Craft Book Month :: Quilt Lab

As you can probably tell by looking around, I’ve been on a little sewing hiatus.

I had a couple of big projects this year that have wiped out my sewing energy.    Does that ever happen to you?

Something about a deadline gets me motivated so I jumped on board to participate in Craft Book Month.

Today I am sharing with you what I’ve made!  (Yay, I sewed something!!)

The book that I want to feature for Craft Book Month this year is Quilt Lab by Alexandra (Ali) Winston.

I love this book so much.   Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it’s smart too.   If you are a science failure like me, this will make you feel like a smarty pants!  Making quilts is totally science, y’all!

Ali breaks the book down into rectangles, angles and circles.  There is also a section of small projects and helpful tips, shortcuts and a lesson on geometry.

The projects are modern and unique and each one teaches you something too.   Definitely something for everyone!

I chose to make the School Tote which takes one of the larger projects,  States of Matter, and shrinks it down to a mini quilt that you turn into a bag.

I had some Field Day from Allison Glass and this pattern was perfect for showcasing the pretty and bold prints!

The bag goes together easily.   The most challenging part is the binding of the outer seams.    I was dreading this part, but it really adds a nice touch to the bag.    It also allows the bag to be reversible too!   I like a twofer.

The pattern has you make both of the mini quilt designs and feature one on the front and one of the back, but I decided to just keep it simple.   I did one of the designs on the front and did a plain back with an added pocket.    I also made some metallic leather straps instead of using the webbing.    Love the fancy feel they add!

If you love craft books, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Lindsey

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Craft Book Month 2012 – My review of Sew Up A Home Makeover

Craft Book Month 2013 – My review of Hoop La!

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There are lots of other reviews happening in September and giveaways too.  Read below for the details!

September marks the 4th Annual Craft Book Month at Craft Buds! This year, we’re excited to celebrate all month long with a blog hop of your inspiring craft book projects and LOTS of giveaways for sewing along with a sewing, knitting, cookbook or other craft book of YOUR CHOICE.

If you are a craft book hoarder, you are not alone. Several years ago, I had an urge to dust off my craft books, unfold those crisp pattern sheets and put those patterns to good use by actually making some projects.

2014 Craft Book Month Blog Hop!

I’ve teamed up with some fabulous bloggers who will be showing off their projects made from craft books, all month long!

Monday 9/1: Fabric Mutt / Lindsay Sews

Tuesday 9/2: Rae Gun Ramblings / Craftside

Wednesday 9/3: The Feisty Redhead / The Fabric Studio

Thursday 9/4:  Marci Girl Designs / Small Town Stitcher

Friday 9/5: LRstitched / A Prairie Sunrise

Monday 9/8: Hopeful Threads / sewVery

Tuesday 9/9: 13 Spools / Lisa Liza Lou

Wednesday 9/10: Stitch This! / My Sewcial Hour

Thursday 9/11: The Littlest Thistle / Fabric Seeds

Friday 9/12: Sew Sweetness / Clover + Violet

Monday 9/15: Inspire Me Grey / amylouwho

Link Up

Rules

1) One entry per person. 

2) Your craft book project must have been completed in 2014. 

3) Create a new blog post, instagram or Flickr photo (dated September 1, 2014 or later) and link back to Craft Buds/Craft Book Month in your post or photo description. In your post or photo description, make sure to list the craft book you used and provide a link if possible.

4) All winners chosen via Random.org. Some prizes available to international winners, so please join us!

Prizes

Visit Craft Buds and link up your craft book project during the window of Sept 1-30 and you’ll automatically be entered to win some fantastic prizes from the Craft Book Month sponsors!