Intentional Piecing // Sewing Book Review + Giveaway

IntentionalPiecingBook.jpg

I recently received a review copy Amy Friend's beautiful new book, Intentional Piecing, from Lucky Spool Media.

Intentional Piecing DetailsTitle: Intentional Piecing: From Fussy Cutting to Foundation PiecingAuthor: Amy FriendSoftcover, 159 pages, published by Lucky Spool MediaList Price: $28.95

Why I Would Recommend a Friend Take a Look

The projects in the book are clever, the book is well written, and the photography is lovely (Amy did her own photography, on location in New England).  When I sat down to read through the book, I knew instantly that I wanted to make the My Tribe Quilt. I like books that are visually appealing, have clear-cut instructions, and inspire me to sit down and sew.Amy has been sharing her projects on her blog, During Quiet Time, if you want to see them all.This butterfly is thrilled to be flying about on a lovely spring day #tellmeastoryquilt

MyTribeQuilt.jpg

Design and Feel

The book is well designed–the layout and font are easy to follow/read, and it is a beautiful book. I like that there is both a styled and full shot of each of the projects.Amy's style is very different than my own--in her introduction, she writes, "Intentional piecing is a conscious, deliberate process of fabric selection to suit a particular pattern design (or vice versa) or aesthetic.... The work is planned with a specific outcome in mind. Every effort is made while piecing to place fabrics carefully and align them well within pattern boundaries for the intended effect." Since I tend to ascribe to the mad hatter method of quilting, I appreciated her tips on being intentional throughout. Amy has a vibrant and measured voice throughout the book. I liked it.

pictorialpaperpiecedblocks.jpg

Layout

Amy's book begins with 12 pages of tools, a paper-piecing how-to, and what kind of fabric to stash.After that, she dives right into the projects, everything from a magnetic pin tray to a few bags/clutches to an appliquéd cardigan to a pillow to a few quilts. There are 14 different projects, along with ten 10'' pictorial paper-pieced blocks. My baby liked the flower block the best.There is an acknowledgements/resources page, and 40+ pages of templates at the back. 

TellMeAStoryQuilt

TellMeAStoryQuilt

#tellmeastoryquiltAmy is hosting a quilt along of sorts on her blog, During Quiet Time, featuring her Tell Me a Story Quilt.  I have seen these blocks popping up on Instagram, with the warning that they are addictive. In the book, Amy stresses that this baby quilt is all about the process--pick two fabrics that "tell a story" instead of worrying about the overall color scheme.this little lamb likes to run wild and free, but her mama has different ideas, and prefers the safety of the fence and the company of her friendsI intended to make one block. And then one became two. And then all of a sudden I had fussy cut enough center squares for a few more blocks. I figure one of my sisters will have another baby eventually, so I think I will keep making these blocks, slowly and intentionally. I love this fun take on an I-Spy quilt, and I love that it is elevated from I-Spy to a Storytelling quilt.If you make a block (or 50), post them on Instagram by June 1 with the hashtag #intentionalpiecingbook and #tellmeastoryquilt for a chance to win a fabric bundle. More information here

tellmeastoryquilt_sheep

tellmeastoryquilt_sheep

TellMeAStorybutton

TellMeAStorybutton

I Wish the Book IncludedI am an impulsive quilter, and I don't have a scanner or copier at home. I wish the book included a way to print the paper piecing templates from a home computer.

Giveaway + Purchase Info

Purchase Info: Lucky Spool Media 

Lucky Spool sent me an extra copy!Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy! You can leave any comment, if you want to leave a favorite gardening tip (or a what-not-to-do), that would be lovely. We are planting our first real garden tomorrow!