Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe | A book giveaway

I am so excited that the fantastic book Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe has finally been released!  I have of course known about this project for a while, and it's been a challenge keeping it under wraps for so long.  I was honored to be asked to be part of this book along with some of my oldest and best quilting friends, including Katy (I'm a Ginger Monkey), Monica (Happy Zombie), Jeni (In Color Order), Heather (Olive & Ollie), Lee (Freshly Pieced), Allison (Cluck Cluck Sew), and many, many others.  Seeing everyone contribute such diverse designs united by a love for modern patchwork was such an inspiration, and the bloggers' efforts yielded what I think is one of the best modern quilting books available on the market.

My quilt, A Shift in Perspective, was conceived while pulling together some of my favorite fabrics into a bundle that I knew I wanted to turn into a quilt.  Because I loved the prints and patterns so much, I designed something that would really highlight the combination and bring it to life.  The quilt is a variation of a simple strip quilt with some movement (the shift referred to in the quilt name) for visual interest.  As the quilt came together, it not only showcased the lovely fabric combination but also seemed to represent an abstract interpretation of a tree trunk -- a nice complement to the nature-inspired feel of the prints themselves.

If you haven't already, be sure to check this book out -- the number of patterns you'll surely want to make make it a great value for the price.  Already on my list: Jolene's Tree quilt, Krista's Everything's Coming Up Rainbows quilt, and Jessica's Petal Pod quilt.  Awesome, each and every one.

I'd love to hear what you think of my quilt pattern, and if you happen to make one I'd be thrilled to see it!  Be sure to add it to the Quilt Dad is my Homeboy Flickr group.  In fact, I just saw A Shift in Perspective quilt pop up this week on the Dear Stella fabrics blog, where they sewed one together to show off their new Ravena fabric line.  Pretty cool, huh?

Giveaway time!  Martingale has generously offered a copy of Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe to a lucky Quilt Dad reader.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what fabrics you'd use to make A Shift in Perspective.  I'll select a random winner next week.  Good luck!

*** Giveaway is now closed. Thanks for participating! ***

Lap of Luxe Quilt | An Art Gallery Fabrics Project

I'm excited to be back over on the Art Gallery Fabrics blog today with another free project tutorial.  I had a blast working with AGF's new Luxe in Bloom line, and although I originally intended on making a small project, I couldn't stop myself from making a quilt.

This lap-sized quilt was made using fat quarters of the new Luxe in Bloom line along with some yardage of Art Gallery's Pure Elements solids.  I used two different shades of grey for a bit more of a scrappy feeling, but you could easily unify the solids for a cleaner look.  Made simply from squares and half-square triangles, my Lap of Luxe quilt pattern is perfect for showing off large prints and is easy enough to be considered beginner-friendly.

The Luxe in Bloom collection is great in that it is clearly cohesive and looks great together.  Yet, without a single unifying theme, the prints still seem eclectic enough to look like a more diverse fabric pull.  While the florals and patterns are sophisticated, I still think the size of this quilt would make it perfect for a little girl or baby gift.

Art Gallery Fabrics is generous enough to let one lucky Quilt Dad reader win a bundle of fabrics to make this project.  Interested in getting your hands on some Luxe?  Simply leave a comment on this post and let me know what you're most looking forward to this February.

As with all AGF Fat Quarter Gang giveaways, you must follow Art Gallery Fabrics on your favorite social media platform (Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter). Subscribe to the AGF blog to stay up to date on all things AGF & the Fat Quarter Gang!

If you make a Lap of Luxe quilt, I'd love to see it.  Be sure to add it both to the Quilt Dad is my Homeboy and Art Gallery Fabrics Flickr groups.