Quilting

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Review and giveaway: A Grand Design

by

Grand Design Amber Stockton

 

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher to review. But as always, all opinions expressed here are 100 % my own, or those of my guest reviewer. 

I have a treat for you today. I asked fellow quilter, Cindy, to read A Grand Design and to share her thoughts about it with Craft Gossip readers. She quilts with the group, Kingdom Quilters, located in central Arkansas. She is a prolific quilter and reader, and like so many quilters, gives many away to charities.

Review: A Grand Design by Amber Stockton

This is a light, quick read for the weekend reader, for a plane ride or a vacation on the beach. It is a book that can be read by teenagers and adults alike, contains a few life lessons and makes you dream of a more innocent time. The main characters do come across as young teenagers at times, instead of young people moving into their 30s; however, the message shared crosses generations. The focus was on Alyssa and her return to her childhood vacation place and finding peace with events that took place in her past. The author was able to describe Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel is detail, allowing me to see myself on the veranda, riding in the horse-drawn carriage and walking on the beach feeling the sand squish between my toes. I picked up on a second storyline where Alyssa’s grandmother was a part of a quilting group when she was a young woman. Little tidbits of information about the relationships of the other women in the group left me trying to figure out why the group disbanded. Maybe a sequel is coming?

Thanks Cindy for another great review.

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of this book

The publishers have generously given me a copy of the book, A Grand Design, to give away to a lucky Craft Gossip reader. To get a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post and tell me you want a chance to win. That’s it.

Contest ends November 10, 2014. Only US and Canadian entrants are eligible due to shipping costs.

Comments

  7. Your description sounds so intriguing! I would LOVE to win this book, and I hope it does become the beginning of a long-running series! Thanks for the chance to win. <3

  14. I am so grateful for the chance to win “A Grand Design.” It sounds like a delightful read. Thanx for this opportunity.

  26. I would love to have ( win this book) I do Quilt but I’m having a little trouble starting back since Spring & Summer months. I need the inspiration to get me started back got many I would like to do and this just might be what gets me started back! Thanks

  27. WOW, I love quilting, along with all crafts, I would truly enjoy a copy of this book. Thank you for your offer, may you too be blessed.

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.