Review of Modern Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman

I took advantage yet again of being part of the Creative Troupe at C&T Publishing and got Elizabeth Hartman's new release Modern Patchwork.
This book is an excellent sequel to Ms. Hartman's first book, The Practical Guide to Patchwork. It has many of the same elements for layout and projects- some easier, simple piecing progressing to more challenging work and different skill sets. Luckily for us, she also kept the alternate fabric suggestions at the end of each project along with example photos. This little touch really makes the difference for me; I love to see what else can be done, because often the first time I see a pattern I don't like it, but love it in different fabrics. These alternates are a stroke of genius. The other genius bit is instructions for completing the back, in case you don't want just a whole piece plain-jane backing. Plenty of the backs would make a great quilt on their own! I found at least 5 projects in here I would love to do immediately, and several more I put on my longer term to-do list.
I knew I wanted to do a project for this review, so I just set my sights on making one block to see how well the instructions read, etc. Well, of course they read well, the author is an experienced pattern writer and blogger, but just to tell you, they are easy to use. There are lots of diagrams and photos to compare what you are doing at each step, which is extremely helpful. I'd rather everyone went way overboard with photos and diagrams for step-by-step rather than being stingy.

The fail in my block is not Ms. Hartman's design or instructions but my fabric and color choices. I do love to experiment and see what I can get away with, and I had these old pillowcases and pair of pants lying around...well, bad news there.

The non-quilting cotton fabrics were really difficult to work with and the lines got all wonky (not in the good way) and made the whole bit look rather, well, ill done is the nicest way to put it. I fought the urge to pitch it every step of the way past piecing block 3.

My second mistake? Using fabric that behaves badly and has lines it in that make it super obvious that you have messed something up. Heh. It stands to reason (in hindsight) that there was a reason that the author used a lot of solids and few patterned fabrics- gets a little wild, even within the same line (Peacock Lane by Violet Craft from Michael Miller if you're asking. Not that this is its most shining use here.) Lesson learned and all that.

So imagine I made better fabric choices for my block- it would be pretty cool huh?
Stay tuned for another try at a block from the book, and eventually maybe a whole quilt. After Memorial Day though, for sure.

Zakka Style project- zakka pincushion

I was sent an eBook to review for Zakka Style by Rashida Coleman-Hale, and it coincided nicely with the Zakka Style Sew Along hosted by Lindsey and Amy.

I wanted to start with the Zig Zag Tote from the book, but I was not sufficiently motivated 2 weeks ago! This pincushion project was perfect for me- I whipped it up in an hour or so, and am happy with the cute result. Of course, I made a few materials revisions, as the reader is urged to. 

Instead of linen I used double of my natural muslin I have on hand, and instead of rik rak or crochet lace (which are fantastic looking in the sample) I used a small bit of coordinating ribbon. I had this wacky fish bead as well, so I added that in lieu of a covered button. 

Yay for improvising! I did have some cotton tape, so I drew a little leaf pattern in ink to echo my Parisville damask dot print. 

The fabric choices and trim make a lot of difference. I could see myself making many more versions for gifts and giving them all a unique personality for each recipient. I also did use Ayumi's tip for using a glue stick to secure the ribbon trim and the cotton tape- genius! Much better than pinning.

This book is very well thought out. I had no idea when I started in, but it is a collaborative book, so it has projects from many different people in it, all just along the Zakka aesthetic spectrum. I am really excited to sew more projects from the book. There are a huge range of them, from quilts to softies with their own pillow pocket  (my next earmarked project) and many in between. This is a great book for gift ideas, and there are many different levels of time commitment and difficulty. I have my top favorites to try:

1. Sweet Sugar Cookie Sack

2. Little Pocket Pillowcase (the one with the softie)

3. Nesting Boxes

The directions for the pincushion were very clear and simple, and I did find myself flipping to the front page a lot to refer to the photo, though that is less important the less attached you are to making yours look like the book sample. I think the best part of this sew along is seeing all the variations people are making to the project- it really makes them all sing their own tune.  

Thanks to C&T publishing for sending me the book to review as part of the Creative Troupe! I will be using this book for many projects to come. (P.S. - If you are a blogger, check out the Creative Troupe program. Nice perks.)