Welcome to structured improvisation, where there's a plan in place...but still plenty of room to play!
Learn three methods for sewing together rectangles, squares, strips, and even the tiniest fabric scraps to create new yardage; then use the resulting scrappy fabrics in a dozen dazzling step-by-step quilt patterns. Start by working with just one color at a time to get the hang of improv piecing. Soon you'll progress to mixing colors and prints in scrap-packed quilts that will give a happy home to every piece of fabric you've ever saved!
I received an ARC of “Stash Statement: Make the Most of Your Fabrics with Easy Improv Quilts,” from NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I have a huge fabric problem: I can’t seem to force myself to throw away old clothes, curtains, sheets, and small pieces of so-called useless fabric. So naturally, when I see a book titled, “Stash Statement: Make the Most of Your Fabrics with Easy Improv Quilts,” I immediately had to read it. Usually, I rely on old block designs and then design my own quilts. But I’m always tempted to broaden my horizons with new books like this.
I really like how the author, Kelly Young, focuses on blending newer fabrics with old fabrics because this is what I—and many women—have always done. Apparently, however, the author states that this type of quilting, which she calls Improv Quilting, “…recently exploded in modern quilting…”
Young discusses quilting tools and tips and techniques, which will be helpful for beginners. She also includes three different methods for this “Improvisation Quilting”: Panel Method, Strip Method, and Block Method, and provides full color photographs and instructions for each.
The foci of this book primarily deals with sewing like scrap colors together (e.g., blues with other shades and patterns of blue), using a solid background fabric to set off the clusters pieced fabrics, and using multi-colored pieces as the background to set off solid fabrics.
This book includes both black & white images and full-color photographs. Although this book is only eighty pages, Young incorporates several different patterns: Grand Bazaar (which appears on the cover), Louvered, Precarious, Old Glory, Beach Retreat, Fire Pit, Detour, Murrina, Take Flight, Scattered, Bloom Chicka Bloom, Lily Pad Pond, Catch a Falling Star, College Prep, and Regatta.
These patterns are especially helpful to newer quilters or those quilters who absolutely **have** to have patterns. Other quilters, like myself, will find these very excellent instructions without value, though. Seasoned quilters need only look at a picture to figure out how to assemble it. In this case, this book is still a great way to inspire those quilters.
What I really like is that, in several of the finished quilts, I can tell that Young used free motion quilting (FMQ). FMQ looks different—the lines are generally not even. I use FMQ on my home sewing machine to save money. Normally, authors will get their quilt tops quilted using mechanized patterns on a long arm quilting machine—either by doing it themselves or by paying an extraordinary amount of money to have someone else do it for them (if they ask the long arm quilter to use professional FMQ or “Show Quilting,” the price is exponentially higher). I believe they do this because this results in a “perfect” quilt, with even lines.
I really appreciate the fact that the author used FMQ because it shows the imperfections of quilting and, of course, the imperfections of being human. As one senior scholar told me while I was writing my dissertation, “There are two kinds of dissertations: perfect ones and finished ones.” By including this “imperfect” quilting, Young shows readers that quilts made at home can still be beautiful and will be, in my own opinion, even more beautiful than those using mechanized patterns.
This book is a perfect gift for any beginning quilter. And for more experienced quilters, the beautiful color images are likely to inspire increased creativity. I definitely recommend this book!
If you've always wanted to design your own quilt and use up your scraps, you might want to give this book a try. The author demonstrates three different methods that make it easy to use even small scraps as composite pieces to construct blocks, panels, etc that can be building blocks for the quilt patterns shown.
She also explains how to transform traditional quilt patterns into scrappy quilts by using these methods. There is one pattern here called "Louvered" that I just adore and even though I thought I would be designing my own scrappy quilt, this one converted me and I've decided to at least try my version of it.
The included patterns are on the modern side and I love the author's use of bright, lively colors. I find them very inspirational and the instructions very clear and easy to follow. Even if I don't wind up making one of the patterns she describes, I'll still be able to use the basic technique to design my own creation while using up all of those scraps I've been saving for years. A worthwhile read.
The author provided an excellent resource for utilizing scrap pieces of cloth from your fabric collection. Her book includes pictures on nearly every page, guiding you through the process of creating various shapes and patterns. She essentially takes color groups of fabrics to achieve these designs, creating a colorful mish mosh blanket in the end. Some of her designs are very modern, which I appreciated. There is a good blend of classic quilting designs and modern ones that are sure to delight crafters of all ages.
I just previewed an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and Landauer Publishing. This is an encouraging and informative introduction to improv quilting. Almost all of my quilts so far have been off of set patterns with none or hardly any improvisation included; the ones that incorporated a little improv were still with controlled methods, colors, pieces, etc. I think Young's words of encouragement came across well and will help sewers feel confident and motivated in trying a new to them technique or approach. Even quilters who are familiar with some of the techniques can find new ideas or patterns with her variety of patterns and range of ideas. I think this book would do well in a public library setting. A lot of sewers and quilters are talking about sustainability and using scraps. I have read and used other scrap books but not with this focus on improv that would help a sewer use even the smallest of scraps or help a sewer who may be overwhelmed by their amount of scraps and not wanting to cut them all to the same uniform size.
This book gives quilters a fresh look on ways to use up their stash with new and old quilting patterns. Some of the patterns are more non-traditional. I liked the beautiful full color photographs. The instructions were well written and included pictures. I love having photos as I am a visual learner. As with most quilting patterns and artists, there are some that inspired me and some that did not. A very enjoyable book overall.
As a novice patchwork maker, I knew the struggles to always get new fabrics and stockpile our stash at home. Picking this book I hope I can turn those stash become some artwork.
This book offer standar craftbook formats with materials, tools, instructions and step by step visuals. Some of recommend tools and example fabrics at here little bit excessive. I know patchwork and quilting would never become cheap hobbies, but we are crafter isn't? Take the guide/ lesson and be creative with whatever we have at home.
Many patterns being offered, all well know design with impoverished basic shapes.The instruction, tips and illustrations are clear. Some introducing us about negative space. But this isn't scraps quilt so I wish better combination between fabric's colors and motives so the end result appearances become more mesmerized. I expected more results from the supplies brand provided at books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Fox Chapel Publisher from Landauer Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 19 June 2024
This book gave me a new meaning to improv quilts. After the basics of sorting and choosing your scraps, Kelly explains how to make a collection of improv shapes (generally squares or rectangles of whatever sizes work for you) which are later used, often by cutting down to exact shapes and sizes to be used in a quilt pattern. She offers many different patterns and gives good instructions on how to complete the quilts. There is lots of eye candy photos, clear illustrations and many helpful tips throughout. Thank you to NetGallery for the opportunity to read a preview digital edition of this book.
“Stash Statement” by Kelly Young looks to be a good way to use up scraps of fabric leftover from other quilts. As a quilter, I have so many scraps that are too big to toss, but not nearly big enough to use in anything but a scrap quilt.
I found the instructions to be clear and the concept intriguing. I didn’t make any of the quilts, but I would gladly do so as many of them are quite attractive. There are both modern and traditional designs. The diagrams and pictures are very helpful. The skill level to make a quilt is indicated. There are also useful tips throughout the book.
I do question the instructions for the making the argyle block for the college prep quilt. I don’t know why the designer has us sew the 20 diamonds together only to have us cut it apart on a seam line. It seems like we could just not sew that together. I’m guessing it was easier to show this way.
The author provided lists in the beginning of supplies needed, clearly defines her terminology, and explains her method/process of sewing the scraps together. After the various quilt patterns, she shares how to finish the quilt whether using a method for basting and quilting the quilt on a domestic sewing machine or taking it to a longarm quilter.
I think this book is a great addition to a quilter’s library as we all have scraps.
Thank you to Landauer Publishing and Netgalley for allowing access to this book for review.
I was very intrigued with the techniques which were addressed in this book. I started quilting about 30 years ago, and I have lots of fabric and particularly small amounts of lots of different fabric. I loved the way this book showed me how I could use those small pieces to make very interesting quilts. It was exciting to see how one could combine lots of small pieces of similarly colored fabric, or alternatively several different bright colors depending on the look you want. The technique can be done for quilt backgrounds and or the stand out parts of the quilts. After the very clear explanations of how to sew the small pieces together, Kelly has given clear directions and pictures of 15 different quilts using this technique, with clear directions and pictures. The book ends with clear directions for finishing the quilts, including sandwiching, binding, and top quilting. I have not done much quilting in the past few years, but now I'm inspired to try some of the new to me ideas from Kelly's book.
I thank Netgalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the ARC.
Improv isn't a word you hear very often when it comes to quilting. Usually the patterns featured are sharp, and precise, full of points and corners that must meet just so. This book is a breath of fresh air, as the author encourages you to play with your fabric stash (yes, we ALL have them), and essentially - GO WILD! Young offers helpful hints and encouragement along the way. Her featured designs are gorgeous, and her creativity has inspired me to pick up needle and thread again. This one is a must-have for any quilter looking for something different.
Thanks to NetGalley and Landauer Publishing for sharing.
As with most quilting books, the author starts with helpful tips, techniques, and tools. She briefly discusses methods of creating improvised panels from one’s stash of fabrics. Each quilt is shown in a photo, then Young goes through the steps, including measurements, to complete the work. I love the vibrant colors she uses on simple backgrounds. Difficulty levels are rated for a confident beginner, with one intermediate exception. She concludes with brief descriptions and some photos about finishing the quilt.
While Young shows colorful pictures of the improvised quilting from scraps, I wish she would have given a few more details, as I am unfamiliar with this method. Someone brand new to quilting should get some basics down before attempting any of these.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lots of new and great ideas in this book. Even though improv quilting isn’t new, the author gave it a new spin that had my interest. Instructional chapters include:
Blending Old and New Quilting Tools Tips and Techniques Finishing Your Quilt
The Quilt patterns were broken down into three chapters:
Play With Color Grab and Sew Improve in the Background……These were my favorite quilts. Each and everyone was interesting and unique. A couple of my other favorites included Old Glory and Beach Retreat from the Play with Color Chapter.
This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal opinions.
If you are a quilter you end up with lots of scraps of leftover fabric. Also as a quilter you don't want to throw any fabric away no matter how small the piece may be. I'm sure you are wondering what to do with all those leftover pieces. Well this book is for you. There are 15 patterns in this book that will help you use up some of those scraps that have been cluttering up your craft room or sewing space. And you know they add up fast. This book will help you turn your "Stash" into beautiful works of art that are also functional. I think you will enjoy these patterns that have easy to follow instructions and pictures.
This book provides a lot of amazing tips and tricks for all level of sewists.
The images are captivating, the directions are clear and not exhausting. This is a fantastic book for people who have a lot of scrap yarns that they’d like to use up! Catch a Falling Star is now officially on my “to make” list.
I’m tempted to make Old Glory for my 91 (almost 92) year old veteran grandmother. It is clever and beautiful, and the directions make it look easy!
This book gives me false hope on my skill set, and that’s important for a craft book!
I was intrigued by using up scrap fabrics to make a quilt. I was also a bit disappointed by the modern layouts for the quilts in this book. Beautiful use of color throughout the entire book, with easy to understand directions.
If you've ever dreamt of turning your fabric scraps into a beautiful quilt masterpiece, "Stash Statement" by Kelly Young is the perfect guide to making that dream a reality. In this book, Young skillfully introduces various methods that effortlessly transform even the smallest fabric remnants into composite pieces, laying the foundation for constructing blocks and panels that serve as building blocks for unique quilt patterns.
One of the book's standout features is Young's adept explanation of reimagining traditional quilt patterns into scrappy quilts using her innovative techniques. The "Grand Bazaar" pattern, in particular, caught my eye and became an instant favourite, showcasing the author's ability to inspire readers to step out of their comfort zones and explore a new approach to quilting.
"Stash Statement" doesn't just stop at providing creative methods; it offers a collection of modern quilt patterns for readers to experiment with. The book also imparts valuable tips and tricks, including recommendations for must-have tools, making it a comprehensive resource for quilters seeking to elevate their craft. The author's vibrant and lively colours add an extra layer of inspiration to the book. The clear and concise instructions make it easy for quilters to follow along, even if they choose not to recreate the specific patterns outlined. While I recommend this book to medium to advanced quilters with some knowledge of colour play, it also caters to beginners interested in improv quilting.
The book's layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the various patterns and techniques. "Stash Statement" is not just a book; it's a journey into creative quilting, offering a wealth of information and inspiration for both seasoned quilters and those just starting their improvisational quilting adventures. Whether you're looking to use up your fabric scraps or explore new dimensions in quilting, this book is undeniably worth a read.
I am grateful to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing, and Landauer Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of "Stash Statement by Kelly Young" in exchange for my honest review.
I have a large stash of fabric scraps. Many are cut into squares and bagged by size, then there is a tote full of strips of fabric, another full of odd sizes, another full of triangles, and drawers full of fat quarters. I delve into them for applique projects or scrappy quilts, but hardly make a dent and every project adds to the scrap stash.
Kelly Young’s Stash Statement shows quilters how to use their scraps and offers 15 quilt patterns using scraps, grouped as Play with Color, Grab and Sew, and Improv in the Background.
Kelly starts with the basics, the tools and techniques used for scrap quilting, with lots of illustrations to walk you through the process. She sews the scraps to build larger panels or strips which then are trimmed to the block sizes needed in the patterns.
The cover quilt, Grand Bazaar, is an example of Play with Color and how you can build blocks from scraps of one color. Grab and Go patterns use random scraps of different colors. An example is Take Flight, the angel wings quilt shown on the bottom left of the back cover. Improv in the Background quilts uses scraps in one color family as the background for single color blocks, as seen in the Bloom Chicka Boom quilt on the lower right of the back cover.
The quilt patterns are varied enough that you will surely find something you want to make. I am in love with Beach Retreat with it’s aqua and sand colored scrap blocks on white. But once you learn the technique, the possibilities are endless!
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
I am a quilter and have a stash of pieces of fabric I have saved from every project I have down. I kept saying I want to put them together so I have a memory of the different fabrics. This book is my saving grace, what great ideas to tie in all those pieces of fabric. The author provides detailed instructions and graphics to a variety of quilts that can be made using your stash. All of the projects are not typical design and can be your own masterpiece per se. This book is suitable for a beginner or advanced sewer. My favorite is the falling stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
This book is great for quilters who are looking for inspiration and ideas to use up their existing fabric stash. The author shares techniques for piecing as you go, and the instructions are accessible to beginners while also including ideas that may be new to experienced quilters. I found the patterns appealing as well, and some of them are different from ones I've seen in other books. There are lots of nice photos of finished quilts, as well as pictures of some of the steps for different projects, and I enjoyed reading this.
I received a temporary digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am new at trying to create the beautiful quilts like my mom is known for. With this book as a guide I have a great place to start for wonderful ideas. The book is full of great tips and techniques. Using old scrapes from my moms projects I can create beautiful crafts that will make her proud. I loved the details the author gives that even a novice like me can follow. Most of all she makes it enjoyable. My favorite idea and my goal is to create the Angel Wings. I can’t wait to finish. You will love this book. It is also a perfect gift for the crafter in your life. Thanks to NetGalley for this amazing ARC that I can’t wait to add to our library.
As a quilter with quite the box of scrap fabric, it’s always exciting to see ideas for these pieces of fabric. (It feels like making a quilt for free to use them)
I loved that this book not only was beginner friendly, but had lots of tips for even the most seasons quilters. The pictures are not only bright and beautiful, but very helpful.
I think I just wished that the quilts + ideas were a little more modern. Obviously depending on the fabric scraps you have your colors change immensely, but most of the ideas felt at odd with the kind of fabric I tend to collect.
This is just what I need! I have just been given an enormous box of quilting pieces and scraps, but all of the books and patterns I have work best with larger pieces. I also don't know how to make a random quilt - I need to follow patterns.
The book shows a straightforward method to piece together scraps of any size into bigger blocks. Then there are 15 quilt patterns that can use mixed fabrics. I'm definitely going to sew a couple of them.
(Read via netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
This book is typical of stashing books. I disagree with the author on certain things, but overall the book as an educational sources is fine. A personal bug of mine is every time publishers show a sewing machine, they have a Bernina (one of the most expensive machines on the market). To me, this type of book about how to use up your scraps maybe not always the beginners but not for the people who already know how to do it, so why are you showing a machine that is one usually owned by people that have been sewing for a while. It’s a small complaint but something I truly believe in.
I like the overall technique this book is based on. I'm always looking for a way to use my ever-growing scrap pile. Directions are simple to follow with great images for supplementation. I do with there were more, less basic, quilt designs offered. Some of the sample quilts aren't the most visually appealing as shown; they would be with different fabric choices. Catch a falling star is my favorite pattern shown in this book.
This is fine for a beginning quilter. I didn't find the example quilts particularly pretty for the most part, but the idea of using scraps is a good one. Basically, you just make improv blocks out of your scraps and then use those as the fabric for your quilt. I'd maybe give this 3.5 stars. Would have been more if there were more creativity in the quilt patterns. But I'm sure the tips provided would be useful for those who are new to quilting.
Bright and colorful quilts are pictured. The instructions are clear, but more for an advanced quilter rather than beginner , as it is a go with your gut type way of construction. I will be looking forward to trying some of these techniques on a much smaller scale at this stage in my abilities. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I have never heard of improv quilting before. This book is full of explanations, diagrams, positive reinforcement and patterns. After reading Kelly Young's book I might be brave enough to step outside the box and give improv quilting a try. Well done. I would like to thank Kelly Young, Landauer Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
A terrific guide for making colorful quilts out of scrap material. I am not a quilter but I loved the gorgeous photos of quilts made using these techniques. Helpful for both beginners and advanced quilters.
Kelly Young has provided both the instructions for making improv groupings of fabric and patterns for using them in quilts to produce a structured and attractive quilt.