Wednesday, January 22, 2014

quilt improv blog tour

I'm happy to be participating in the Quilt Improv book tour today.

(photo from Quilt Improv, used with permission)
This book, by Lucie Summers, grabbed me from the first page. I read it in one sitting, almost every word on every page. The photography alone is inspiring! The quilts are gorgeous. I love that they were inspired by everyday life. It's a really beautiful book.

(photo from Quilt Improv, used with permission)
I've done a fair amount of improv piecing, so I wanted to try my hand at something new-to-me. I chose the quarter circles block, which Lucie describes as a freehand version of the drunkard's path block. I was a little nervous to jump in, but I had a blast!
My quilted storage boxes provided the color inspiration for my project. I saw them stacked precariously upon one another and the color combo caught my eye from across the room. (That was probably over a year ago.) I knew that I would use this color scheme for something, someday.
This is what I came up with when I combined the two. I'm very happy with it! Notice that there are LOTS of polka dots. Always. I thought that the mis-matched curves would make me a little crazy, but I was able to embrace the improv. Yay! (You never know until you try it!)
 I quilted the patchwork with some honeycomb quilting, then turned it into a pillow cover.
 The backing is a fun and bright print by dear stella. (I'm dreaming of spring, apparently.)
The pillow cover is about 20" square. This was such a fun project to make! I'm glad that I branched out and I'm looking forward to revisiting the technique again, on a larger scale. So many possibilities!

(By the way, this is scrap project #46/101!)

F & W Media is kindly offering a giveaway of this fantastic book. If you would like to win a copy of your very own, please leave a comment in this post. In your comment, I'd love to hear what inspires YOU. Please, only one comment per person. Be sure I have a way of contacting you, should your name be drawn. Good luck!

edited to add: the giveaway is now closed.

Be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour and the stitch, craft, create blog, too.

December:

Mon 16th – Summersville
Wed 18th – The Long Thread
Thur 19th – A Stitch In Dye
Fri 20th – Fresh Modern Quilts
Sun 29th – Quiltville’s Quips & Snips
 

January:

Mon 6thDiary of a Quilter
Wed 8th – Blueberry Park
Thur 9th –  Sew Take a Hike
Fri 10th – Very Kerry Berry
Mon 13th – Sew Justine Sew
Wed 15th – Lily’s Quilts
Thur 16th – Cut To Pieces 
Fri 17th – Happy Zombie
Mon 20th – Freshly Pieced
Tue 21st – Fresh Lemons Quilts
Wed 22nd – Crazy Mom Quilts
Thur 23rd – Gen X Quilters
Fri 24th – Handmade by Alissa
Mon 27th – Don’t Call Me Betsy
Tue 28th – I’m a Ginger Monkey
Wed 29th – Sew Mama Sew

191 comments:

Elaine said...

What a fun book and something I need to try!
satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net

MaryAnn said...

I love the entire improv idea. It sparks creativity. I am always inspired at retreat where I see what other people are working on.

Anonymous said...

Anything has the ability to inspire, but today the picture of your cushion definitely inspired me to try and have a go at improv!

Aliceart said...

This book looks like so much fun - such bright fun colors and designs!

What inspires me is the smart, talented women that surround me, and my own experiences in the world - what I see.

Jodi said...

I see inspiration everywhere I look! I just need to keep my eyes and heart open!

Pam said...

my quilting friends and the blogs i visit give me the inspiration for quilting

Wendy said...

love your pillow - the secondary pattern in the centre really stands out. This book does look amazing. what inspires me? Craft blogs, Pinboards on Pinterest, Instagram, Craft magazines and books...

whale said...

Often what inspires me is color more than anything else. Especially in the combination of color and architecture.
Thank you for the giveaway!

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

This book looks gorgeous! I'm inspired by the quilts of others. I love reading blogs, checking out books, browsing Pinterest, etc and seeing the beautiful things others are creating!

Kimberly said...

Seeing my scraps from diverse projects is currently inspiring me to use them in new combinations. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of a beautiful book-- which will certainly be another round of inspiration.

Laurel09 said...

Every stop on this blog tour makes me want the book more! Thanks for the chance to win.

My sewing inspiration -- honestly it is often the great blogs I read. And then, of course, looking at beautiful fabric always inspires me to get back to the sewing machine!

Soile Kivinen said...

Absolutely on my to-buy list

Sarah @ sarahquilts.com said...

I'm inspired by the color combinations of my kid's clothes. Thanks! Looks like an inspiring book.

Unknown said...

I get inspired by amazing colour combinations - especially when they seem unexpected!
Turner(underscore)post(at)hotmail(dot)com

Cheryl said...

Inspiration can strike me on a walk with the dog- in a fence (especially the "wonky" ones) or in the pattern on a brick building. Also, in randomly stacked fabric like your boxes!

Amy from Our Dish said...

Definitely a great book that I could put to good use!

DianeY said...

I'd love to say I was inspired by my beautiful surroundings here in Hawaii, but most of my inspiration comes from blogs, IG and Flickr. I love getting ideas from things I see

Liz said...

The more I see from this book the more I know I need it! I find inspiration everywhere, most often a combination of industrial settings and Flickr, haha.

Liz said...

The more I see from this book the more I know I need it! I find inspiration everywhere, most often a combination of industrial settings and Flickr, haha.

Anita said...

You made a gorgeous pillow!
Quilting blogs inspire me, fellow quilters have lots of great ideas. Also my surroundings inspire, such as a picture on the wall, and a crooked tree in the forest, or a rusty old car. Endless possibilities as long as you keep your eyes open!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

What a fun pillow-must try circles someday. I have only three books in my quilt library so this fun book would be a good addition. The circle quilts are so cool-wonder if I have it in me to try one of those-it's mostly log cabin and strip piecing in my world.

Daytona Damsel said...

I love your color combo and the backing just sings! I find inspiration on the web, especially Pinterest and my local Quilt shop. My local shop has so many quilts hanging and changes them out on a regular basis that I have bags of yet to start quilts. Oh and Quilt books and mags are stacking up as well.
If I win contact me at dkhalcomb2@juno.com

sophie said...

oh! love the colors and mis matched circles!! so eye catching. I am inspired by things I see around me and mainly by Pinterest. I love to be inspired by adds and posters for designs and colors. Recently I did a "screen save " at the end of a music video because it had hearts in it that I thought would look perfect on a quilt!!thank you for the chance to win!:)
scresp@yahoo.co.uk

Anonymous said...

I'm often inspired by other quilters. I will see something someone made in a class or on a blog, and I will envision something similar using my colors and style, or it may be the catalyst for something new and different of my own creation. I love the support and encouragement quilters give each other! :)

Gill said...

What a great book!
I'm inspired by people like you and Lu!!

Judy@Quilt Paradigm said...

I get inspired by books and the internet! This book is gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

Heather D. said...

I'm mostly inspired by reading other quilting blogs. Thanks for the chance to win, this looks like a really fun book.

Anne said...

I'm inspired by blogs like this one, and by my own life and nature. Thanks for the chance.

L said...

I get inspired by other people's projects! A color scheme from here; piecing from there; and a quilting design from yet another

Kathleen said...

I am inspired by blogs, books and blocks. Can't wait to get my hands on this book.

Barbara said...

I am always inspired by color. Terrified of Improv, but the colors just shine using this technique. I'd love to win this book, thanks for the chance.

Nicole said...

Pictures of quilts inspire me! I like your circles.

Sarah said...

I am inspired by color and prints. I often find myself snapping pictures of clothing that has a great print or interesting color scheme when I am out shopping, for inspiration in the future.

Vicki H said...

I am inspired by reading so many great blogs. Thanks for the chance.

Alicia said...

I am inspired by colors of food! Farmers market here I come. Its such a great way to see vibrant colors together.

Marisa said...

This book looks fabulous. I've really enjoyed seeing what bloggers have come up with from it so far. I'm generally inspired by starting with a little something I have on hand, combined with some images I've gathered on Pinterest. Thanks for the opportunity!
mmckee at wi dot rr dot com

Amanda S. said...

Love the pillow. The book seems inspiring.

Jill R. said...

I think I'm mainly inspired by all the great blogs I follow. Thanks for the chance to win!

Shauna said...

I am most inspired by magazines/books. I love seeing what others do and then putting my twist on it.

Deborah said...

I find it especially inspiring to check out ideas on all of these wonderful blogs!

teresa said...

It does see a very fun book to read and work with! Lately my inspiration source is mainly blogland - but fabrics play the most important part.

M.W. said...

I like the whole improv idea. Not sure I would be good at it but would like to give it a try. Thanks for the chance to win.
Shawn

Dominique said...

looks like a great book. What inspires me? generally other people. one quilt by one person, combined with a colour scheme by another person...

Unknown said...

This book looks beautiful. I get inspired by other projects I see. I enjoy piecing together several "likes" into one project to make it my own.

Liz said...

I get inspired by all the lovely ideas on IG. Then I try to make my own twist on things!

elle said...

I'm an idea gal so just about everything inspires me. That contributes to some ADDs but I never run out of things to do. This book would surely add to some of that and I do Luv those baskets and totally understand the colour idea! ;)

Pontos da Flávia said...

I surf a lot in the web to get inspirations! Love all blogs I read! Great sewers!

kelly o! said...

Cute cushion! Thanks for hosting a fun giveaway, too!

I'm always inspired by the Show 'n Tell at my local MQG. Just being around so many creative people makes me want to step up my game.

Stephanie said...

I guess people inspire me. I make quilts for other people as gifts 90% of the time, and recently I was showing my mom one I made for a friend. She said, "that looks just like her." I thougth humm I guess I just stare at my stash or shop through fabric until I feel that person in there. I went back and looked through pictures of quilts I have made and yep I can see those people in most of my fabric and pattern choices.

Unknown said...

The idea of using up my scraps to make as many different quilts/patterns inspires me.

Barbara said...

Many times I find inspiration in the ordinary, i.e. the design on a metal water bottle that I saw yesterday while in a meeting for work would make a great pillow!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

I LOVE mismatched circles - I am inspired by your cushion!!!

Ann said...

Love what I am seeing about this book!

giddy99 said...

Pictures of other quilts and quilt blocks on blogs and Flickr is what motivates me and gets my mojo going! ESPECIALLY those with gorgeous colors!

the mrs said...

I get lots of inspiration from other quilters, graphic designers, Pinterest, etc.

the mrs said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
carla said...

HI!!! I love the colors!!! Love the pillow!!!! Thanks for the give away!!!!

barbara woods said...

blogger inspire me all the time

phxquilt said...

It looks like a wonderful book for somebody like me who is just toying with "modern" quilting.

Fran said...

My best inspiration is when I look at fabric and know what I want to do with it. Much harder the other way round, seeing a project I want to do and then trying to decide on the fabric.

Teressa P. said...

Looks like a fun book. I love the idea of improv because I'm not the best piecer and I like being able to say I planned it that way :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Iris said...

There are many things that can inspire. I've been inspired by my boys PJs, a glas block window, playing with my stash, blogs, but the best kind of inspiration for me is starting a block and taking it one step at the time, allowing the quilt to evolve as you go along.
thanks for a chance to win

Kay said...

Great cushion, ans I love the dots. I like to read blogs for inspiration, seeing what others are doing with patterns and colour is fascinating. Thanks for a fun giveaway.

Unknown said...

I am inspired by all those quilts in blog-land, I must have looked at tens of thousands LOL Evry blog shows me something different. I don't have any quilt books but want to change that soon! Lizisquilting at gmail dot com

Anya said...

Show and tell at my two quilt guilds inspire me! Thanks for the chance!

Lynne said...

My favorite quilt stores and blogs are what inspire me. Thanks for the chance to win.

Michala said...

Sounds cheesy and obvious, but more often than not it's the seasons and my mood that inspire me.

Birlot said...

Nature inspires me, but also random things like tiles on a floor or the way my stash just happens to be stacked .

bumblebee53 said...

i love your rendition of Lucie's quarter circles and your color combo. seems there are endless improv possibilities with this block!

i hope i win this book; i really want to win it! this is my kind of quilting.

Kathy S. said...

I am often inspired by blogs and Pinterest. I can look at pictures of quilts all day.

Catskill Quilter said...

I am inspired by leafing through my quilt books or magazines, and also by seeing wonderful projects on blogs. Your pillow is stunning!

Lynn said...

What doesn't inspire me?! That's why I have so many wip 's and ufo's! Really though what inspires me is are blogs and pintrest and a trip to the quilt shop to see the fabrics up close and in person.

Loree said...

I am inspired by bloge such as this. I love the quarter circles and the fact that it is ok to use scrapy fabrice. Love the miss matched look.

Tamie said...

To be honest, I'm really inspired by blogs. I hear they are falling by the wayside but I really hope not. I really appreciate all the time and effort that goes into a post and love seeing the variety of things people create.

Josie McRazie said...

My fabric inspires me. Sometimes it is a photo. Sometimes an object I see, or think about. Delly inspiration is all over. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes. This book looks very inspiring!

Anonymous said...

The internet inspires me! There are so many people sharing beautiful things. it might be the color combination or the block design, but I am always inspired by the generous sharing and creativity I find when I log on.

SarahZ said...

I've been so inspired by the beautiful things quilters share...especially triangles and bright colors...quilty blogland and flickr inspires me!

rappy said...

Your book was a huge inspiration for me to start making scrappy things and this book looks like a great one for further techniques on that front.

Love the colour combo in that cushion!

webby said...

Most of my quilting inspiration comes from all the wonderful quilting blogs out there! It still amazes me what other quilters come up with and how generous they are to share many of their patterns with their readers free of charge! I can't imagine quilting without blogs!

cynthia said...

My inspirations are traditional quilt block--I have a hard time keeping myself in check and not trying all that appeal to me!

Gemini Jen NZ said...

The book looks fantastic, very inspiring. I get inspired by colour...if I see a fabric combo I love then I instantly want to make something with it (though usually it will sit for a while until I find time to get around to it!)

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Inspiration comes from pretty pictures :) even just glancing at a picture can get my mind a going!

B Greene said...

I am inspired by the wonderful, talented, creative, entertaining bloggers that I follow!! Thanks for being one of that group that spurs me on to create!

B Greene said...

I am inspired by the wonderful, talented, creative, entertaining bloggers that I follow!! Thanks for being one of that group that spurs me on to create!

Crissa said...

I'm inspired by seeing what others are doing and by going to the fabric store to feel all the fabric-y goodness!

Kim said...

Blog surfing inspires me , I am always blown away at what others create, sometimes I just have to drop everything and try a project I might see. Your blog is one of my favorite for ideas and I have made many items from your tutorials.
Thanks so much for the chance to win the book and
Happy Sewing

JanineMarie said...

I think this book is just what I need to inspire me to do some improv piecing!!

S Staum said...

I am finding that I really enjoy improv the most! Inspiration comes from quilters that share their work and techniques- like you, Amanda Jean and other quilters with blogs and books and patterns. And also from our guild, the Lake Superior MQG, where we are trying out new techniques and sharing and supporting each other!

babiesdoc said...

I get inspiration many places.
usually is for the intent of the quilt-- they are always gifts so, the recipient is the first inspiration
then some fabric or something on a blog that i see

Judith said...

I'm inspired by seeing the work of others who work in different media (painting, metal work, whatever) and then challenging myself to incorporate some element of that work into my own. Thanks for the chance to win what appears to be a pretty inspiring book.

Linda B said...

What inspires me most is your blog. I'm not kidding. Your colors and scappiness make me happy all the time. If you could see my current project, you'd know I plagiarize you terribly. Thanks for the opportunity to win a beautiful book.

Diane M said...

I'm inspired by all the beautiful blogs I follow. I'm still new to quilting but seeing so many different styles gives me courage to keep trying. Hoping to win this book, too! Thanks for the chance.

Jane S. said...

Everything inspires me. Music, the outdoors, color, fabrics, emotions/moods/feelings. It's trying to narrow down that's the difficult part for me!

Thanks so much for the nice giveaway. :)

Diane said...

I really like your pillow!
I'm inspired by blogs, magazines,show n'tell at my guild meetings.... floor tile...you name it.
thanks for a chance to win.
stay warm!

Michelle@factotum-of-arts.com said...

such a great pillow - love it. This book is 1 of 2 most inspiring books I have bought in the last couple of months....so happy to be following along on the hop.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

I get inspired by all these amazing quilting blogs! thanks for the giveaway.

Janet M said...

I don't know if you can teach this old dog to loosen up and 'improv' but I'd love to win this book and have a go at it!

Liz said...

Inspiration....whatever I am looking at/reading - for instance, if I am out antiquing, and see mis-matched china place settings, my mind thinks "color for a quilt block". Tonight's sunset on my way home from work made me want to come home and dive into my sewing room, however, dinner came first, LOL

Jodie said...

I'm inspired by color I see while out and about!

Bearpawquilter said...

What inspires me is all the blogs I read like yours and many others. Too many ideas bookmarked to make in my lifetime!

Who-lee-uh said...

I am inspired by color, I too am thinking of spring. Thanks for a chance to win this book

Gina said...

I think catalogs are a great inspiration

Tammie said...

I am inspired by stalking all my favorite bloggers !

Ginny Worden said...

This book looks so interesting and might be the push I need to try and do improve quilting. My inspiration comes from friends, and social media.

Marianne said...

What inspires me is nature, especially on my hour long fitness walk in the morning.

pingraham said...

My inspiration comes from wonderful blogs, such as yours, and beautifully creative books, such as Sunday Morning Quilts! Phoebe
phoebe(dot)bell(dot)ingraham(at)gmail(dot)com

DeborahGun said...

my inspiration comes from blogs, magazines, nature, really anywhere!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I like your take on the improv circles. Improv is hard for me to embrace because I'm so inclined to structure. Maybe the book will help me loosen up.

Crafty Coffin said...

I'm a beginner and I get so inspired looking at the amazing quilts and blocks that get shared on flickr and through blogs.

Susana Neiger said...

Looks like a great book - thanks for the book review! Tons of inspiration comes from quilty blogs, but also lines & shapes in everyday things look like quilting patterns to me - like the coffee cups I saw at a department store the other day - the more inspiration, the better!

ronnie said...

I'm inspired by quilt blogs!

Jeneta said...

Oh I love how the middle of the block stands out when the cushion cover is filled. It caught my eye immediately. The book looks wonderful. Is that the same Lucie Summers who is also the fabric designer? My daughter's favourite line of fabric (ever. Though she is only ten.) is Summersville.

Teri said...

Nature inspires me. Can't go wrong with the color combinations that Mother Nature uses.

Katie said...

Your color combination for your pillow is inspiring! Colors that I love and have in my stash so hmmm.... let me start planning!

Unknown said...

I'm always inspired by unique color combinations or unexpected patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!

Marly said...

I like your cushion cover. I'd love to own a copy of this inspirational book. Thanks for the chance to win one.

Beth said...

For patterns, I am inspired by floors--tile, brick, wooden, linoleum, you name it. For color, it's nature all the way--when I am stressing over whether shades match or finding the perfect blue, I remind myself that there are a jillion shades of green in our garden and they "go together" beautifully.

sandrarumsey said...

I would love to try the quilted tubs. Thanks for the giveaway.

Helen in the UK said...

I'd love to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this fab looking book. I recently pre-washed a whole bunch of FQs and was loving seeing the colour combos on my dryer. Sometimes an unexpected combo inspires a quilt :)

Marina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

My inspiration comes from many places. Mainly I'm inspired by unusual color combinations I see in everyday life. I carry a camera so I can refer to the colors later. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Lynne said...

I can be inspired by different things- other peoples work, the countryside and villages round where we walk, the seasons......

Paige said...

I think nature and color are inspiring. would love this book, thanks.

Cheryl said...

I am inspired by many different things as I go through each day--people, places, colors, nature, art. Creativity is everywhere! Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.

slopez45s2000 said...

Everywhere I look there are shapes that inspire me. Beautiful fabrics are very inspiring.

Linda said...

The work of others inspire me to get busy on a project. Walking through an exhibition, paging through a book, reading a blog - all are opportunities to get my creative juices flowing.

Just Sew Sue said...

I'm inspired by other people's work. The internet has so many inspiring photos and projects and sew alongs.

SussiT said...

Thanks for the chance to win.

Sewing inspiration is often from the fantastic blogs I read. And then of course looking at beautiful fabric and books!

Unknown said...

I get my inspiration from shapes and colors. Bright and abstract designs catch my eye every time.

Barb said...

I get my inspiration mostly from color.
I would love to win this book!

Robin Woods said...

I get inspiration from many things, like a richly
colored piece of fabric or a beautiful photo. But my biggest source of inspiration is the many bloggers I follow. In fact, I have so much "inspiration" backed up right now, I don't know where to start!

Stepfordmom75 said...

I love your pillow! I can't wait to try those curves on my own but it's definitely going to be hard not to match all the little edges up!

Amy said...

Love your pillow! Now these curves are some I would be willing to try!

barbaradougherty126 said...

The blogs I read, like yours, and people inspire me. Thanks for the chance!

Kat said...

A trip to the local fabric shop inspired me yesterday. I have a brand new project and a lot less money now. ;o)

Suzanne said...

I have learned that inspiration can be anywhere...floor grates, bathroom tiles, architecture and definitely other people's work. Sounds like a wonderful book!

Debbie said...

Looks like a great book. I need more time and fabric to try everything!

Aimee said...

My sewing friends and bloggers inspire me. I'm working on machine quilting a Queen size quilt thanks to your inspiration.

Kristine said...

Sometimes I'm inspired by a quilt pattern,sometimes by the fabric. Other times it's pictures (of something not quilt-related) or the person I'm making for - their style and favorites and personality.

AuntieCrafty said...

As a quilter and a gardener, nature often inspires me.

kris said...

Color inspires me. Color around me and in everything I see. I don't know what this world would be like without color. Color makes me happy!

Janina said...

This book would really teach me something different

Nancycim said...

I love the whole idea of improv and I love your pillow. Actually, I love all your pillows!

Kris Gahm said...

The latest inspiration came from the background of a TV commercial. Very unexpected. I was so taken by the background & thinking about how to incorporate the design into a quilting pattern that I have no idea what the commercial was selling!!

Gigi said...

I just love your blog! I'm so excited to see I have an email from you a few times a week. I've never quilted before since I know I'm not good at being precise but your blog and book taught me to just do it and go with the flow. Thanks for the push I needed to start this journey!

Unknown said...

I am loving the improv look and this book would be a great opportunity to jump into it!

cjmont said...

i love the circles, i am inspired by nature and my love of america.

Denice said...

I am inspired by others projects. I love blog surfing and finding ideas using fabrics and patterns I would have never considered. I usually want to add another project to my ever growing wish list.

Ann D said...

I get inspired by the ladies in my quilt bee when they have 'show and tell'. It's great to see the projects up close and then say to myself, I can do it too.

Brianna S said...

Love your pillow cover! The ladies I work with inspire me--they are so passionate and that passion is inspiring and fosters more ideas and inspirations!

Poppyprint said...

Love your color scheme and fabric choices, and of course the great improv piecing! It's a super happy pillow. I'm inspired by my online friends and books like Lu's for sure. I have quite a book collection and use them for color ideas and photo inspiration - I rarely make projects out of them but that's okay because I know that they inform my work in other ways.

Timtirim said...

The inspiration comes mostly from the blogs I read. Since I am new to quilting, I read a lot - this gives me more and more ideas.

Dona said...

I am a musician as well and I improvise a lot on music so I am always looking for ways to improvise in sewing. Thanks for the book recommendation.

Dona said...

I am a musician as well and I improvise a lot on music so I am always looking for ways to improvise in sewing. Thanks for the book recommendation.

bee said...

this book sounds like a fun way to jump into some improv sewing!

Lori H said...

Looks interesting! I get SO much inspiration from blogs such as yours!

Anonymous said...

I am inspired by blogs, books and quilty friends. looks a great book.

Anonymous said...

I am inspired by blogs, books and quilty friends. looks a great book.

Karen said...

Like most people so many different things inspire me, but to be honest what inspires me most is lovely materials (fabric, yarn, paper) -- that's what gets me itching to create.

MrsV said...

Your pillow looks great. I think I'm still in the process of discovering where my inspiration comes from.

Unknown said...

Do you honestly want to know what inspires me? YOU do! Seriously, I don't mean to sound like a teacher's pet, but I love and admire your work. I have followed your blog religiously for years! Keep up the good work!

Darlene B said...

I am inspired by seeing other quilts on display at a quilt show or at quilt guild. Would love to win a copy of this book!

Balmoral Quilter said...

What inspires me??? Free-style, breaking all the rules, wonky blocks, bright fun fabric...the list goes on!

Trisch said...

Your pillow is just gorgeous! Love the colors. I am inspired usually by things I have seen others make. It is fun to take a project as a jumping off point and then add something that makes it your own. Thanks for the chance to win.

karen k said...

Reading blogs helped me get back into sewing and making quilts. I love all the information and ideas. Looking at all the pictures gets me started with a plan and then I put my twist on it! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Vicki said...

I am inspired by fabric...I know, that sounds silly. But, I love fabric of any color and design.

Nancy L said...

I get inspired by the tutorials on the blogs. Color is another winner for me.

trudys_person said...

I'm inspired by colour and by my quilty friends! Thank you for the giveaway!

paulamb at shaw dot ca

Unknown said...

I have seen this book and I LOVE it! I am inspired by fabric colors and patterns, and sometimes things like your stack of boxes catches my eye…Thanks for the chance!

Naomi

Deairdre said...

Thanks for the chance! Improv scares me, but I want to try!

barbara woods said...

Would love to have that book, thanks

maureen said...

This book looks great. I've wanted to try improv quilting but didn't know where to start (I guess that what improv is all about isn't it?) Thanks for the chance to win it!

As for inspiration, I usually see a quilt I like and then change it a bit to make it my own.

Tim said...

Project Linus inspires me to keep quilting.

Anonymous said...

I'm inspired by your spiral quilting tutorial. I have a quilt top that has been waiting for a year for me to be brave and try the spiral. thanks!

vjwildman at yahoo dot com

leanne said...

another fantastic pillow - love your improv and love that its another scrap project ! I'm always inspired by colour and talented quilters !

PersimonDreams said...

Oooh...I would love to win this book! Just my kind of thing. My dreams inspire me, color inspires, me, my children inspire me, project quilting inspires me...

lapaceksorchard at gmail dot com

Anthony and Sharon said...

I visit your blog, look at my children's clothing, and think of what would look best in a room to think of quilt designs.

anthonyandsharon(at)gmail.com

jean said...

Some of my favorite projects were inspired serendipitously by experiments or failed project (I guess they're not failed projects anymore). I love when it works that way.

charlotte said...

Looks like a fun book. I am inspired by great pictures on blogs and in books.

Richard Healey said...

The book looks like a lot of fun. I did my first drunkards path (a small table runner) a month ago. Love the pillows they look fun.

Richard Healey

Brynn said...

I'm feeling inspired by your post about the spiral quilting to give it one last try (the first four were fails) on my husband's quilt. Here's hoping this time it works!

Mari said...

Nowadays I get most of my inspiration (others might call it obsession) from looking at pictures in internet. Thank you for Your contribution, too.
Greetings from Finland; (ma.mi.oja@suomi24.fi)

Dita Bybee said...

pramuditahandaristi at gmail dot com

I love the fabric boxes that you made! I'm so happy that there are so many blogs out here that there are just so many inspirations around! :)

June D said...

I get most of my inspiration from the web, but when I'm walking around I often see designs that make me eager to get back to the sewing room. The biggest inspiration is having a sewing room that is organized so it's easy to concentrate on the project rather than having to move things around or spend time looking for things... Thanks for putting my name in the hat for this drawing.

Dawn said...

I get most of my inspiration from blogs, and of course pinterest. I'm new to sewing so I need all the inspiration I can get.

Margaret said...

I love seeing what other people are making and the colors and fabrics they put together.

Jessica said...

Your pillow came out really nice. This is a book I've wanted to read for a while, thanks for the giveaway. I am surprised by how often I find color inspiration in what my boys are wearing. (And no, I don't buy all of their clothes, so it's not a subconscious thing..) strange, buy always a pleasant surprise.

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Your pillow is very eye catching! This style of piecing really appeals to me and I've made quite a few improv projects lately. I too love to browse the photos in quilt books...even if I never make the project I think just looking at photos informs my style choices in future projects. Maybe that's why I love blogs so so much:)

Joan said...

Your blog inspires me!

Christine said...

As corny as this sounds, I get a lot of inspiration from Pintrest. There are so many creative people out there.

sandrarumsey said...

Beautiful colours to inspire. Great giveaway!