Monday, 13 January 2014

Quilt Improv






 I can't tell you how excited I am it's my turn to play host to Lu's blog hop!

Lu's work is something that I have admired since I began quilting about 4 years ago and I'm priviledged that she is now also a very good friend 'in real life'! Her quilts truly make my heart sing, all that colour is just beautiful.

photo from Quilt Improv

photo from Quilt Improv

I've had Lu's book since it was released over the summer and it's just beautiful. The layout, diagrams and instructions are a breeze to follow, the whole thing is a visual treat which is great if you're a visual learner like me! I love how there are no exact measurements just approximations, it allows your creativity to flow rather than being hankered following a pattern exactly. The colour, font and instruction style are like no other quilting book I've seen, I was drawn in immediately and I have honestly spent hours with this book!

photo from Quilt Improv

I took Lu's improv class at the Fat Quarterly retreat in London over the summer which was a great place to begin to learn the techniques Lu uses to create her awesome quilts. The book has been invaluable in continuing this learning and I'm having great fun practicing!




 


The chevron and porthole blocks are 12" square finished and when I've added 2 more blocks I'll turn them into a nice big cushion for Hunter's bedroom which like the blocks I've made, is also a mix of solids and Lu's first fabric line for Moda - Summersville.

I really urge you to check out the other posts in the blog hop, there are interviews, book reviews and lots of great projects to see as well as more giveaway opportunities! Please head on over to the stitch craft create website where you'll find all the details. Trust me there are all sorts of awesome sewers and quilters taking part!

Now for the exciting part: F&W media the fabulous publishers behind Lu's book are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of this super book. Even better the giveaway is open to both UK and International readers, all you need to do is leave a comment below. Simples. I'll choose a winner via random.org on the evening of Wednesday 15th Jan 2014.

Good Luck!
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66 comments:

  1. Debbie13 January 2014 at 06:42

    Looks like fun, Justine. Looking forward to seeing your finished cushion.:) Thanks for joining the hop.

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  2. DeborahGun13 January 2014 at 07:26

    Looking forward to seeing your finished cushion too! Would love to win this book - I hate cutting fabric accurately so I think improvisation would be the way to go for me!

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  3. andri.13 January 2014 at 07:36

    I'm interested in that porthole block:D

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  4. Just Sew Sue13 January 2014 at 07:55

    I've recently made a chevron block with controlled strips, but I like the idea of doing it improv.

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  5. Louise @craftyguider13 January 2014 at 08:11

    Love the chevrons.

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  6. Pippa Parsons13 January 2014 at 08:33

    Ohhh I wish I'd taken Lu's class, I struggle so much with impro

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  7. PatG13 January 2014 at 08:36

    Big fan of improv quilting, prob suits my lack of self discipline! Would love a copy of this book!

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  8. whatkellyemakes13 January 2014 at 08:52

    What a fab giveaway! Love improv quilts. Look forward to seeing hunters cushion :-) x

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  9. Julie13 January 2014 at 08:55

    It is on my wishlist and I would really love a copy! I loved Lu's class in the summer. Happy New Year to you! Juliex

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  10. madscouser13 January 2014 at 09:21

    Looks like a great book with loads of fun techniques to try! 😃

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  11. Marly13 January 2014 at 09:35

    Your porthole block looks great. I love what I've seen so far of this book. One way or another I will own a copy! Thanks for the chance to win one.

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  12. Kay13 January 2014 at 09:41

    I really like the chevron block. Improv looks like a great way to use up a lot of scraps too.

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  13. SewLittleToSay13 January 2014 at 11:23

    This could be just the sort of quilting for days when scant or exact 1/4" seams are the last thing you want to sew.

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  14. Roberta13 January 2014 at 12:21

    I would love to have a look at this book, I love the explosion of colour in Lu's work

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  15. Joyce13 January 2014 at 13:04

    I'm someone who tends to use the same colors over and over....I guess I need to branch out, because these blocks are just beautiful!

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  16. Annah13 January 2014 at 13:16

    I love this more relaxed attitude to sewing and the colours - wow! Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  17. Amy's Crafty Shenanigans13 January 2014 at 13:31

    You have channeled your inner Lu - well done you!!!

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  18. MrsB13 January 2014 at 13:43

    I am dying to get my hands on this book. I normally make clothes (and bags) but have been bitten by the quilt bug - I guess that means ever more fabric will be sneaked into the house!!

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  19. ElaineRM13 January 2014 at 13:56

    Really like to have this book;have always admired Lu's fabrics and work. Elaine.

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  20. memmens13 January 2014 at 14:09

    Great blocks, I think if I tried improv I spend hours planning which surely defeats the point, maybe the book would help!

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  21. Shelley13 January 2014 at 14:23

    I just got an in-person look at this great book yesterday when a friend showed me her copy. It's fabulous, and I'd love to have my own copy! Thanks!!

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  22. Anonymous13 January 2014 at 14:32

    Ivana
    Thank you for this chance, book looks fab!
    ivana.tvrdonova@post.cz

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  23. Cindy13 January 2014 at 15:14

    Looks like such a GREAT book! I love this kind of quilting! Thanks!:)

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  24. snophiejo13 January 2014 at 15:27

    An invigorating splash of colour on this grey and torrential rainy day! I too, would love to spend hours with this book, it looks amazing.

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  25. Gill13 January 2014 at 16:12

    This looks a fabulous book - I love Lu's work!

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  26. Helen in the UK13 January 2014 at 16:15

    Loving your Chevron fabrics - so bright and cheerful! Would love to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this fab looking book :)

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  27. Anonymous13 January 2014 at 16:20

    Lu's quilts are so beautiful and the colors are so fun! It would be wonderful to win a copy of the book.Thanks for offering it!

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  28. S Staum13 January 2014 at 16:20

    Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book! Improv piecing is my favorite and who better to learn from than Lucie Summers!

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    Replies
    1. Justine24 January 2014 at 15:10

      Congratulations you're the winner! Please email your postal address to justine-mullins (at) sky (dot) com

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  29. dream quilt create13 January 2014 at 16:23

    I love your post! I really want to get a copy if Lu's book :)

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  30. Vicki H13 January 2014 at 16:54

    Thanks for the chance to win the book. You have a great start on Hunter's cushion.

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  31. Cheryl in Friendsville13 January 2014 at 17:44

    Your chevrons and portholes look great. Thanks for the chance to win - that book looks like something I would adore!

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  32. Wendy13 January 2014 at 18:27

    thanks for the chance to win. I love Lu's style and the book looks fab

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  33. Stephanie - My Calico Heart13 January 2014 at 18:57

    This book has been in my wish list as soon as I saw it! Thanks for the chance to win it x

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  34. jean13 January 2014 at 19:13

    I'm off to see more of your blog, I don't think I've been here before.

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  35. Deborah13 January 2014 at 19:21

    This book looks fab! Great to see your experimentation!

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  36. Catherine13 January 2014 at 20:33

    Thanks for the chance to win this. I need inspiration to help me on my quilting journey

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  37. Tennjenny13 January 2014 at 20:35

    I've been entering all over -- I want this book! Thanks so much for the chance!

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  38. Unknown13 January 2014 at 20:43

    Thanks for the chance to win this book- it looks fabulous!

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  39. Gertie Pye13 January 2014 at 21:07

    Lu's table at the FQ Retreat looked like a lot of fun (more giggling as sewing definitely!) and I was sad I didn't get that class! However the book looks great - think it will be going on my Amazon list x

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  40. cynthia14 January 2014 at 00:15

    The book is at the top of my wish list!

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  41. Anonymous14 January 2014 at 00:19

    So much color, fun and whimsy!

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  42. pinsandneedles14 January 2014 at 01:09

    Every time I see another review about this book it makes me want it more! Love the illustrations!

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  43. Anonymous14 January 2014 at 01:50

    This blog hop has been fun. The book is going to belong to me even if I have to beg for it as a birthday present. Haha

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  44. Jo14 January 2014 at 02:03

    I just love those port hole blocks

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  45. Mom C14 January 2014 at 02:42

    Lu's squares look like my stash busters! So fun. Thanks.

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  46. Anonymous14 January 2014 at 03:21

    I just finished Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt, Celtic Solstice and fought with getting the points on the chevrons just right. The ones you did don't have points that match!!! My kind of chevrons! Thank you so much!

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  47. kitty031314 January 2014 at 03:41

    I am new to quilting and *love* the creative approach of Improv. It would be great to have an insight into the concrete ideas that underpin Lucie's block variations though: in short, I would love to win the book! Many thanks to you and the publishers for the opportunity....

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  48. Pamela14 January 2014 at 04:17

    What a beautiful book! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  49. Denny160014 January 2014 at 05:03

    This book looks like so much fun!

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  50. craftyccain14 January 2014 at 07:32

    What a wonderful way to use stash! :)
    craftyccain@gmail.com

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  51. sandrarumsey14 January 2014 at 09:40

    As a new quilter this great giveaway would fill my needs!

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  52. charlotte l14 January 2014 at 12:27

    What a cool looking book. Just my style. Thanks.

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  53. Will Cook for Shoes14 January 2014 at 12:41

    This looks like a great book! And I can't wait to see your pillow when it's done!
    tgallop@mts.net
    www.willcookforshoes.ca

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  54. Saira p14 January 2014 at 13:24

    Love this book, thanks for the chance

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  55. salamanda14 January 2014 at 15:01

    This book is on my wish list. I also want to try portholes and chevrons.

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  56. Barbara14 January 2014 at 17:06

    Looks like a fantastic book!

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  57. Jacklynn Grimm14 January 2014 at 18:30

    Thanks for showing the picture of your chevron block on your machine - I think I could do that! Thanks for the book give away! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com

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  58. RoseyToesRose14 January 2014 at 18:35

    Those blocks look great, particularly the chevron block. Love the bright colours :-)

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  59. kimberlier14 January 2014 at 19:05

    I'm really excited about this book! I love the playfulness of improv quilting! Thanks for introducing me to the book.

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  60. Tamie15 January 2014 at 00:59

    This looks like such a cool book. It would make a great addition to my library. Thanks for sharing.

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  61. Catrin Lewis15 January 2014 at 08:11

    One day I will make a porthole!

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  62. Indianna15 January 2014 at 22:07

    I love the idea of combining improv with portholes, a great combination.

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  63. Mara15 January 2014 at 22:11

    I need to learn to do a little improv quilting.

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  64. valerie boudier17 January 2014 at 14:42

    Book looks very interesting

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  65. Lisa17 January 2014 at 17:59

    Oh please enter me in, I would love to have this book!

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Well hello and thanks so much for commenting! It's lovely to hear from you, Justine xx

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