Patterns, patchworks and projects
Image from Eileen's Attic
Eileen of Eileen’s Attic blog made this adorable baby quilt top of elephants holding a flower with their trunks. So cute.
The block is an original design from Milk and Honey Quilts. Get the free block here.
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.
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:
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:
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.
If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.
The book leans heavily into:
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.
After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:
Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.
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.
Elephant block. Have stumbled at the first hurdle. Tried to piece I onto H. But I is 2.5 inches and the rectangle H is only 4.5. I can’t make them fit. Clearly I dont understand the principle behind this. Also when it says trim seam, is the left hand corner two material pieces thick or does H get trimmed right back as well?
If someoe could explain this I can get stuck in. I am a good seamstress but a novice quilter – but I thought they would all fit together easy peasy. Help!!!!!!!
this is a way of making triangles without having to cut the triangle. lay I at the lefter corner of H. sew your seam from the corner to corner of I starting with the bottom left of I and sewing to the top right corner of I. then you trim both I and H at a 1/4 inch and press seam. It should only be one layer. then lay another I square over the right end of H. this time sewing corner to corner of I square from the top left corner to the bottm right ocrner. this makes the triangle of the elephant head. /\ then trim this one and press the I back open. I hope this helps.
Loved loved loved this little quilt. Enjoyed piecing it and the entire process. I am new to quilting and this was a nice challenge. I will make it again. Thanks for being so generous to share this cute idea.
So glad you enjoyed making this pattern Cloey! Welcome to quilting. Scarlett