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!

66 comments:

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm interested in that porthole block:D

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. Louise @craftyguider13 January 2014 at 08:11

    Love the chevrons.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. You have channeled your inner Lu - well done you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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!!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. 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!!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  28. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  35. This book looks fab! Great to see your experimentation!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  39. 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

    ReplyDelete
  40. The book is at the top of my wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  41. So much color, fun and whimsy!

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. 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

    ReplyDelete
  44. I just love those port hole blocks

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  47. 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....

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

    ReplyDelete
  49. This book looks like so much fun!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  53. 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

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love this book, thanks for the chance

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. Looks like a fantastic book!

    ReplyDelete
  57. 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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  61. One day I will make a porthole!

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. I need to learn to do a little improv quilting.

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

    ReplyDelete

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

 
Blogging tips