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String Frenzy: Strips, Strings & Scrappy Things!
Are you buried in scraps—big pieces, small pieces, hunks, chunks, strips, and parts? Bonnie K. Hunter fans will love her newest book of playful string-quilt projects! Sew a dozen vibrant quilt patterns using the small leftovers from other projects that seem too tiny to save, yet too big to toss. Learn Bonnie’s basics for foundation piecing narrow fabric pieces 3/4” to 2” wide, turning them into dazzling scrappy blocks and one-of-a-kind quilts.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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July 31, 2019I wasn't really interested in another project book until I saw the Straits of Mackinac project somewhere. I love the block and the way the overall quilt looks like it has curves even when there is no curved piecing. I looked at buying the book, but decided to see if my library had it. I have many library cards and the one with the second closest branch didn't have it so I ordered it using interlibrary loan (ILL). Then it occurred to me that it might be available from another branch in the system and I could have it delivered to the closest branch to my house. I thought ILL would take forever so I requested it. Then I forgot about the book until both books came in on the same day!
The book starts off with a dedication and acknowledgements (pg.3). The brief table of contents follows on page 4. One of my favorite things for project books is an overview page (pg.5) of the projects, which this book has. It shows a detail image of each project, gives the name and the page number. This is very useful for going straight to the project in which you are interested.
"...to think of stitching all of these small bits back together simply to cut a shape to sew to another shape and then another. But something happened when I did. I was no longer simply following a pattern or a design, but creating something unique that danced and dazzled before my eyes" (pg.6). This quote explains the true wonderfulness of quiltmaking. I am not a total fan of string piecing, but my strip donation quilts have brought me back to this concept. I may not want to make blocks from tiny pieces all the time, but I do see the allure of creating something unique that nobody else can create.
I have found that "there is magic in the piecing. Every scrap is full of memories of the project from which it came - every color, texture, and bit of contrast. they might not look like much on their own,these humble little pieces, but together they are a symphony of beauty, each scrap a spot on the timeline of your life as a quilter" (pg.6). This sentiment is so true for me. I pull scraps out of my scrap drawers and think about a project in which I originally used it. That is one of the beautiful things about scrap quilts.
Of course, there are basic sewing guidelines, as every book seems to have. Bonnie has put her own stamp on it by assuming readers know what tools and supplies they need. She also mentions a sewing machine in "good working order (to avoid frustration)" (pg.7). Since the project uses scraps, she tells readers how she calculated yardage and more about the project instructions (pg.7). The projects use scraps since that is what Bonnie Hunter is famous for, so the "About Project Instructions" section talks a lot about using scraps. She also mentions cutting binding strips (pg.7), which is different for books like this.
Bonnie Hunter designed a specialty ruler called Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler. This ruler helps make HSTs, QSTs and Flying Geese units. Hunter provides a picture and a brief description of the ruler in this section (pg.8). It is a good addition to my Triangle Technique when you want to make one or two HSTs units rather than eight at a time. Not only does she show the ruler, but she shows how to use it for HSTs (pg.8), QSTs (pg.9-10) and Flying Geese (pg.10-11) units as well. Bonnie provides as chart near the Flying geese instructions, so the reader can make different geese sizes. The instructions have images, which make them easier to interpret.
'Strings' haven't come up so far in the book, but the author starts explaining what they are, how to make them and why to use them following the discussion of the Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler (pg.11). The discussion includes the definition of a string and how wide strings should be (pg.12), using foundations with strings, easy paper removal and pressing (pg.13). One tip, which I didn't know is not to use tracing paper or vellum since they will curl or shrink when touched with an iron (pg.13). Interesting!
I also now know the difference between a crumb and a string (pg.14). It turns out that the way I make my Improv donation quilts is crumb piecing and I use string piecing for the strip version. The book teaches the reader to build crumb blocks (pg.15) with a small amount of instructions that are complete.
Patterns start with Geese on a String (pg.16-21). No lifestyle shots here, just a nice flat photo of the whole quilt (pg.17), with sizes for blocks and the entire quilt given (pg.16). I like it that there are no surprises.
My favorites in the book are Serpentine Web (pg.22-25), which reminds me of my Spiderweb quilt re-imagined in a new and fun way. The yellow is a bit much, but also may make the quilt. Straits of Mackinac (pg.26-33) is my absolute favorite in this book. It has the feel of En Provence, with a new or different twist. I wouldn't make it with the strips in the Peaky & Spike blocks, but I would use a variety of fabrics. I also like Indigo-a-Go-Go (pg.84-89), thought not in those colors. I like the chain effect.
The patterns have a photo of the quilt flat so you can see the whole quilt along with some text that explains Bonnie's inspiration or the fabric, which I like. There are also extensive materials lists, which do not include notions, machines, etc. These lists are for fabric, batting, etc. Hunter references tools, such as the Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler in various places. Each pattern has some tips and tricks boxes, extensive construction notes from blocks to quilt assembly. As per usual, the finishing instructions are brief. The 'At a Glance' section in each pattern gives visual instructions for putting the quilt together.
The book ends with some foundation piecing patterns readers will need for various patterns. I recommend this book for a few projects you can sew as leaders and enders.
The book starts off with a dedication and acknowledgements (pg.3). The brief table of contents follows on page 4. One of my favorite things for project books is an overview page (pg.5) of the projects, which this book has. It shows a detail image of each project, gives the name and the page number. This is very useful for going straight to the project in which you are interested.
"...to think of stitching all of these small bits back together simply to cut a shape to sew to another shape and then another. But something happened when I did. I was no longer simply following a pattern or a design, but creating something unique that danced and dazzled before my eyes" (pg.6). This quote explains the true wonderfulness of quiltmaking. I am not a total fan of string piecing, but my strip donation quilts have brought me back to this concept. I may not want to make blocks from tiny pieces all the time, but I do see the allure of creating something unique that nobody else can create.
I have found that "there is magic in the piecing. Every scrap is full of memories of the project from which it came - every color, texture, and bit of contrast. they might not look like much on their own,these humble little pieces, but together they are a symphony of beauty, each scrap a spot on the timeline of your life as a quilter" (pg.6). This sentiment is so true for me. I pull scraps out of my scrap drawers and think about a project in which I originally used it. That is one of the beautiful things about scrap quilts.
Of course, there are basic sewing guidelines, as every book seems to have. Bonnie has put her own stamp on it by assuming readers know what tools and supplies they need. She also mentions a sewing machine in "good working order (to avoid frustration)" (pg.7). Since the project uses scraps, she tells readers how she calculated yardage and more about the project instructions (pg.7). The projects use scraps since that is what Bonnie Hunter is famous for, so the "About Project Instructions" section talks a lot about using scraps. She also mentions cutting binding strips (pg.7), which is different for books like this.
Bonnie Hunter designed a specialty ruler called Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler. This ruler helps make HSTs, QSTs and Flying Geese units. Hunter provides a picture and a brief description of the ruler in this section (pg.8). It is a good addition to my Triangle Technique when you want to make one or two HSTs units rather than eight at a time. Not only does she show the ruler, but she shows how to use it for HSTs (pg.8), QSTs (pg.9-10) and Flying Geese (pg.10-11) units as well. Bonnie provides as chart near the Flying geese instructions, so the reader can make different geese sizes. The instructions have images, which make them easier to interpret.
'Strings' haven't come up so far in the book, but the author starts explaining what they are, how to make them and why to use them following the discussion of the Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler (pg.11). The discussion includes the definition of a string and how wide strings should be (pg.12), using foundations with strings, easy paper removal and pressing (pg.13). One tip, which I didn't know is not to use tracing paper or vellum since they will curl or shrink when touched with an iron (pg.13). Interesting!
I also now know the difference between a crumb and a string (pg.14). It turns out that the way I make my Improv donation quilts is crumb piecing and I use string piecing for the strip version. The book teaches the reader to build crumb blocks (pg.15) with a small amount of instructions that are complete.
Patterns start with Geese on a String (pg.16-21). No lifestyle shots here, just a nice flat photo of the whole quilt (pg.17), with sizes for blocks and the entire quilt given (pg.16). I like it that there are no surprises.
My favorites in the book are Serpentine Web (pg.22-25), which reminds me of my Spiderweb quilt re-imagined in a new and fun way. The yellow is a bit much, but also may make the quilt. Straits of Mackinac (pg.26-33) is my absolute favorite in this book. It has the feel of En Provence, with a new or different twist. I wouldn't make it with the strips in the Peaky & Spike blocks, but I would use a variety of fabrics. I also like Indigo-a-Go-Go (pg.84-89), thought not in those colors. I like the chain effect.
The patterns have a photo of the quilt flat so you can see the whole quilt along with some text that explains Bonnie's inspiration or the fabric, which I like. There are also extensive materials lists, which do not include notions, machines, etc. These lists are for fabric, batting, etc. Hunter references tools, such as the Fast2Cut Essential Triangle Ruler in various places. Each pattern has some tips and tricks boxes, extensive construction notes from blocks to quilt assembly. As per usual, the finishing instructions are brief. The 'At a Glance' section in each pattern gives visual instructions for putting the quilt together.
The book ends with some foundation piecing patterns readers will need for various patterns. I recommend this book for a few projects you can sew as leaders and enders.
March 15, 2019
After browsing thru this book, not sure if its hoing to be useful. I'll have to try one of patterns on a test basis and see. Making a smaller size might make it less daunting
October 6, 2020
Colorful patterns to use up the smallest crumbs!
December 29, 2022
Beautiful color combinations, most projects are ones I would actually make. I love the look of scrappy quilts.
December 26, 2024
Bonnie Hunter is the queen of scrap quilting.
December 29, 2018
Bonnie Hunter's instructions for this collection of quilts are well written, with full color piecing diagrams. The book is well organized and the projects are varied. If you'd like to try making a string quilt, this is your resource.
May 27, 2020
Excellent updated modern versions of bargello quilt designs
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January 29, 2019#1819
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews