Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

What’s inside your purse?

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Quilter's Purse Project Logo

Reveal to others the secret life of quilters by sharing what’s inside your purse through the Quilter’s Purse Project: 2015. If you are a quiltmaker, go grab your purse (if you are a guy grab your backpack) and dump out the contents. Remove anything embarrassing or identifying, then snap a photo of what’s inside. Pictured above is my purse, the one I carry every day. To get this project started, I’ll show you what’s inside mine. I normally carry a tape measure, but right now, you can see the only thing that marks me as a sewer is the fabric in a plastic baggie.

Contents Scarlett's Purse

If you want to participate in this project, and I hope you will, leave a comment on this post so I can contact you privately via email. Once I get your photo, I’ll pin it to my Pinterest board, Quilter’s Purse Project: 2015.

To give credit where it’s due, I was inspired to do this after learning about the Esse Purse Project, which is open to anyone who wears one. If you find yourself in the central Arkansas area, you’ll want to visit the Esse Purse Museum. Their permanent collection is informative, plus they have supplemental exhibitions throughout the year. I visited the museum with my sister and mother last spring, and they had a fabulous hat exhibit.

{images uploaded by editor, Scarlett Burroughs}

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.