultimately a little disappointing, because all I've done is duplicate a quilt. I tend to use kits for quilts that I'm going to gift--the recipient loves a designer quilt. But in a quilt for myself, I need to make my own choices, beautiful or not! dorkyquilts@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI like making my own fabric choices. pattynubs at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI occasionally buy a kit if I am really drawn to the colors and I also put together my own fabrics...justifying my stash!! This book looks so interesting, hope I win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI like to choose fabrics myself for my quilting projects, I have never bought a kit. I enjoy putting fabrics together and I don*t want my quilt to look exactly like someone elses quilt! tkmattson@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like to make my own fabric choices. They make my quilting unique. :) Loving all the good reviews on Diane's book!
ReplyDeleteI like to make my own fabric choices, that way it adds a personal touch, and is not identical to someone else's.
ReplyDeleteAs a newbie I have made my own fabric choices, but some I was not real pleased with the results.
ReplyDeleteUsually I make my own fabric choices, but once in a while I will see a kit that is perfect. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Diane's book.
ReplyDeleteGreat give away!!! I love making my own fabric choices rather then buying a kit. my email is katbsunshine24@att.net
ReplyDeleteI usually choose my own fabrics but of late a couple of quilt kits have called my name and I actually enjoyed NOT having to make any decisions and knowing the finished product would be something beautiful was kind of freeing.
ReplyDeleteHI,I like to choose my own fabric combos usually! Once in a while a kit is just what you want! Thanks for your Blog+the neat book giveaway! msstitcher1214@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteStarting out, I went the way of the kits, as I had a hard time deciding on fabrics, so I relied on others to make the choices for me. But now, I'm into scrap quilts big time and love all the yummy fabrics and memories that go into them. Such fun quilts. Thanks for the giveaway. Deb spoofs@juno.com
ReplyDeleteYour jewelry is stunning! I came to visit from Diane's site. I prefer to choose my own fabric.
ReplyDeleteI loved kits when I first started quilting and still like them when I have a short deadline. However, I am getting more attracted to scrap quilts and have been sorting my scraps into usable sizes. I like pulling together a project from my stash, too.
ReplyDeleteI love kits when I need something fast for a present for someone, then I don't have to think so much. But when I'm really feeling creative, I love playing with and picking out my own fabrics. So just depends!
ReplyDeletejenniferk2p2 at gmail dot com
I have bought some kits but generally prefer to choose my own fabrics. This looks like a great book! Thank you for taking part in the giveaway. emcmille65@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have never purchased a kit but have chosen my own fabrics, so I understand the fear of choosing ones that will play well. This book looks to be a great help and confidence builder. Thanks for the chance to win one! I don't understand the directions about being a no reply person, so I'll include my email. Thanks again!
ReplyDeletebella.harriger@yahoo.com
I like to pick out my own fabrics for a pattern I buy. Most times I do not like the fabrics that are in the kits.
ReplyDeleteI like to pick my own fabrics. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI do not buy kits unless I happen to particularly like the fabrics and it's a good buy. I like to design my own and pick fabrics myself.
ReplyDeleteI pick my own fabrics as I am trying to use up scraps and pieces that I already have.
ReplyDeletejoyecox@yahoo.com
I can only remember buying one kit - I usually pick out what I want to make and then see if I have fabric in my stash that will work. If I don't, the next step is to try to get fabric on sale. When I lived in Texas there was a CW reproduction store that always had a lot of fabric at 50% off, but I live in Oregon now and I haven't found bargains as good here.
ReplyDeleteI've never bought a kit although I've taken a few classes where they provide the fabric, so I guess it's like using a kit. I much prefer to pick my own fabric.
ReplyDeleteI like to pick my own fabrics. I have bought a few kits but not to make the project as intended -- usually it's just because I like the fabrics! Craftsy sometimes has great deals on kits.
ReplyDeleteI like to do block of the month but I have purchased kits and picked my own. Love your jewelry. Dora at ladyhawk201@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like to pick my own fabrics and design my own version of a pattern. Having said that, I often find my scrap quilts looking too disparate so I am always looking at other peoples successes to see what makes theirs work. Would love to read the suggestions on choosing scraps to make it work well together. MBBAKER35@YAHOO.COM
ReplyDeleteI always choose my own fabric. I've never bought a kit. chocolatewiskers@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have bought kits, but not yet made one... I like to make my own choices in fabric. And I love scrapquilts. sandrarobben@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have bought a couple of kits, however, I prefer to select my own fabrics. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteI make my own fabric choices......... happyness04431@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI can think of only one kit that I have bought and it was really a block of the month. I really like choosing my own fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI love kits and I buy them quite often. I usually have lots of scraps left over.
ReplyDeleteI've bought very few kits through the years (always on sale). I have so much fabric in my stash that I need to use that, rather than paying for someone else to choose and cut fabric for me. Thanks for reviewing the book, Julie.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started quilting I bought kits and still have some that I haven't started! Now I prefer to pick my own colors and make a quilt my own. It is difficult, however, as usually the pattern maker has made what seems to be the best selections of colors and fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI have only made one Kit...usually just pick my own fabrics, Save all my scraps...and share with my 2 quilty Daughter's! lol Always fun to use scraps from each other & remember what was used before in such & such! Lots of fun...& giggles! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your Jewlery by the way! Sooooo cool!
I love fabric so I like to buy kits and then make fabric changes.
ReplyDeleteI do both. I find kits very convenient because there are so few LQS near me. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally buy a kit if it is a "TO DIE FOR" pattern or fabric combo but for the most part I prefer to make my own fabric choices. Your teeny tiny fabric jewelry is gorgeous and your eyesight must be amazing!
ReplyDeleteI like to make my own fabrics choices, I don't want a quilt that looks just like someone else's. Julie, your jewelry is incredible!
ReplyDeleteI never buy kits since I enjoy making my own color choices.Greetings
ReplyDeleteaubphg (at) hotmail (dot) com
I like to make my own fabric choices. But I have bought a few kits and they are in the stash unused....
ReplyDeleteNo kits for me, cutting up scraps is the best!
ReplyDeletejean
jlickun@aol.com
When I started out, I preferred kits. I didn't have a stash, nor the confidence to select fabrics - Now, I have a stash and scraps. I much prefer playing with my own selections.
ReplyDeleteScraps are my favorite type of quilt....the more fabrics, the merrier.
ReplyDeleteI don't like kits; the limited fabric does not allow for a mistake, and trust me, I make mistakes!
ReplyDeleteI love the ease of kits but I really prefer to mix and match from my own stash!
ReplyDeleteI buy kits every once in a while if it’s of fabrics I don’t usually purchase but mostly I make my own fabric choices. Diane’s book looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI do not buy kits. I much rather make my own fabric choices. Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous book. Really like your jewelry.
ReplyDeletelbcookie1@gmail.com
I do my own fabric choices...how else to justify the stash! Thanks for the chance--the quilts look lovely.
ReplyDeletemake my own or the person i am making for's choices's... bewtjwatgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI buy lots of fabric and I also buy kits and pre-cuts. In the past 5 years, I've used more kits for quilts, I would have to say. It's all there, ready to go. No agonizing over the fabric/color choices. I think I've just discovered that I'm basically lazy and just want to get to the sewing business. I fuss too much with my selections and tend to pull half of the fabrics off the shelves to find the perfect ones. Then, I have to put them all back. That's not the fun part!! mgailey623@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI choose my own fabrics as well as buy kits. Choosing my own fabrics makes a quilt 100% mine while buying a kit insures I don't have to worry about the selections and just get to the sewing. Rina
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewith plenty of stash, like to shop my own store, if you know what I mean....gracemth@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThere is so much lovely fabric about, I enjoy mixing and matching my own combinations!
ReplyDeleteNo kits for me. I like to make my own fabric choices, the scrappier the better.
ReplyDeleteI like to do both! I select the fabric for the majority of my quilt, but I love using a kit now and then. Sometimes I just want to make and not have to think so much about it.
ReplyDeleteI like kits. Choosing fabrics is stressful to me. That said, I am doing better at controlled scrappy quilts. Slow progress but I'll take it. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway. It looks like just the type of book I need.
ReplyDeleteDoes look like it would be difficult to pick a favorite.
ReplyDeleteSo far I just buy fabric, when I see the kits they seem so matchy - and expensive. But the my worst weakness in quilting is the picking of good colors and fabrics.
Thanks for the chance.
I have never bought a kit--I love buying fabric though. rgbeasley@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love to buy fabric!!
ReplyDeleteI've also bought some fun kits.
I love to buy fabric!!
ReplyDeleteI've also bought some fun kits.
I prefer to make my own fabric choices although sometimes it seems overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteDon't think I have ever bought a kit. Try to work from my stash.
ReplyDeleteI always look for kits, but they are never quite right for me. So I generally pick my own fabrics for scrappy quilts- my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI pick my own fabrics. I don't like cookie cutter feel in anything I do. I like to make mine version of patterns unique for me.
ReplyDeleteI rarely buy kits because for some reason I have a tendency to never make the project! I've used the fabric from a BOM to make my own pattern when it turned out that I was not a fan of the mystery blocks. I won't do a mystery again even though I know for some they are popular. Your jewelry is beautiful, thank you for this contest, I have been following along but this is my first comment to win the book, it looks wonderful. I am including my email because I am not a blogger. befarwell at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteBeth F.
I always choose my own fabrics. I have quite a stash.....I cut up old clothes to add to fabric purchases. It can get out of hand. My best solution is to stay out of quilt shops....but that requires a lot of discipline. It would be easier if I didn't love fabric so much! I have never bought a kit, but I have to admit, some of them are really enticing! So excited to hear Diane has included drawings of her quilts for us to color! I have ALWAYS wished someone would do this... Jspwarren at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteI choose my own fabrics, every time. I have a huge stash, both yardage and scraps, and I'm not making much of a dent in it! And the scraps just keep multiplying.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this book. It looks like Diane has come up with a very workable system. I'm kind of tired of all my scrap quilts being of the "kitchen sink" variety.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
I choose my own fabrics. I do sometimes buy kits, but I've never made the pattern that goes with the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI've bought a few kits, but mainly I pick out my own fabric. it may take a few years to get all the fabric for a quilt, but that's half the fun! :-) Thanks for hosting on this blog hop! :-)
ReplyDeleteI like to pick out my own fabrics but sometimes a kit just speaks to me and I have to take it home!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought a kit before, but I should since narrowing down fabrics is often the hardest part for me!
ReplyDeleteI definitely like picking my own fabric.
ReplyDeleteDmac5958ataoldotcom
I haven't bought a kit yet. I choose my own fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI tend to use pre cut fabric bundles. Thanks for the giveaway. X
ReplyDeleteIain.ross30 at gmail dot com
I usually pick my own but if I see a great bundle I will buy it. I like the coordinated color sets.
ReplyDeleteI like kits, but also like my own fabric. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThere is always at least one fabric in a kit that I don't like, so I prefer to make my own choices. That's why scrap quilting is for me!
ReplyDeleteI've only bought one kit . I like to choose my own fabrics for quilts and for stash!
ReplyDeleteI love your dots but I have a stainless steel fridge & nothing sticks to it. I really like your blog!
ReplyDeletekatylillie@gmail.com