Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Giveaway: ‘Honor a maker’ Patchwork bag

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MayIsForMakers_2016It’s the end of May meaning the May Is For Makers campaign is coming to a close. Lindsey, at LR Stitched, wanted those of us who’ve made beautiful crafty things from a free online source, to show our appreciation by buying a pattern. Read more about the event at Purple Daisies Quilting. Her post made me think of all the free stuff links I like to share here at Craft Gossip.

To show my appreciation for these generous makers, I’m hosting a giveaway where I buy an e-pattern from a small business owner and give readers here a chance to win it. The maker is Chase of Quarter Inch Mark Etsy, and I’ll be buying her pattern for a Kin-Cha-Ku Patchwork bag.

Here’s what you need to do to get a chance to win the pattern (value $7.50 USD).

Leave a comment on this post and tell me if you have benefited from free online patterns and tutorials. And if so, tell me your favorite ‘make’.

International entries allowed. Note, the pattern is electronic only.

Deadline to enter this giveaway is 11:59 PM June 3, 2016, Central Standard Time. Good luck.

One more thing. If I get at least 50 entries I’ll select a second winner.

Good Luck!

Comments

  1. Yes, I have benefited from free patterns and tutorials! My current favorite is by Swoon: the Laney Hobo bag!

  2. Oh yes. Bonnie Hunters’ Allietare…so unexpectedly beautiful. And without Leah Day I would never have learned to FMQ!

  3. I am constantly getting free patterns from people like Bonnie Hunter, MaryQuilts, FaveQuilts all the Manufactures. I am making Dottie quilts form Moda right now.

  4. I have pinned and made many free online patterns, along with following lots of tutorials and giving them my own twist. The one pattern I’ve used over and over is a baby bib template and tutorial from So Sew Easy.

  5. I started sewing by using free craftsy classes to make a tote bag and draw string bag x
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

  6. Good Morning Scarlett! I have been following along with the May is for Makers by the blogs that I follow. It has been so wonderful to learn about new people and seeing so many buying items.

    I follow you by CraftGossip Newsletter and always am excited to see what you have to share and end up following new blogs and following a lot more of your links. I learn so much along the way.

    I follow a blog From My Carolina Home and Carole is sharing a Mystery Quilt again this year that I am participating in. Last year she did a Mystery Quilt that is my favorite pattern using scraps and the quilt resides on my bed.

    Thank You for all you do and share on this blog site. Have a fantastic creative day!

  8. My first quilt was a free pattern from All People Quilt dot com. Been hooked every since.

  9. I’ve used many “freebies” for my community sewing group. Would love to win since I can make these for our summer festival. Thanks for the giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

  10. Brenda,
    Thanks for the shout out and for sharing your other faves. I’m going to check out From My Carolina Home about this year’s mystery quilt. I wonder if you can join in any time during the year. If you happen to know Brenda, do tell all of us here at Craft Gossip. Have a fab day yourself! Happy creating.
    Warmest, Scarlett

  12. Unfortunately no. But I had fun looking at all the beautiful projects for May Makers.

  14. I have not have not explored online patterns yet but this seems like an amazing one to get started with! I’ll definitely try to get it even if I don’t win!

  15. I love online patterns! My favourite ones are from Colette…they have a beautiful tank top one. I have a few quilt patterns, but this one looks much more exciting.

  16. I have many patterns but have never used online ones. I’ve never made a quilt either, so it would be wonderful to start with this one

  17. Scarlett, In answer to your question….Yes, you can still join in with the Scrap Dance Tango Mystery Quilt that Carole is hosing from My Carolina Home. Although, the last clue will be posted on the 10th of June;

    Carole does leave up all of the links to the posts at least for one year. She still has the steps posted to make the Scrap Dance Quilt I made last year up for everyone to use still. I have never been one to do Mystery Quilts but found the link to Carole’s Blog and am a loyal follower!

    She also does other free projects throughout the year and shares fun and interesting information. I hope that you do go and see her sight. Have a fantastic creative day!

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.