So
often, I am asked what inspired me to write, Go, Big, Go Bold. The answer is
simple: To quickly teach others what took me years to learn; how to make great,
sizable, quilted projects within days as opposed to within months or years. Case
in point is the Big Pennant Quilt, just one of the 10 patterns included within
the book.
This
45’’ x 60’’ lap quilt can easily be made in a weekend or even in a day if you have
your nose to the grindstone. The secret? The top is made with just 14 pieces!
Just 14 pieces and I dare say that this quilt has just as much color, interest,
impact and warmth as a 140 piece quilt top. By quilting standards, making a
quilt from start to finish in a single weekend is instant gratification, but
the journey that got me to this point was anything but quick and easy.
I’ve
been a quilter for many years, so many that I am not even sure when it all
started. I have some fabrics in my stash that I can date back to 1982 so let’s call
it 30+ years. Sadly, I can also say that during this time, I have started, and
abandoned more projects than I care to admit. Why? Here’s a short list of the reasons:
- Short Attention Span - I have the attention span of a common house fly. Call it inability to concentrate, lack of stamina, immaturity, call it whatever you like, the result is the same. I quickly lose interest in my project of the moment and if I do not bring it to a swift conclusion, something shinier and more interesting will walk by and lead me to reckless abandon. I know that this is not a unique condition to me. Do a Google search for ‘’UFOs’’ (UnFinished Objects) and you’ll see plenty of scientific evidence of their existence.
- Unexpected Result - Sometimes, a project just doesn’t seem to be going in the direction that it was intended. Maybe the fabrics aren’t blending as anticipated or perhaps a lack of contrast is making a pattern disappear. Whatever the reason, it is no fun spending good time after bad, working for hours and hours on something that is no longer appealing. For me, no fun equals ‘’let’s start something new!’'
- Modern Lifestyle - Let’s face it. Our modern lifestyles are chock full of activities; work, chores, holidays, vacations, family issues and appointments, just to name a few. Often, obligations necessitate putting aside a project. For me, a lengthy shut down often results in project abandonment. If duty calls and I can’t for example finish a Halloween project by October 31st, the last thing I want to do is finish it in December. I am more likely to pack it away with the best of intentions of finishing it the following year, hoping that I if or when I remember to resurrect it, that I still like it and want to finish it. Often times however, this has not been the case.
- Imagery
Overload - Thanks to the internet, we now have boundless access to every
fabric, pattern and quilting idea ever conceived. This
curseblessing continually lengthens my ‘’must do’’ list, making it more tempting than ever to throw over a work in progress for a fresh, trendy, exciting new project. A project that unfortunately, may soon fall out of favor due to my short attention span. Refer to bullet 1; and so it goes.
The solution, Go Big, Go bold. The premise, get it done.
Get it done within a reasonable
amount of time, using a reasonable amount of effort. Circumvent that short
attention span and get that big quilt done before you mentally run out of
steam. Make one dozen big flowers, not six dozen little ones.
Get
it done, before the birthday party, not the graduation party when it is no
longer relevant or on trend.
Get it done, and get what you want.
Take advantage of Go Big, Go Bold’s six palette suggestions for each pattern
and sound fabric selection tips about scale, value and contrast.
** GO BIG, GO BOLD GIVEAWAY **
To celebrate the event, I am giving away a signed copy of my book to one of my lucky visitors. All you need to do to enter for a chance to win is leave a comment on this blog post; only one comment per person please. Be sure to include an e-mail address for me to respond to so that I can get in touch to receive shipping details. The draw will take place at 9:00 am US Eastern on Saturday November 28, 2015. The winner will be informed by e-mail and will be announced by an edit to this blog post. The book will be sent to the winner!
** ENTRY IS NOW CLOSED **
Thank you for all of your entries!
The lucky winner of the book is:
Anonymous from Australia
-
who said:
I can relate to "imagery overload". There are just so many quilts I want to make.
I really like your big flowers blocks and would love to win a copy of your book.
thanks for the opportunity.
I really like your big flowers blocks and would love to win a copy of your book.
thanks for the opportunity.
Congratulations! I'll be in touch by e-mail to get your shipping address.
17 comments:
What a great topic for a book! Gorgeous cover - congratulations!!
Pick me! 😜 love your style and I'm sure your book is fab!!
Hillary hgdc at sbcglobal dot net
I am so happy for you, B! I know it must take a lot of strength, energy and planning to write a book. As you describe it, I agree with you totally. Projects should be fast, fun, and without surprises. Your book looks like a new library expander to me! Congratulations! I can't wait to read it! Karenateasypatchworkdotde
Congrats on the book! What an accomplishment. They are all beautiful.
Congrats on the book! What an accomplishment. They are all beautiful.
Cool designs! Congrats on the book.
I am pretty new to quilting and trying to find my own way. This seems like such a wonderful concept, I especially like that plus quilt!
(PattimamaATgmailDOTcom)
I can relate to your short list of reasons for UFO' s. 3305school@gmail.com
Yours would be the perfect book to help me decrees my stash pile in record time. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations! A book is a great achievement and what a wonderful idea you had, love the few sneak peeks already!
Love your quilts. Great idea for using up some of my large pieces of fabric, and getting a quilt done quick.
I so get the short attention span bullet. My WIPs are all over the sewing hole. The simpler the designs, the easier to get them done. Your book is a perfect match for us afflicted with QADD!
Love your reasons of going bold, going big! I found myself getting wrapped up in a big project that it's no longer fun. You idea of something fun is a great inspiration! See quick results, get it done, and have some relaxing fun.
Lashley9 (at) sbcglobal.net
I can relate to "imagery overload". There are just so many quilts I want to make.
I really like your big flowers blocks and would love to win a copy of your book.
thanks for the opportunity.
liz at dryanprint dot com dot au
Greetings from Maple Ridge BC
Yes, I agree. We all have UFO's and I like your idea of 'getting it done'. The XOX quilt is cute.
Congratulations on your new book! Bev from BC
ebhaloha (at) gmail dot com
The quilts look great. I am wondering how difficult it would be to cut very large pieces, but I'm sure your book has great tips.
B, my book has arrived! I was very happy to find it in my mail box yesterday, just in time for Christmas. Thanks again for the giveaway, I'm looking forward to making the Blooms quilt and I love the Blocks one too. Merry Christmas, Liz
Post a Comment