Quilting

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Review and giveaway: Tangle Stitches book

by

Tangle Stitches Jane Monk

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. 

Review: Step out with Tangle Stitches

Jane Monk is the teacher we all wish we had growing up, in that whatever the challenging subject, she would inspire us to master it. With her new book, Tangle Stitches: For Quilters and Fabric Artists, you’ll feel as if Jane is sitting down with you for a tutoring session on stitching. The premise of her book seems obvious after the fact: she combines Zentangle and needle and thread. Need a way to relax? Hand stitch some Zen. Always been afraid of free motion quilting (FMQ) on a domestic machine? No more with her expert guidance. Afraid to draw? She’s confident you can do it.

In the first part of the book she gives you tools you’ll need, techniques to be successful (such as ways longarm quilters can modify Zentangle for custom work) and patterns for practicing your new skill. The 41 tangle patterns include step outs, these are diagrams for achieving the Zentangle design. The second part of the book includes 10 projects you can stitch using the Zentangle patterns provided in section one. My favorite happens to also be on the front cover, “Pincushion With a Twist”, with instructions on page 71.

Quilters generally fall into 2 categories, those who get more joy from creating the tops and those where stitching is the supreme motivator. With this book, Jane may win the former into the fold of stitching heaven.

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of this book

The publishers have also given me a book to give away to a lucky Craft Gossip reader. To get a chance to win, leave a comment on this post and tell me the last time you drew something freehand as a creative endeavor and why. It’s okay if it was in grade school.

Contest ends October 4, 2014. Only US and Canadian entrants eligible due to shipping costs.

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Comments

  1. I actually picked up a Zentangle book from the library about three weeks ago and tried my hand at some little 3″ squares. They were rather soothing and a great size to doodle on with being overwhelmed by all that white space on a sheet of paper. Thank you for a great giveaway.

  2. I drew something freehand just before reading about this contest: a Zentangle-decorated envelope for a note I wrote to our son who is moving to a new city and a new chapter in his life.

  3. I draw something nearly every day. I’ve tried zentangle and it is calming. I’ve wanted to try it on my quilts, but haven’t yet. This could be the time! Thanks for a chance to win what looks like a very interesting book.

  4. Most of my drawing is “thinking on paper” to plan other projects and is usually of the quick and easy “Pictionary” variety where only I know what I have drawn. I am fascinated by Zentangle, though – and want to start.

  5. I love to piece tops, but have always been reserved when it comes to quilting. I’m a stich-in-the-ditch or crosshatch on straight lines person. This subject gives you the opportunity to produce some small free hand quilted projects. I’m definitely going to try this out and see if I can grow to larger projects.

  6. Having always been a stick figure artist, I’m intimidated by drawing and haven’t tried Zentangle yet. I am definitely one who prefers piecing tops but would like to “join the fold of stitching heaven.”

  7. I have been drawing free motion quilting designs. This would be a great book for giving me some additional ideas! Thanks for the review.

  8. I tried some Zentangle a couple of months ago. I watch videos of it and want to do more. It looks like a great book. I make a lot of baby quilts but never do any free motion quilting on them.

  10. Funny, I was just saying to my husband over the weekend that I couldn’t remember the last time I drew. I try to doodle free motion quilting designs whenever I have a chance but I am still learning on my machine.

  11. I usually draw my designs as a freehand sketch first. I do draw frequently. This book looks wonderful.

  13. Do knitting charts count? I’ve drawn them freehand so to speak. Otherwise it’d be some quilt squares I sketched once upon a time. : )

  14. I’ve done a little freehand drawing just this past week. I needed to come up with a figure to wood burn. I’ve done a little zentangling and quite a bit of doodling. 🙂

  15. This book looks fabulous and I’ve been searching for some stitching to do to relax after work. Thank you for the chance to win a copy! The last time I drew was just a few days ago. It was more of a doodle but relaxing none the less.

  17. Does doodling while on hold count as drawing? It can make interesting designs that I have often thought of turning into stitching.

  18. I draw patterns all the time to use as embroidery patterns for pillowcases or quilt blocks. I love embroidery, it is good for hand exercises and I get something beautiful in the end.

  19. Sadly, I am all pinkies when it comes to drawing. I’ve given up- my stick men have stick heads. But I enjoy quilt tops… I drew lopsided boxes when I planned a quilt from small panels.

  20. I drew a funny cat to embroidery on a book bag for my friend’s daughter’s birthday. And I am not an artist in any sense of the word. Would love to win the book. Thanks

  21. My last freehand drawing would have happened yesterday. Not that anyone would want to copy it though. I just love my own work but none of it would be worth publishing.

  22. My freehand drawing probably ended in kindergarten. I fall in to the piecing of quilt tops group. I live several months in a RV so Zentangle sounds interesting and do able with my life style.

  23. Its been a long while since I actually drew something completely freehand. Often, I find an image to use as a template, then add my own details freehand as needed.

    I love the idea of this book. Thanks for another great giveaway!!

  24. The last time I drew free hand was when I was making a pattern for dog and cat placemats. I have seen examples of zentangle but have not tried it myself yet. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

  26. I probably do more sketching and drawing than I actually realize! I have a journal right beside me and I’m regularly writing ideas, sketching quilt designs, or just doodling. This book would take me in a new direction and I’m always open to new ideas!!

  33. I’m an Engineer and don’t generally draw freehand. However I took a class on Surveying a couple years ago and had to sketch each layout – in a very small book!

  34. I like to draw freehand doodles, which I do often (or did before I had kids!) but it’s hard for me to “draw” anything more than that unless I am copying a picture.

  35. I teach free motion machine quilting classes and tell my students that one of the best ways to learn a quilting design is to draw it over and over again. I did just that about 6 hours ago today! Thanks for the giveaway! The book looks like one I could really use a lot!

  37. Haven’t managed to do with pen and paper. Maybe my sewing machine which works better for/with me might be the answer!

  38. I can’t honestly remember my last drawing, but my daughter loves art and draws almost daily.

  39. I had started zentangles when it first came out and loved. I am thrilled about this book and would so love to win this..I like to make my own patterns and design and know that this will inspire me to learn to do freemotion quilting.

  40. I draw out and color in my quilt patterns, a few years ago. Takes longer to make the quilt then the pattern.

  42. I drew freehand yesterday and almost every day. I always keep a sketchpad at my side especially when we travel. I make free motion “paintings” so I stitch freehand as well as draw. I would love to win this book.

  43. Hi, the last time I drew anything was back in the summer. A friend of mine asked me to draw a quilt square for her, so I designed a quilt block for her. She is making a quilt with squares from several friends. I am very happy she decided to use mine. Thanks for a chance to win.

  44. I love zen tangle and I love sewing. My last creative endeavor with a drawing was just yesterday.

  45. I drew some free hand sketches this summer of 2014. I am a teacher and made a wall hanging for my classroom “Coffee Shop.” Coffee cups in the cupboard was a fun Debbie Mum pattern that I will use for my students as we share our book projects each quarter. I decorate the classroom like a real coffee shop with table decorations and pictures hanging throughout the classroom. Students drink hot chocolate and have treats while sharing their books. I am working on creating an additional wall hanging that I drew free hand which will be the “Coffee Shop” sign which features our Coffee Shop. I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks!

  46. I’m afraid I do it all the time especially if I am bored.Any piece of paper will do.

  50. I’m always doodling…sometimes just in my head. The shower wall is also my doodle pad.

Have you read?

Quick Quilting Projects for the 4th of July

There is something wonderfully satisfying about a 4th of July quilt project that does not take over your entire sewing room, your dining table, and your sanity. I love a full-sized patriotic quilt as much as the next fabric-hoarding woman with “just one more fat quarter bundle” tucked away, but when the holiday is creeping up and the house needs a little red, white and blue cheer, quick quilting projects are the sweet spot.

These smaller patriotic quilting projects are perfect for using scraps, leftover jelly roll strips, fat quarters, and those little red and blue prints we all seem to buy with good intentions. A quilted placemat, table runner, mini quilt, or pillow can instantly make a porch chair, picnic table, guest room, or BBQ buffet feel festive without committing to a months-long project. And honestly, when the teenagers are hovering around the kitchen asking what’s for dinner while Aloo is underfoot giving me that “you dropped fabric, not food” look, I am all for a project that can be cut, stitched, and finished before the next load of washing starts yelling at me.

This roundup is all about quick 4th of July quilting projects with practical holiday decorating in mind. Think patriotic quilted placemats for burgers and lemonade, red white and blue table runners for summer entertaining, flag-inspired quilt blocks that can become pillows or wall hangings, and mini quilts that give you that handmade Americana feel without demanding a whole season of stitching.

Patriotic Quilted Placemats – Freemotion by the River
 These patriotic quilted placemats are exactly the sort of quick project that makes a 4th of July table feel intentional without going overboard. The finished placemat uses a star block with red and white strip piecing, and Connie’s tutorial includes fabric cutting details, piecing, quilting, and binding notes. They are practical enough for burgers on the deck but still pretty enough to use as handmade holiday table décor.

Patriotic Table Runner Tutorial – Mary Go Round Quilts
 This beginner-friendly patriotic table runner uses sawtooth stars and classic red, white and blue fabrics, making it a lovely centrepiece for a buffet, picnic table, or entryway console. The tutorial notes that it can be made in a day, which is exactly what we want when the holiday decorations have somehow been left until the last minute. I also like that the same idea can be adapted into placemats or even a wall hanging.

Stars & Stripes Pillow and Runner Tutorial – Diary of a Quilter
 This project gives you two quick patriotic quilting options in one: a 20-inch pillow or a 14 x 32-inch table runner. It uses two different quilt blocks and includes a printable PDF pattern, which makes it especially nice for quilters who prefer not to keep scrolling on a phone while sewing. The design has that cheerful summer porch feel and would look beautiful with slightly vintage reds and blues.

Simple American Flag Quilt Block Tutorial – Polka Dot Chair
 This free flag-inspired quilt block is a smart one to save because it can become so many things: a pillow front, a mini wall hanging, a table topper, or one block in a larger quilt. The block finishes at 14 x 20 inches and uses 2 1/2-inch strips, so it is a lovely way to use jelly roll leftovers or red, white and blue scraps. The designer also notes that it is inspired by the flag rather than being an exact replica, which gives makers a bit more creative breathing room.

Red, White & Blue Quilted Flag Pillow Patterns – Polka Dot Chair
 Quilted pillows are one of my favourite seasonal swaps because you can keep the insert and simply change the cover as the holidays roll around. These patriotic quilted pillow patterns include flag and star designs, and the article also suggests turning the larger pillow design into a table topper. It is a good option for a polished-looking 4th of July décor piece that still feels handmade and homey.

Patriotic Mini Quilt – The Seasoned Homemaker
 This 20 x 20-inch patriotic mini quilt is a sweet table topper or wall hanging with a sawtooth star and log-cabin-style strips. The tutorial walks through flying geese, adding borders, quilting, squaring up, and binding, so it is a nice skill-builder without becoming too large. I’d use this one on a small side table with a jug of flowers and call the holiday decorating done.

Fireworks Wall Quilt – AllPeopleQuilt
 This patriotic wall quilt has a finished size of 36 1/2 inches square, so it is larger than a mug rug but still very manageable compared with a full quilt. The starburst-style blocks give it a fireworks feel, making it especially suited to Independence Day decorating. It would be lovely hung in an entryway, over a mantel, or even folded over a porch bench for a handmade red, white and blue touch.

Ladybug Liberty Mini Quilt – SewCanShe
 This mini quilt is a playful patriotic project with stars, piecing, and appliqué, plus a charming ladybug feature in the centre. It is especially nice if you want something red, white and blue that is not strictly flag-themed. The post includes free templates and cutting details, making it a cheerful project for a sewing afternoon.

Patchwork US Flag Quilt Tutorial – Diary of a Quilter
 This patchwork flag quilt is a great scrap-buster and still fairly quick because it is based on simple squares. The finished quilt measures 36 x 48 inches, so it works beautifully as a wall hanging, porch quilt, or summer throw. I like this one for anyone who wants a bigger statement piece but still wants straightforward patchwork rather than fiddly piecing.

Simple Strip Quilt – Polka Dot Chair
 This simple strip quilt is not limited to the 4th of July, but it becomes instantly patriotic when made in red, white, and blue fabrics. It is a good beginner-friendly option because strip quilts come together quickly and let the fabric do most of the work. Make it with bold solids for a modern porch throw, or use tiny florals and ginghams for a softer farmhouse-style patriotic quilt.