I know I've been blogging a lot about new book releases lately. I think we're just in the middle of a great season for quilting books. Modern quilters seem to have a large appetite for visual inspiration and new project ideas in the form of books and, for the most part, I think the publishers are really stepping up to the plate with well-written, high-quality books with original ideas and beautiful photography.Having said that, I am especially excited to blog today about the new book Little Bits Quilting Bee. In so many ways, this book is different. From the moment I opened the envelope, I knew this book was special.
Little Bits Quilting Bee was written by Kathreen Ricketson, who provides creative inspiration to thousands of people every day via her blog Whip Up. Little Bits Quilting Bee features 20 projects for small fabric scraps and bundles including jelly rolls, charm squares, layer cakes, and fat quarters.
So what makes this book special? More than anything else, Kathreen and her team at Chronicle Books have simply put together a beautiful book. It's a hard-covered book that feels good in your hand. The design of the book -- from the colors to the photography to the fonts used -- is spot on. And, of course, the quilts themselves and the fabrics used are inspired.
As I mentioned, the book is broken out by projects that use the various kinds of pre-cuts -- from jelly rolls to charm squares to layer cakes. Although I feel like my own personal style has moved a little bit towards a more scrappy style, I still have a weakness for pre-cuts. Something about making sure I have every print in a collection appeals to a little piece of me that must have a severe case of OCD.
Plus, I feel like pre-cuts -- and patterns that use them -- are often quite approachable for beginning quilters ... an audience whose libraries, I think, would benefit greatly from Little Bits Quilting Bee's inclusion.
Of the many great projects in this book, two immediately jumped out as my favorites.
First is the Constructivist. Not only is the triangle pattern featured in this project a lot of fun (full templates are provided), but it's made up with some of my favorite fabrics. (The quilting on this project is also amazing.)
The quilt I am most likely to make -- and soon! -- is Squadron. The main block of this quilt -- an improvised strip-pieced block -- is designed to resemble an airplane, but I was struck by the secondary patterns that emerge when many of these blocks are sewn together. I'm a big fan.
This write-up of Little Bits Quilting Bee comes with my highest recommendation. With the holidays fast approaching, I think this book would make a great addition to any quilter's wish list.
I'm also very excited to be able to give one copy of Little Bits Quilting Bee to a lucky Quilt Dad reader. Simply leave a comment on this post and say hello! I'll randomly select a winner next Friday, 12/2.
Be sure to visit the other stops on the book tour for even more chances to win this great book. Good luck!
Monday, November 7 – The Long Thread
Tuesday, November 8 – Craft Nectar & Comfort Stitching
Wednesday, November 9 – luvinthemommyhood & Elsie Marley
Thursday, November 10 – True Up
Friday, November 11 – House on Hill Road & CraftyPod
Monday, November 14 – Handmade by Alissa & Hello My Name Is Heather
Tuesday, November 15 – West Coast Crafty & Foxy Art Studio
Wednesday, November 16 – Patch Andi & The Last Piece
Thursday, November 17 – In Color Order & Duo Fiberworks
Friday, November 18 – Kristin La Flamme & Camp Follower Bags & Quilts
Monday, November 21 – Quilt Dad <----- YOU ARE HERE
Tuesday, November 22 – Pat Sloan & Pleasant Home
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few interesting projects here - I especially like the 'Constructivist' and can see it with some delicious Japanese fabrics
ReplyDeleteHello John! My wish list still holds some blank spots. So if you want to be my Santa this year... just pick me. I'm sure I'd love the book!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have this book!
ReplyDeleteYour review is enthusiastic and heartfelt. That says something. I also really like the squadron. I don't think it's just the colors in the book. It has a more masculine feel--great for me because I have boys and men to quilt for.
ReplyDeleteGreat review for what looks to be a fun, useful book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteelizabeth.rea15@gmail.com
I'm getting this book! Whether it be by winning from a giveaway or if I buy it...but I WANT IT!! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilts squadron and the one with the triangles. You're right- those two are great. Looks like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteHey there . I love your blog . The book is great . I love all of the quilts . I am not to familiar with the jelly rolls and such and would like to get my feet wet with this book . Thnaks for the giveaway . Piecefully Carol in the Poconos of Pa fiberdiva@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review!~ the book looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAww I see some very cute quilts.. I'd love to win.
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my wishlist now - great projects!!
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Thanksgiving John! Looks like a great book.
ReplyDeleteLove it!! I would love a chance to win! Thank you!!
ReplyDeletelooks like a great book! thanks for a chance to be picked..
ReplyDeleteWhat fun projects and colors! Perfect for precuts and scraps!
ReplyDeleteI like the Squadron quilt as well. Thanks for the review of this interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI love this book, the projects I've seen so far look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered in your drawing. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great book with lots of inspiring ideas. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThat does look like a great book!
ReplyDeleteJust added this one to my Amazon wish list!
ReplyDeleteHi Ya, QD!
ReplyDeleteHello from another North Carolinian!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Week!
ReplyDeleteQuilt books are great christmas presents
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThis looks a great book!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a copy!
Stopping by to say, Hello. Hoping to win this wonderful looking book. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so fantastic, and I'm so happy to learn about it throughout this giveaway. Thanks for the great review and lovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun book. I would love to own a copy.
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to win this book. Lovely review and what a great looking book!
ReplyDeleteHello! (Thanks for the chance)
ReplyDeleteloving the look of this book, as a beginner....thank you for the chance
ReplyDeleteThe quilts looks beautiful. The colors in the raindrop one are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and for the nice review.
another quilt book I must have.If I don't win, I guess I'll have to purchase it.
ReplyDeletewhat a darling book! it's on my list!
ReplyDeleteThis books look fabulous! As a beginning quilter, I very much appreciate precuts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool book!
ReplyDeleteI would love to add this book to my library. It has so many cool projects in it. Thanks for participating in the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteI want to make all of the quilts that I've seen from that book. They are all unique and different.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous book!!
ReplyDeleteThat constructivist pattern does look fab!!! Thanks for the review, John!
ReplyDeleteNext Friday is December!? Eeep!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win! This looks like a really great book. I'm dying to make that raindrop/cloud quilt.
ReplyDeleteHello! This does look quite unique.
ReplyDeletexandi ahamilton8 (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com
I love all of these bright colors! What a great book.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope I win!! I would love to make that Squadron quilt, and about 1/2 the others in this book!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my wish list so of course I'd love to win one. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThat circle quilt on the cover is so neat! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks awesome! Thanks for this chance!
ReplyDeleteI love the cloud song quilt- perfect for little boys or girls! Thank you for hosting a wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHello! What a cute book. I like the look of these modern quilts and using pre-cuts is always such a great time-saver :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Constructivist quilt! And the Cloud Song quilt! Thanks for the giveaway and introducing me to a new book!! (even if I don't win - I am getting this book!!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this book -- looks awesome! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI havent worked much with precuts- but I would love to try :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway
I also love that little tree quilt! And now I feel like I want to try quilting something in a woodgrain pattern. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteLove the look of the quilts in this book.
ReplyDeleteI've declared 2012 the year that I sew with my ridiculous hoard of pre-cuts! This book will be a huge help in that endeavor!
ReplyDeleteHello! I love this book!!!
ReplyDeleteHello! When I first started quilting, I didn't buy many precuts, but somehow, over time, because I have the same concern with having a piece of every fabric in certain lines, I find myself with quite a few. This sounds like a great source of patterns for that part of the stash!
ReplyDeleteGah. I love some of the quilts in this book! Thanks for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteHi, John, thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you live this book.
ReplyDeleteHi ya..... thank you for a chance to win this lovely book :)
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Squadron looks like a great quilt to try!
ReplyDeleteHi. :) I'm really struck by this Squadron design, too. Very modern. I think this book needs to join my meagre quilting library!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty lucky to be able to check this out from our library the other week...nd now want to own it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, how have I missed reading about this book? It sounds great, glad I found it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe Squadron quilt is gorgeous. Sew many Beautiful quilts in the book. Looks and sounds like it's a must have for any quilter's library. The only precuts I've used are charm squares but I'm looking forward to trying some of the others.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the great giveaway and chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
hello! this book looks great!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Great book! How they go together!
ReplyDeletetba(at)hotmail(dot)com
hola!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to win!! count me in
ReplyDeleteI love that Squadron quilt pattern too! It's really different.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great book to have. I can see myself making some of the quilts pictured.
ReplyDeleteHi! This book looks like something I could spend a lot of hours with...so many neat projects!
ReplyDeleteI've been following this blog hop, these book looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing your opinions of it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try out a "bee." I just need to find a group peeps!
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to get my hands on a copy of this book. The projects all look so amazing.
ReplyDeleteHello! This looks like a fabulous book, your review is great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm enjoying seeing more from this book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win. Pick me!
ReplyDeleteI have been following this blog tour religiously, hoping to win a copy! Crossing my fingers and toes yet again....!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun book!! =)
ReplyDeleteOoooh! Love that squadron quilt! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletethat looks like a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteYou chose my favorite patterns can't wait to try them..
ReplyDeleteAwesome book! I would love to be the lucky winner of it!
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for sharing this book review, it's on my wish list at the moment :).
ReplyDeleteHello there! Thanks for giving us a good look at this book--there's a lot to love there.
ReplyDeleteI would really love this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking book! Thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteGracias, solo hace falta mucha suerte
ReplyDeleteI'd love to add this to my library (and it would increase it by 25%...) I like the rainbow effect in the cloud song pattern.
ReplyDeleteHola!
ReplyDeleteI'd Love this book!
ReplyDeletei'd love to win a copy of this book! thanx for the opportunity to do so.
ReplyDeleteI have three drawers of Fat Quarters - I need this BOOK! We won't mention the Charm Packs that followed me home... Thanks Quilt Dad
ReplyDeleteSweet book, thanks for a chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing,
Kim
I love the idea of using precuts but making something unpredictable with them, this book looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteHello! Looks like a great book--can't wait to check it out!
ReplyDeletearbendlin(at)gmail.com
Hello! There are some great patterns and tios ib this book from what I've read. Thanks for the chance. I know this book will be sell used and enhoyed.
ReplyDeleteHello! Looks like a great book!
ReplyDeleteHello - book looks terrific!
ReplyDeletehi :) the book looks amazing, both the patterns and the fabric choices... what inspiring ideas! :)
ReplyDeleteHello :)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to learn about your blog today! I'd LOVE for my husband to get into making quilts, or even if he would help me choose fabrics or patterns for quilts that will live in our home.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and will definitely follow!
:)
Hello! Thanks for the chance to win. I've asked Santa but would love to get it sooner!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHappy thanksgiving and thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fabulous! Thanks for a preview! And for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteI have this on my Amazon Christmas wish list! Would love to check it off! Such a beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about this book. I have been out of the loop for the last couple of months and feel like a newbie to all of this. Thanks John for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt on the cover. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeletemissmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com
your picks for projects look like they are great- like all the projects in the book! i love the quilting that looks like wood grain, it is gorgeous! this would be a fun book to use.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great! Lots of interesting patterns. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fab book, it's going on my Christmas list for sure. Happy Thanksgiving :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book preview and recommendation!
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly whetted my appetite for the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've just added it to my wishlist based on your review. Thanks!
Hello John! This looks like a great book. I've added to my wish list - in case I don't win it! I love the triangle quilt - triangle are my latest obsession! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHello! Hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDelete