Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Two quilts same design decision

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Modern ChurnDash quilt Carla GraceThis crosses quilt made by Carla of Grace and Favour, and the one I found at Perfection Not Included called “Funky Wrench Quilt” provides me a way to show you new quilters out there, a basic design technique that quilters often use. Notice both quilts are block-based, with one block repeated throughout. Notice too, how each employs contrasting values (lights and darks) in the piecing and placement of each block.

I’ll show you. Look at the upper left corner of each quilt (row 1, column 1) to see block one. For the crosses quilt, this block boasts a dark background with a dark cross, but reverses the one next door, with a light background and a light cross. Next, peek at the first block of the wrenches quilt. You’ll see a white background with a darker wrench, with the next one reversed. Both quilters repeat this back and forth on all the rows, ensuring light and dark values are evenly distributed throughout the surface. Now you know.

Click the hyperlink to see more great photos of Carla’s Crosses quilt. An aside, but if I repeat my Best Photographed Quilts contest, hers is the first one I’ll nominate.

Image credits: {Grace and Favour and Perfection Not Included}

Comments

  1. Hello there. Someone brought to my attention that you had featured my quilt here. Thanks for your kind words. I’m happy with this quilt ; )

  2. I don’t want to come off as daft, but I only see one quilt in the post… where is the second quilt I am supposed to be comparing?

  3. Hi MacCupcake! Not a problem, all questions are welcome here. To see the comparison quilt, you have to click the hyperlink “Funky Wrench Quilt”. Now here’s my question to you. Did you have trouble seeing the hyperlink, since it’s not blue, but a pale gold? I’m thinking of changing the color, so I would love your thoughts. –Scarlett

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.