Today I'm delighted to be Stop #11 on the blog tour for Sujata Shah's new book, Cultural Fusion Quilts. When Sujata emailed me in November and asked me to participate, I didn't hesitate. I've been following her blog, The Root Connection, for years and have long been a fan of her personal, dynamic quilts. If you're new to Sujata's work, you're in for a treat!
In this, her first book, Sujata has drawn from a variety of experiences and inspirations ~ her childhood in India, her graphic design education and her long interest in patterns and folk art and crafts ~ to develop a quilt style of her own. As she says in the book, "What inspires me is everything handmade. Irregularities, organic lines and imperfections in handmade things make me wonder about the maker's life and mind-set during the making of the craft. I feel connected to my quilts because my life lives in them."
The layout of Cultural Fusion Quilts is thoughtful and useful. Sujata starts by discussing her journey as a quilter and what brought her from her early disdain of stitching to thoroughly embracing its expressive possibilities. Several short chapters follow in which she explains her methods of free form piecing and offers her thoughts on fabric selection. Then come the project pages, featuring 15 of Sujata's joyful creations. While most of these quilts are based on recognizable traditional patterns, her easy approach and vibrant fabric choices transform them into something special. These chapters each feature one of her quilts, a photo and short description of her inspiration, cutting and assembly instructions and a list of *possibilities* ~ suggestions for ways to further explore the design.
If you're a regular visitor here, you know that my favorite quilts are often offbeat, individual pieces, quilts that make you wonder, "What the heck was she thinking?". Yet most of my quilts are pretty "tight" in design and execution. I seem to be hard-wired that way! So I decided to take a more hands-on approach in my review and try some of Sujata's suggestions to see if I could loosen up a bit. I've always loved a zig-zag quilt and the cover quilt is a zinger, so it seemed like a good start. I flipped to its project page. Look ~ no templates, no rulers! Can I do this?
As instructed, I layered two fabrics and, freehand, sliced a gentle curve down their length. Check!
Two pairs, sewn together ~ hmmm, that was easy. I know, some of you are laughing ~ go ahead! Although I've spent time with the Gee's Bend quilters and own most of Gwen Marston's liberated quilting books, I never quite believed you could really sew neat curves without clipping or rippling along the seam. Time to push the envelope. How about something more pronounced?
I tried another set and to my surprise, even this more exaggerated wavy curve, stitched with a 1/4" seam, set in smooth as could be. A revelation! (A personal tip ~ don't wonder about something for years, give it a try!) The top piece is the wrong side view so you can see that pretty seam, flat as can be. Once this 15 minute exercise was complete, there was no stopping me.
After my recent projects (tiny appliqué, 2" squares, bright, small prints), it was so much fun to start pulling beautiful, bold fabrics from my stash, prints that I had purchased for their exciting visual patterns and luscious colors but never could seem to make work in my fussy pieces because of scale or busy-ness. Before I knew it, I had pulled out quite a pile ~ richly colored Anna Maria Horner and Tula Pink prints, Kaffe Fassett florals and text prints I'd hauled home from trips to Japan. Only the tug of our Christmas decorations, still sitting boxed by our bare tree, made me finally put down my rotary cutter after 6 blocks' worth of fun.
Before I pulled myself away, I had to quickly try rearranging the smaller squares into a different version. I have so many ideas for quilts I want to make from this book next year that my mind is reeling! The ease and speed with which these blocks went together tells me that I might just achieve that goal. What fun designs to balance out my more time-intensive projects!
Have I convinced you that you need to consider this book for your quilt library? I'll share that yes, I did receive an e-copy of Cultural Fusion Quilts to review, but after flipping through only the first few pages, I immediately clicked over to Amazon and moved it from my wish list to *order now*! I've been on a quilt book diet this year but Sujata's book is the equivalent of that one chocolate that you can't resist!
The good news is that you can have a chance to win a copy by leaving a comment on this post. (Book for U.S. winner, E-book for international winner) Comments will be open for 5 days at which time a winner will be chosen at random and announced in a post. Even better news is that if you haven't visited previous stops on the book tour, several from the past few days are still accepting comments so that means even more chances to win. (And more beautiful photos to see from the book!)
Following is the list of remaining stops on the Cultural Fusion Quilts tour as well as those still accepting comments. Congratulations, Sujata, on a wonderful book!
* * * * *
Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye
Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime
Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips
Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q
Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused
Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott
Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews
I think I'm getting into quilting at the right time with all these wonderful resources! Thank you for putting my name in the hat for the drawing. Fingers are crossed in San Diego!
Posted by: June | December 12, 2014 at 05:18 PM
I really enjoyed reading your review. Your blocks look wonderful. I made some trial blocks , and found I couldn't stop either .
Posted by: Rachaeldaisy | December 12, 2014 at 05:23 PM
I've been reading about this book on the blog hop and the more I read the more I want to read the book, learn the techniques, and make wonderful quilts. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Lisa Marie | December 12, 2014 at 05:38 PM
Wow I love your blocks. Oooo I am gasping to get this book!
Posted by: Aileen | December 12, 2014 at 05:39 PM
Looks very interesting! An ebook would be great!
Posted by: Barb Robson | December 12, 2014 at 06:14 PM
I enjoyed hearing about your positive experience with the book.
Posted by: Carol W | December 12, 2014 at 06:18 PM
I've had this book on my Amazon wishlist for some time . . . maybe you want to play Santa. Thanks.
Posted by: Jane B | December 12, 2014 at 06:47 PM
Great blocks! I'm itching to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Posted by: Adele | December 12, 2014 at 06:59 PM
Isn't this book just wonderful. I love Sujata's work and have been following her for some time. This book will be a great addition to my library. :)
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Posted by: Mary D | December 12, 2014 at 07:18 PM
This book is AMAZING!! I would love to have a copy. Thanks for all the information about it on your blog!
Posted by: Amy Lause | December 12, 2014 at 07:33 PM
That explains it, while you've been on a book diet, I've been buying them all. (My husband recently asked if I had purchased enough books lately - some were pre-ordered in April...)
Posted by: Amy | December 12, 2014 at 07:58 PM
I got a peek at this book a few weeks ago and it's going on my Amazon wish list soon!
Posted by: Vicki W | December 12, 2014 at 08:10 PM
Sujata is new to me, and it's been very interesting to read about her quilts. I'd love to own the book.
Posted by: Deb | December 12, 2014 at 08:39 PM
I want to try the curve!
Posted by: lila Retzer | December 12, 2014 at 08:51 PM
Maybe it's time I moved out of my comfort zone too!
Posted by: Dorothy | December 12, 2014 at 08:56 PM
I love that you found Sugata's book and techniques so freeing. I can't wait to start a new year of quilting with Cultural Fusion Quilts as well. Hope to find a copy Christmas morning under the tree!
Posted by: Michelle Wyman | December 12, 2014 at 09:10 PM
Oh my what fun you had. Yes you certainly convinced me that I must have Sujata's book. Love her use of color and design.
Posted by: Rhoda Forbes | December 12, 2014 at 10:15 PM
This book looks amazing. Maybe it would help me loosen up my quilting a little bit?
Posted by: Erin | December 12, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Your comments have convinced me that I need to get this book (if I don't win it). Please pick me!
Posted by: Jeanne in Ohio | December 12, 2014 at 10:49 PM
I love this book! The quilts are so bold and colorful. What fun!
Posted by: Nicole Sender | December 12, 2014 at 11:50 PM
i love Sujata's work. I would be so happy to add this book to my library- thank you!
Posted by: Pam | December 13, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Sujata's quilts are always inspiring. I enjoyed reading how you made yours, too.
Posted by: Ann | December 13, 2014 at 01:36 AM
This looks like an awesome book! My quilting background is more traditional so I could really use some help stepping out of my box, hehe. I'd love to learn more about color and design.
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: usairdoll | December 13, 2014 at 02:08 AM
I think it's a wonderful book !
Posted by: Béatrice | December 13, 2014 at 02:17 AM
I know I was afraid to try the more liberated approach to cutting and sewing, and was also pleasantly surprised at how easy it was! I learned the easy curves from Gwen Marston in a class last year, and you're absolutely right - they're slick and easy as can be! I would love to have Sujata's book . . .thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Sharon | December 13, 2014 at 03:21 AM
The more I see of this book, the more I want it.... some great quilts!
Posted by: alis | December 13, 2014 at 04:05 AM
Love the blocks you made. Sujata's quilts are so exciting and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of her book! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Karen H | December 13, 2014 at 07:18 AM
I'm looking forward to playing with this book. If I'm lucky, I'll win a copy but if not, I'll buy one. Thanks for a great review......it's been fun to discover your blog.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 13, 2014 at 07:53 AM
This book would really push me way beyond my comfort zones to try new things! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Debra Gutenson | December 13, 2014 at 07:58 AM
I love the no template approach! I checked out her blog and was very impressed. Thanks for brining these designs to attention!
Posted by: Nancy Bekofske | December 13, 2014 at 08:08 AM
I love how you could lay this block out and achieve different patterns.
Posted by: Jill | December 13, 2014 at 08:09 AM
I am thinking this would be a great gift for a "new" quilter.
Posted by: Becky | December 13, 2014 at 08:20 AM
This book is what I need to let go of my ruler!
Posted by: Roberta Miller | December 13, 2014 at 08:57 AM
A beautifully written review! I love Sujata and would love, love, love to won her new book! Visiting all the blogs on the hop and I learn more from each one. But I must say, I did love how you used it and made your own blocks. Great fun seeing others own journeys as a result of new experiences. I'll be hopping over here more often now, enjoyed discovering your blog!!!
Posted by: Michele Bilyeu | December 13, 2014 at 09:27 AM
I really want to "loosen up" too. Thanks for a great blog post and a chance to win a book I'm convinced I need.
Posted by: Michele | December 13, 2014 at 09:30 AM
Can't wait to try this technique. Love the colors.
Posted by: Carol | December 13, 2014 at 09:47 AM
I would love to own this wonderful and inspiring book.
Posted by: Claudia Shearer | December 13, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Love the look of your blocks and how you have had fun putting them together and rearranging them. This book is very inspiring!
Posted by: Sallee | December 13, 2014 at 11:26 AM
This is one of those books where I'd actually make something from it...
Posted by: Lyn | December 13, 2014 at 11:36 AM
I want to try Sujata's techniques for gentle curves and color! I've followed her for a couple years, and it's time to dive in!
Posted by: Linda K | December 13, 2014 at 12:28 PM
I agree with you. The best quilts to me are ones that have a life to them. They're very individual and unique in their creativity. Sujata's quilts are great examples! Thank you for the opportunity to win her book. Magistra13 at yahoo dot com
Beth
Posted by: Beth | December 13, 2014 at 12:44 PM
Looks like a good book for my quilting library. kthurn@bektel.com
Posted by: Karen Thurn | December 13, 2014 at 01:06 PM
Christmas list book! Love the easy cutting and piecing techniques.
Posted by: rose | December 13, 2014 at 02:35 PM
Loved your review and the photos you shared. An online friend suggested I check out Sujata's designs and this book looks like a great motivational tool for my library!
Posted by: Rita | December 13, 2014 at 06:40 PM
I have the fabric (tons!)...now all I need is the book!!!
Posted by: Sharon T | December 13, 2014 at 08:24 PM
Your quilt is just great. Thanks for a chance to win this book as it is one I would really like and use.
Posted by: Dorothy Matheson | December 13, 2014 at 08:49 PM
I confess I don't recall seeing Sujata's work before but I love what I see and hear from you. She's obviously a great source of inspiration.
I'd just love to have her book.
Posted by: Linda Fleming | December 13, 2014 at 10:08 PM
Would love this book, thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: PT in SC | December 13, 2014 at 10:24 PM
I love your description of how exciting it was to explore new concepts with your favorite lovely fabrics. I would love to have a chance at the book also - it looks very inspiring!
Posted by: cjhaab | December 13, 2014 at 11:41 PM
Always have loved Sujata's quilts! Your blocks look amazing!
Posted by: Dixie | December 14, 2014 at 12:57 AM