Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Author interview | Ruth McHaney Danner

by

Book Making A World of Difference Ruth DannerSewists who make quilts in service to others is the subject of Ruth McHaney Danner’s latest book, Making a World of Difference One Quilt At A Time. You may know her from her popular book, What I Learned from God While Quilting, which I read and enjoyed. Look at the photo cover, of a little one reaching for a quilt at the top of the stack. It drew me in like a warm fire on a cold day.

Let’s get some business done.

Disclaimer: Though I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, New Word Library, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Now, back to the good stuff. I want you to meet Ruth, and you can; just click on interview, A Talk with Ruth McHaney, by Monique Muhlenkamp. Afterwards, I think you’ll want to read her stories. I had no idea the scope of charities quilters engage in, and from all over the globe. Each chapter has a ‘Binding Stitch’ closure, giving contact information for relevant charities. In a world that is often bleak, her book is a beacon of good will and inspiration.

Stay tuned for a future post, where I will be giving away my review copy of this refreshing book to a lucky Craft Gossip reader. You can find Making a World of Difference One Quilt at a Time: Inspiring Stories about Quilters & How They Have Touched Lives here.

 

Comments

  1. I love quilting and am so excited that I have the opportunity to donate quilts too many good causes. Thanks for sharing this book, Scarlett. Definitely one I will add to my collection.

  3. My favorite thing to do is quilt, my next favorite is to read. What better thing to read about quilting. I donate to the Chapman House in Homestead, FL. They can use all sorts of things.

Have you read?

Book Review- Scrappiness Is Happiness – Inside The Book

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

  • dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
     • scrappy quilt layouts
     • projects designed for leftover fabrics
     • Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

  • scrap quilts
     • sampler quilts
     • block-of-the-month style projects
     • mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

  • bright cheerful fabrics
     • vintage-inspired colour palettes
     • classic patchwork shapes
     • fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

  • quilters who love scrap quilting
     • anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
     • makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
     • quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.