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Quilt As-You-Go Made Modern: Fresh Techniques for Busy Quilters
Learn to create modern quilts more quickly and easily than ever with this popular method, featuring thirteen projects and twenty-five bonus ideas. Do you believe rules were meant to be broken? If so, this improvisational quilt-as-you-go technique is for you. Instead of dealing with precise paper patterns and cutting measurements, you’ll learn how to piece fabric onto small, manageable batting blocks. Let your creative juices flow as you quilt directly on the blocks (not the whole quilt!), whether in large abstract zigzags or small structured stitches. After the blocks have been joined, all you need to do is add backing fabric and binding, and—voila—it’s finished! A modern approach to quilting that’s fresh, fun, and simpler than it sounds; it will change the way you quilt (for the better) Great for moms or anyone with a busy schedule—these thirteen projects are easy to transport because they make it simple to pick up where you left off Go your own This method allows you to use a pattern or improvise, creating a wide variety of design options Save money! Learn how to finish your own quilts without the use of a longarm professional “Quilting is easier than ever with Jera Brandvig’s modern spin on the popular quilt-as-you-go technique.” —Modern Quilts Unlimited“Quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) is one of those techniques that every quilter is curious about trying, but can be daunting as the process is so different to the traditional process of making a quilt top and then quilting it. . . . The book introduces the technique very thoroughly, so you can clearly understand the difference between traditional piecing and quilting and QAYG. Then there’s a great selection of gorgeous quilts that are sure to appeal to the modern quilter. A must if you’ve ever thought about trying QAYG and haven’t had a clue where to start.” —Make Modern Magazine
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
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June 8, 2017I bought this book at Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove, California. The publisher should pay Gail at Back Porch Quilts to sell this book, because I would never have bought this book without her enthusiastic sales pitch. After watching her do a brief demo, I was convinced that this book would solve all of my quilting problems. I think I probably need to take a class from Gail with regard to this book, because my efforts did not end up as well or as easily as advertised.
The book starts out with a table of contents that tells the reader the book has 30+ pages of instructions and 13 projects. The cover advertises an additional 25 bonus ideas.
the Introduction gives some idea on way the author started using this technique. There is a perfect place between the first and second paragraphs where she could tell us where she heard about this technique. that information is obviously missing. Even though I know better, I left with the impression that Brandvig herself thought up the technique. She calls Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) a "...fresh, fun and simpler-than-it sounds technique." (pg.5).
Jera Brandvig uses the Introduction to give the advantages of QAYG (pg.7), but also to bash "traditional quilting."(pg.6). She talks about what a hassle it is cut precision pieces.
The book has a list of supplies, (pg.9-11) which includes some tips such as 'If you do have to stash your mat when it's not in use, be sure to keep it flat against the wall - or under your bed - so it doesn't develop wobbles." (pg.9). Aside from the word 'wobbles', this statement is one that makes this a beginner friendly book. It goes a step further by including such useful charts as "Planning Your Quilt Size" (pg.14) and "Not Sure How Much Batting Yardage to Buy"(pg.15).
The chapter called "Quilt As You Go Technique" (pg.17) starts the how-to section. The first block exercise has the reading making a log cabin style block and quilting each fabric after it is added (pg.18-19). There is no mention of backing and it becomes clear later (pg.20) that backing isn't used at this stage. The author also give guidelines that include a very obvious 'don't'(pg.21).
Jera Brandvig gives some alternatives for quilting the blocks (pg.24-25) if that reader did not quilt each patch as described in the log cabin example (pg.18-21).
We finally get to the assembly of the blocks, which is what gave me fits (pg.28-). Brandvig details the two ways in which the blocks can be assembled (pg.28-31). The first method, sewing the blocks together directly, is the one I thought would be easiest. I don't like the method using joining strips (pg.29), though it does have it uses.
Ms. Brandvig expands the options by including a section on mixing in "traditional" block patterns with QAYG methods (pg.32-35). She explains an additional four different methods. This is one of the expansions that make this an interesting book. She doesn't just stick to a couple of techniques. She thinks beyond the basics.
I wondered, after reading the how-to section, whether it was really possible to provide a quilt pattern. The author says at the beginning of the project sections that it is difficult to have precise patterns. She tries to alleviate the problems this might cause by giving the finished quilt size, the finished block size and the trimmed block size (example pg.38). The author refers frequently to the how-to section in the project directions rather than repeating information. She includes page numbers, which makes it easier to flip back and forth. The patterns are long side compared with other books with the same sort of designs. They include a lot of photos and some variations! Yay!
Most of the patterns use variations on strip quiltmaking. I like the colors and style of Rainy Days (pg.44-47). Emerald City makes stars (pg.85) and has lozenge variant (pg.84). Some of the layouts such as Cascade Range pg.91, are clever and relieve the monotony of the strips. Portage Bay (pg.92-95) is built on one huge piece of batting, which could turn into a quilt baby quilt. Once you are done piecing, there are no blocks to put together; you have a quilt top.
Techniques for finishing the quilts come at the end of the book (pg.102-109). This is where I had the most trouble and felt the most resentful about the technique. Regardless of any advertisement, the quilt still needs a backing and the backing needs to be held on with quilting. Jera says "You work with small and manageable pieces, which means you can quilt more intricately without the physical strain and frustration of feeding a large quilt sandwich through a sewing machine"(pg.7). While most of the projects are on the baby-kid quilt size, the author does provide information about making larger quilts (pg.14). There seems to be a disconnect between the beginning and the end of the book.
In the section on finishing (pg.102-109) it is confirmed that we still have to baste the backing to the top (pg.103). The advantage presented is that the reader will need far fewer pins (pg.103). Brandvig writes that the quilt will only need minimal quilting since the blocks are already quilted. My experience, however, was that I had to add more than I expected because of sagging/bagging fabric. The book shows a picture of the minimal quilting suggested (pg.103) and I don't think it is enough. YMMV.
The book also includes comprehensive instructions on binding (pg.106-109).
Back Porch Fabrics felt the need to add a sheet of notes to the books they sold. The notes seem to reorganize information already in the book into an easier to access manner. they also suggest sewing the blocks together with a 1/2" seam allowance. I did this and found it to be a hassle because I couldn't use my quarter inch foot.
I was kind of annoyed at the book before I wrote this review because of my experience. I felt that it did not live up to the its promise. I also get annoyed when no mention of the historical / previous efforts in the technique are mentioned. After writing the review, I want to try QAYG again, especially for charity quilts. The Charity Girls have a hard time getting quilts quilted and I really don't want to add to their burden. This is also a good technique for using scraps. I'll think about using this technique with the Solstice Parade pattern (pg.38-43) as it uses strips and I have a lot in my scrap drawers. I think this technique has promise and I'd really like to make it work.
The book starts out with a table of contents that tells the reader the book has 30+ pages of instructions and 13 projects. The cover advertises an additional 25 bonus ideas.
the Introduction gives some idea on way the author started using this technique. There is a perfect place between the first and second paragraphs where she could tell us where she heard about this technique. that information is obviously missing. Even though I know better, I left with the impression that Brandvig herself thought up the technique. She calls Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) a "...fresh, fun and simpler-than-it sounds technique." (pg.5).
Jera Brandvig uses the Introduction to give the advantages of QAYG (pg.7), but also to bash "traditional quilting."(pg.6). She talks about what a hassle it is cut precision pieces.
The book has a list of supplies, (pg.9-11) which includes some tips such as 'If you do have to stash your mat when it's not in use, be sure to keep it flat against the wall - or under your bed - so it doesn't develop wobbles." (pg.9). Aside from the word 'wobbles', this statement is one that makes this a beginner friendly book. It goes a step further by including such useful charts as "Planning Your Quilt Size" (pg.14) and "Not Sure How Much Batting Yardage to Buy"(pg.15).
The chapter called "Quilt As You Go Technique" (pg.17) starts the how-to section. The first block exercise has the reading making a log cabin style block and quilting each fabric after it is added (pg.18-19). There is no mention of backing and it becomes clear later (pg.20) that backing isn't used at this stage. The author also give guidelines that include a very obvious 'don't'(pg.21).
Jera Brandvig gives some alternatives for quilting the blocks (pg.24-25) if that reader did not quilt each patch as described in the log cabin example (pg.18-21).
We finally get to the assembly of the blocks, which is what gave me fits (pg.28-). Brandvig details the two ways in which the blocks can be assembled (pg.28-31). The first method, sewing the blocks together directly, is the one I thought would be easiest. I don't like the method using joining strips (pg.29), though it does have it uses.
Ms. Brandvig expands the options by including a section on mixing in "traditional" block patterns with QAYG methods (pg.32-35). She explains an additional four different methods. This is one of the expansions that make this an interesting book. She doesn't just stick to a couple of techniques. She thinks beyond the basics.
I wondered, after reading the how-to section, whether it was really possible to provide a quilt pattern. The author says at the beginning of the project sections that it is difficult to have precise patterns. She tries to alleviate the problems this might cause by giving the finished quilt size, the finished block size and the trimmed block size (example pg.38). The author refers frequently to the how-to section in the project directions rather than repeating information. She includes page numbers, which makes it easier to flip back and forth. The patterns are long side compared with other books with the same sort of designs. They include a lot of photos and some variations! Yay!
Most of the patterns use variations on strip quiltmaking. I like the colors and style of Rainy Days (pg.44-47). Emerald City makes stars (pg.85) and has lozenge variant (pg.84). Some of the layouts such as Cascade Range pg.91, are clever and relieve the monotony of the strips. Portage Bay (pg.92-95) is built on one huge piece of batting, which could turn into a quilt baby quilt. Once you are done piecing, there are no blocks to put together; you have a quilt top.
Techniques for finishing the quilts come at the end of the book (pg.102-109). This is where I had the most trouble and felt the most resentful about the technique. Regardless of any advertisement, the quilt still needs a backing and the backing needs to be held on with quilting. Jera says "You work with small and manageable pieces, which means you can quilt more intricately without the physical strain and frustration of feeding a large quilt sandwich through a sewing machine"(pg.7). While most of the projects are on the baby-kid quilt size, the author does provide information about making larger quilts (pg.14). There seems to be a disconnect between the beginning and the end of the book.
In the section on finishing (pg.102-109) it is confirmed that we still have to baste the backing to the top (pg.103). The advantage presented is that the reader will need far fewer pins (pg.103). Brandvig writes that the quilt will only need minimal quilting since the blocks are already quilted. My experience, however, was that I had to add more than I expected because of sagging/bagging fabric. The book shows a picture of the minimal quilting suggested (pg.103) and I don't think it is enough. YMMV.
The book also includes comprehensive instructions on binding (pg.106-109).
Back Porch Fabrics felt the need to add a sheet of notes to the books they sold. The notes seem to reorganize information already in the book into an easier to access manner. they also suggest sewing the blocks together with a 1/2" seam allowance. I did this and found it to be a hassle because I couldn't use my quarter inch foot.
I was kind of annoyed at the book before I wrote this review because of my experience. I felt that it did not live up to the its promise. I also get annoyed when no mention of the historical / previous efforts in the technique are mentioned. After writing the review, I want to try QAYG again, especially for charity quilts. The Charity Girls have a hard time getting quilts quilted and I really don't want to add to their burden. This is also a good technique for using scraps. I'll think about using this technique with the Solstice Parade pattern (pg.38-43) as it uses strips and I have a lot in my scrap drawers. I think this technique has promise and I'd really like to make it work.
September 26, 2018
The positives:
* Can be used with hand piecing and quilting, making a quilt portable - no more being chained to the sewing machine away from the world
* A batting can be secured to fabric for embroidery - I got this idea from a book of stitching that required the purchase of wool felt for the effect the author wanted to achieve. Instead, using the quilt as you go basis, a lofty backing allows the stitching to stand out and a large project can be divided into sections to be sewn together later
* This type of quilting is ideal for log cabin - stitch in the ditch is done when the block is done
* Foundation piecing anyone? One could print or drawn on the block outlines and sew the same as if using paper. I haven't tried this but it sure seems like it'd work.
* With regular quilting on a machine backstitching to secure stitching shows on the reverse and mars the quilting lines. This way all mistakes and backstitching is hidden once the back is one. Same applies for any embroidery or using cross hatching for quilting - all the ugly is hidden away!
The negatives:
* None, really, except it isn't really quilt as you go - a more apt title would be 2/3 Quilt Done When the Top is Done - because a backing still has to be basted, secured with stitching and bound. This is
still quicker than piecing a top, putting together the quilt sandwich, maneuvering the bulk on your machine or lap to quilt and then binding.
* If you use low loft batting (I do) then the quilt seems even flatter once done. Each block is quilted and by the time the back is put on and a rudimentary line of unobtrusive stitches are done to keep the sandwich intact it's even thinner. Not necessarily a bad thing. My objective is to get the batting to shrink and add depth and texture to the top and this is still achieved with Quilt AS You Go.
The author provides lots of crystal clear instruction and great photographs to explain this method of quilting. I never can follow a specific pattern but doing the log cabin and string piecing examples made this click. There are so many possibilities when you consider doing your blocks this way and, really, any block can be adapted. My 4 is not related to quality of the work by the author but because it is not *really* quilt as you go because additional quilting is done *after* the blocks are assembled. This would be a great method with which to introduce beginners to the wonderful, deep hole that is quilting. They'd get quicker gratification and wouldn't have to worry about all their points matching if they use sashing to connect their blocks.
* Can be used with hand piecing and quilting, making a quilt portable - no more being chained to the sewing machine away from the world
* A batting can be secured to fabric for embroidery - I got this idea from a book of stitching that required the purchase of wool felt for the effect the author wanted to achieve. Instead, using the quilt as you go basis, a lofty backing allows the stitching to stand out and a large project can be divided into sections to be sewn together later
* This type of quilting is ideal for log cabin - stitch in the ditch is done when the block is done
* Foundation piecing anyone? One could print or drawn on the block outlines and sew the same as if using paper. I haven't tried this but it sure seems like it'd work.
* With regular quilting on a machine backstitching to secure stitching shows on the reverse and mars the quilting lines. This way all mistakes and backstitching is hidden once the back is one. Same applies for any embroidery or using cross hatching for quilting - all the ugly is hidden away!
The negatives:
* None, really, except it isn't really quilt as you go - a more apt title would be 2/3 Quilt Done When the Top is Done - because a backing still has to be basted, secured with stitching and bound. This is
still quicker than piecing a top, putting together the quilt sandwich, maneuvering the bulk on your machine or lap to quilt and then binding.
* If you use low loft batting (I do) then the quilt seems even flatter once done. Each block is quilted and by the time the back is put on and a rudimentary line of unobtrusive stitches are done to keep the sandwich intact it's even thinner. Not necessarily a bad thing. My objective is to get the batting to shrink and add depth and texture to the top and this is still achieved with Quilt AS You Go.
The author provides lots of crystal clear instruction and great photographs to explain this method of quilting. I never can follow a specific pattern but doing the log cabin and string piecing examples made this click. There are so many possibilities when you consider doing your blocks this way and, really, any block can be adapted. My 4 is not related to quality of the work by the author but because it is not *really* quilt as you go because additional quilting is done *after* the blocks are assembled. This would be a great method with which to introduce beginners to the wonderful, deep hole that is quilting. They'd get quicker gratification and wouldn't have to worry about all their points matching if they use sashing to connect their blocks.
May 2, 2016
Lovely pictures to linger over and reasonably clear instructions (although I didn't like her method for joining the ends of binding strips). However, you can easily get all this information on the internet for free. So I recommend borrowing it from the library, rather than buying it. It's nice to look at for inspiration, or if you're not really an internet kind of person, but otherwise, you likely don't need to own it. The basic ideas are simple enough that even if you wanted to make a specific quilt, once you got the hang of the technique, you wouldn't need to keep referring back to the book.
The author's website is nice: http://quiltingintherain.com
The author's website is nice: http://quiltingintherain.com
September 17, 2019
I got this book after seeing a YouTube video by The Fatquarter Shop featuring the book's author. If I hadn't seen the video I would not have gotten the book so I'm really glad I did. I am in the process of making a beautiful quilt with lace and I'm confident it is going to turn out lovely. I changed a couple 0f things as far as the process but other than that I mostly followed her instructions. This will definitely be a go-to quilt project book for me. One other point is that in the video she showed how to add lace to a project but that isn't mentioned in the book so that is a bonus.
May 4, 2020
Learned new tricks
I’ve made quite a few “quilts” which are really just patchwork without the quilting. This book has given me what I need to make my next scrap-busting project into a REAL quilt. I can’t wait to try. And I’ve added some tools to my wish list that I never even knew existed, like an even-feed walking foot for my sewing machine and a rotating cutting mat. This book is a very useful resource for both solid information and creative inspiration.
I’ve made quite a few “quilts” which are really just patchwork without the quilting. This book has given me what I need to make my next scrap-busting project into a REAL quilt. I can’t wait to try. And I’ve added some tools to my wish list that I never even knew existed, like an even-feed walking foot for my sewing machine and a rotating cutting mat. This book is a very useful resource for both solid information and creative inspiration.
May 19, 2020
Interesting idea on how to quilt. While reading it, however, it made me think about some of the other quilt books I've read and how some people like to take apart old quilts to study how they were put together. This would be a nightmare for preservationists since the fabric is directly stitched onto the batting.
The author provided clear instruction and a lot of nice pictures and diagrams. Glad I picked it up on kindle, I might try this for a small quilt.
The author provided clear instruction and a lot of nice pictures and diagrams. Glad I picked it up on kindle, I might try this for a small quilt.
August 29, 2020
Fast and fun way to make a quilt
I have wanted to try the "quilt as you go" and this really spoke to me. I watched Jera's YouTube video and then worked with the book for easy reference. My guild makes donation quilts so this process takes pressure off the two longarm ladies. All pieced and quilted in fast order.
I have wanted to try the "quilt as you go" and this really spoke to me. I watched Jera's YouTube video and then worked with the book for easy reference. My guild makes donation quilts so this process takes pressure off the two longarm ladies. All pieced and quilted in fast order.
July 29, 2019
Great book for refresh, I have not quilted in 2 0 yrs.
I would certainly recommend this book. Great beginner samples and lots of tips to help you along. Things change as we get older and so do techniques.
I would certainly recommend this book. Great beginner samples and lots of tips to help you along. Things change as we get older and so do techniques.
August 25, 2019
Quick read about quilt as you go
I have several cake stacks and I like the idea of creating & quilting my blocks so I can Handle the on my own. Looking forward to trying this method
I have several cake stacks and I like the idea of creating & quilting my blocks so I can Handle the on my own. Looking forward to trying this method
November 8, 2019
This is an amazing book for people who want to quilt, but can't quilt by hand for lack of space or whose hands cramp when sewing with a needle and thread. Many beautiful quilt patterns and easy to understand directions for buying fabric, cutting and putting the finished blocks together.
December 9, 2019
Very enlightening.
Detailed for beginners. Several quilt patterns, with variations for the pattern. Not only jellyrolls, but later cakes, and even a way to bust your script material.
Detailed for beginners. Several quilt patterns, with variations for the pattern. Not only jellyrolls, but later cakes, and even a way to bust your script material.
January 8, 2020
QAYG Instruction Book
This is very helpful for mastering this technique. For those who want to do their own quilting a must have. My first row was so easy I have to praise the method.
So glad to have purchased this book.
This is very helpful for mastering this technique. For those who want to do their own quilting a must have. My first row was so easy I have to praise the method.
So glad to have purchased this book.
January 13, 2020
Great ideas! A keeper for sure
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
May 2, 2020
Great book to introduce a new technique of doing a block at a time. I am intrigued by so many innovative ways to make quilting more creative, easy and rewarding. Will definitely buy some layer cakes and jelly rolls and get started!
June 1, 2020
Clear quilting instructions for all levels of experience
Easy to read with clear instructions on multiple projects with variations of the projects to help make the quilt a truly one of a kind creation.
Easy to read with clear instructions on multiple projects with variations of the projects to help make the quilt a truly one of a kind creation.
July 5, 2020
Not sure about the method of joining blocks together, but the method of joining the back after the quilt as you go quilt top was assembled, was interesting. I liked the pictures and quilts in this book.
September 18, 2020
Wasn't thrilled.
I did not like putting the blocks on batting without the backing. It made most of the blocks look sloppy. But then it IS a different method to try, if you cannot find more precise way of Quilt as you go. It will work.
I did not like putting the blocks on batting without the backing. It made most of the blocks look sloppy. But then it IS a different method to try, if you cannot find more precise way of Quilt as you go. It will work.
January 24, 2023
Quilt As You Go
This is a great book for quilting. It gives you step by step instructions. What I love most is how she wants you to think out of the box. Nothing has to be perfect. Have fun. Make something unique that is your own. I would recommend this book.
This is a great book for quilting. It gives you step by step instructions. What I love most is how she wants you to think out of the box. Nothing has to be perfect. Have fun. Make something unique that is your own. I would recommend this book.
January 22, 2024
51 beautiful quilt-as-you-go quilting patterns/projects. Can be completed using quilt-as-you-go or traditional quilting techniques. Also shows 3 different methods for joining the completed blocks if doing quilting as you go. Shows photos and easy-to-follow instructions and tips.
May 17, 2024
It's well laid out with clear instructions. Sadly, there's not much in the book you couldn't have found on the internet or YouTube. The pictures and layouts she used were good. Bought on Kindle so, it was worth the 2.99.
December 30, 2024
I personally did not like the projects in this book too much. It didn't have the type of quilt projects I was looking for but I didn't think it was fair to judge the book based on my personal taste. I'm sure the projects will appeal to other quilters who like modern methods.
May 4, 2017
Nice modern designs, and I'm intrigued to try this quilt as you go improv method
August 15, 2017
Easy to follow
I enjoyed this book. Very easy to follow instructions and diagrams were simple. Recommend to fellow quilters. I recommend this book
I enjoyed this book. Very easy to follow instructions and diagrams were simple. Recommend to fellow quilters. I recommend this book
June 11, 2018
This is a good addition to a home library. Really good directions and pictures step by step. Shows many alternative designs from the block.
September 6, 2019
although the patterns didn't excite me I love the idea of quilting in small sequares. something to come back to in the future
November 6, 2019
Love this book. thinking outside the box. I already created my own short cuts to quilting..
November 7, 2019
Written in a simple way that is so understandable
January 21, 2020
Helpful
March 3, 2020
Good instructions
Well written, clear pictures. But I don't think I could do this without watching a video of her technique in TV.
Well written, clear pictures. But I don't think I could do this without watching a video of her technique in TV.
April 5, 2020
Learned a new technique.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews