Review: OLFA 5-inch applique scissors

I got some exciting mail from Carmen, a representative from OLFA, right before the holidays hit. Inside were these OLFA 5-inch Precision Appliqué Scissors shown here. She asked me to try them out and share what I thought about this new product on Quilting at Craft Gossip. I was only too happy to oblige. Then I put them aside and forgot about them, for a while.

Preoccupied with another gift that arrived about the same time (the Accuquilt GO! Baby cutter), I was busy cutting out little birdies, photo left, and circles. All this for a Christmas-themed mini quilt for my daughter. As you can see in the photos, some of the applique shapes need to be released after going through the cutter. I first grabbed some kitchen scissors I had handy. Medium-size, but heavy with a dull blade to boot. In a flash of frustration I dug out the OLFA applique scissors Carmen sent me and tore open the package like a dieter opens a pack of Hostess 100-calorie cupcakes!

My thoughts. If you’ve used OLFA cutting products before you know they are sharp and allow for precise cutting. Beyond this, I was pleased by a feature you do not get in many scissors, at least in my collection of small scissors like storks. They are comfortable. Notice they have over-sized handles. I spent many happy hours with the OLFA 5-inch Applique Scissors in hand, releasing shapes from the Go! Baby and arranging them on my design board. I grew bored, so scrapped this quilt idea.

I moved on to a tree I found at We Shall Sew via Pinterest, photo left. She quilted this and wrapped it around a canvas. My version would be a regular wall hanging, see my appliqued quilt top right. Now I just need to quilt this baby (by hand) before Christmas 2012.

All images are my own except Sew Happy Quilt’s Christmas Tree.

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.

Have you read?