Patterns, patchworks and projects
Image from Sewn
Passionate quilter Sarah Fielke of Sewn online shows us how to do free-form curved piecing. She says, Take a walk on the wild side and cut with no templates for an unexpected result. Gulp.
If you are game for an adventure go here for the tutorial.
[tags]quilting, tutorial, freehand, free-form, curves, piecing, technique[/tags]
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.
The tutorial instructs you to use a rotary cutter.
I’ve done a bit of this, and trust me, scissors are much easier for cutting curves.
Michele,
Thanks for the tip! I’ve tried free hand cutting with my rotary cutter one time and I was pleased with the results, but results are bound to be variable doing it this way.
Actually, I thought this was really helpful, and what a rotary cutter ensures is that the curves are gentle, much easier to sew that way. Thanks for the tips!
The thing about the cutter is that using it to cut through the 2 or more layers at the same time, you are cutting EXACTLY MATCHING EDGES and the rest is a breeze. to say nothing over saving the time it would take to cut them individually with scissors! take the tutorial – it is outstanding – thanks Sarah.