Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts...and Giveaway!

Welcome to the second stop on the Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts Blog Book Tour!  Several weeks before the wedding, Mary Elizabeth Kinch contacted me to ask if I would be willing to participate in the tour and do a review of her (and Biz Storms') new book.  Considering I was just finishing up a queen sized quilt top with over 3,500 pieces, you might think I would have backed away slowly from that request.  However, I'm a huge fan of Mary Elizabeth and Biz's first book on the same topic...quilts with small pieces inspired by antique quilts...so I happily accepted the invitation.  The review book arrived and I put it aside until the last of the guests departed last week.

I had decided early on that as part of my review I would make a block or small piece from the book.  I admit I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to quilt books, often ignoring the text to focus on the photos, but first I sat down and read Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts cover to cover.  No matter your level of sewing expertise, you'll find new nuggets of helpful information in this book.  I gleaned some new pressing tips and found the authors to be fellow champions of the pin! 

On to my project.  Big confession.  I have consciously avoided piecing diamonds all of the many years I've been quilting.  The center of one of the book's featured projects, Across the Pond, is comprised of them so I decided to jump in the deep end and give them a try.  I made a little plastic template from the book's pattern and pulled repro prints from my scrap basket.  I know this looks daunting to many of you, but really, it's not.  In fact, it's quite a bit of fun.

When you piece diamonds into a block, you sew the strips diagonally.  This does result in a bit of skewing, but surprisingly, it was quite manageable.  At this point I was thinking, 'Hey, why have I been avoiding this for so long?!'  Contrary to the book's suggestion, I did find it helpful to do a slight pressing after sewing each row, but nothing heavy handed.  As the authors stress, it's easy to distort the small pieces with steam!

After assembling my diamonds and doing a final pressing, I noticed that the piece still had a tendency to 'pull in'...think 'accordian'.  Hmmm.  Going back to my knitting experience, I tried something that worked quite well, blocking.  I stretched the piece out, side to side, and pinned it out flat to the design board.  Then I sprayed it lightly with water and left it to dry.  Voila!  It worked!  My intention was to present my little block in the post but you know me.  Once I get started...

I had to add a row of triangles.  Oh, I like that red!  How about some black?  In my haste, I assembled the first black triangle strip in the wrong direction.  I considered my original plan..just post the diamond block...but I couldn't leave it alone.  That's how it is with these little pieces.  They're like gumdrops.  You find yourself returning to the candy dish in spite of yourself.  So over the last 24 hours, I've played with it.  Turned strips this way and that.  Added a dash of cheddar.  More red triangles.

Such fun!  Although the book presents page after page of the most wonderful bed-sized quilts made from small pieces, it's also an excellent resource for those who might not choose to take on such a challenge.  I'm sure you've noticed more and more quilters recently making doll and child-sized quilts.  If you're one of them, you should definitely consider adding this book to your library!

And lucky you!  If you're reading this post, by simply leaving a comment, you'll be entered in a drawing at the end of the week for a copy of Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts.  There will be eight more stops on the blog tour, one each week, which will offer tutorials, reviews, Q&A, antique quilts and more spectacular interpretations of featured projects.  Each will offer a chance to win a copy of the book if you aren't lucky this week.  Sew,Mama,Sew! hosted the first stop, which featured a small seam tutorial by Mary Elizabeth herself.  Wonky World (Bill Volckening) is up next...be sure to check it out.

July 31 ~ Wonky World
August 10 ~  See How We Sew
Aug 13 ~   Quiltsalott
Aug 20 ~  Amy's Creative Side
Aug 29 ~ Supergoof
Sept 3 ~ Quilts in the Barn
Sept 11 ~  Stitch This/Martingale
Sept 17 ~ Quilting with the Past

Additionally, Mary Elizabeth Kinch has launched a new website and blog, chock full of photos, info and more chances to win books and sewing tools over the span of the 10 week blog tour. 

18"x20"

So here's my final piece.  I rushed to get some borders on it this morning and now I'm rethinking the color.  I'm afraid black is my recent fallback.  Maybe by the time I choose a book winner, it will look a little different!

Comments

[Mary M.]

Great job! I think that after you added the last few rows and the border, your so-called "mistake" with the black half-squares looks planned. You are inspiring me to start my own little quilt. Thanks!

[Gill]

I love little quilts and like you I have avoided diamonds!
I love the quilt on the book cover - have you tackled that one yet??

[Heidi]

Looks like a great book - love those diamonds!

[Monica]

Fabulous little quilt! And thanks for the chance to win!

[Vicki W]

I LOVE your little quilt and I always love little pieces!

[Kim]

Oh nice!!! I love your little quilt! I am one of those that seems to always make queen-size. I'd love to win the book and see some made with small pieces! Thanks for the chance!

[Margo]

Wonderful diamonds and I love the black triangles. Looks like an inspiring book!

[K Fein]

What a great looking book. Also the piece you made.

[Barb Robson]

Looks like a great book! My kind of piecing with lots of pieces and lots of different fabrics. The quilt I have made with the most pieces has about 4,200...by hand! And I would do it again.

[Brenda]

Your diamonds are lovely and inspiring. thanks for showing us, and for the chance at a great book.

[Janet]

What a great block! How fun to see your border adding process. It looks like a great book - thanks for the chance :0)

[MarciaW]

Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book. I like to play with itsy bitsy pieces of fabric. If win, this book can organize my play so am making spectacular quilts from those small fabric pieces.

[karina]

Beautiful! I have not made a quilt yet but I love the small pieced ones. I love how your block turned out.

[Taryn]

I enjoyed your process photos - those are always my favorites. Thanks for reviewing the book. You've made me want it. Of course, I love your great variety of fabrics in your little quilt. I'll be interested to see what you change the border to. The black looks great but safe. Are you tempted to go further outside the box?

[Ann Champion]

I love your little quilt! I really like that you let it "speak" to you and tell you it wanted more.
I've seen a pic of this book and wondered what it would be like. I'm so glad you all are doing this blog hop. It's a great chance to see what can be done with those little pieces. I love intricate. :)

[Lorena]

What a great book! And I love your diamond quilt. Especially the wonderful array of shirtings. Looking forward to checking out more pages from the book.

[Jenny G.]

Glad to see a new quilt here again! Very nice work as always!

[Mamifleur]

You know my love for "small small" quilts and small pieces of fabrics! I would love to win this new book because I have the first that I love! Thank you for the tutorial of your small quilt that inspires me ... Friendship

[Stella Snyder]

I liked the way everything looks so neat when its cut out. Makes me want to get the book & try it. Thanks, Stella

[Andrea]

Love the little quilt! I seem to make only big ones...they start small and grow on their own somehow - just one more color - just one more row - ooh I can't leave that fabric out! Thanks for the chance to win!
Andrea

[Linda in NC]

I must say, I like your way of doing a book review: get a quilt made! I love your little diamond quilt though that much black overpowers the center; hmm - more color?

[Susan]

Seeing your small pieces makes me think I want to throw my name in the hat for the give away book. In I go.

[Sharon]

I got inspired by Molly's Stars, this is what I ended up with.
http://www.grassrootsquilting.blogspot.com/search/label/1%2F2%20sq%20triangles
You are right, just like potato chips...my hand kept going back in the box of 1/2 sq tri's. I have the book so please don't consider me for the drawing.

[Paula Benjaminson]

Love those diamonds! Your colors are wonderful, especially with the cheddar in the small border. I think I need this book!:)

[Robin]

I absolutely love the diamonds. This is definitely on my bucket list.

[Kate]

It's just FAB.U.LUS
k

[Amy (badskirt)]

I love how your little quilt block grew and though I don't buy a lot of craft books, this one seems to be up my alley. I'm really excited about recreating vintage quilts at the moment, but am a little lost for a starting point.

Thank you for an interesting, meaningful and helpful review.

[Kathy]

I love the red, black, and cheddar that you've added to your quilt. It makes it striking. Thanks for showing the back of your work with your pressed open seams. Very inspiring.

[Chelsea @ pinsandbobbins]

those aren't just small, they're teeny tiny! but absolutely breathtaking.

[Gwen Windham]

Amazingly beautiful!! Thanks for the chance to win this book!!! :-)

[Miriam]

Those are tiny diamonds!! Amazing!!
Love your completed little quilt!

Thank you for the opportunity to win.

[Ann L]

I love your diamond block! And I admire your courage in attempting something outside of your comfort zone. Count me in on the drawing! I am one of those people you mentioned who has recently completed a doll quilt (which you can see on my nascent blog: thegardenofneedles.blogspot.com), but must also admit to being a bit afraid of diamonds too. Maybe it's time to get over that.

[VickiT]

Great looking quilt. I really like the way it looks even if you aren't totally sure on that color.

[Vicky F]

Thanks for the eye candy! Love what you did with the borders, and to me, the black looks just right. But that's me. I would like to add my name to the pot.

[beth]

Beautiful quilt. Looks like an amazing book!

[Margaret]

Looks like a great book and I LOVE your little quilt!

[Sujata Shah]

Jan,
Your piece is gorgeous! I am now wondering what other color you may choose for your borders.
Usually I don't participate for the giveaways but this one, I could not resist :)

[Ginny Worden]

Jan, your piece is lovely and might be the push I need to order the book. Thanks for sharing.

[Pat]

Thise diamonds are wonderful - Black is often the perfect touch - you will know if it feels right.

Have been coveting that book - what a treat it would be to own it.
But I will also keep my eye out for it as we travel.

Pat on the road to Alaska in Beautiful British Columbia.

[Tamie]

I love your "test" sample. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to add this block to my library.

[Carol Sc]

Wow! What a cool little quilt. I've also stayed away from diamonds, but reading your blog and description has given me a new outlook.

[Patty Happel]

Looks like a great book. I love scrap quilts. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Anita]

I'd love to win this book

[cityquilter grace]

i would be a tad nervous about piecing those diamonds that way but you make it look easy and it came out great!

[Kim S]

I recently found your blog and have really enjoyed looking at your work. Great sample piece for the book review! Thanks for sharing.

[Patsy]

What an interesting book - love small piece quilts, so hope I win!

[Latha]

What a beautiful book!! Fingers crossed to win it.

[Karen E]

I love small pieces and small quilts. Would love to win this book.

[Dot]

That looks like a book I need. I have years and years worth of small pieces to use up!

[Kerry brack]

Beautiful book and quilt. It would bring a lot of joy. Cheers kerry