Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee - The Journey of 12 Women, 1 Blog, & 12 Improvisational Projects [Paperback]

Alissa Haight Carlton (Author), Kristen Lejnieks (Author), Denyse Schmidt (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2011

The quilting bee gets a modern makeover

* From the creators of popular blog, blockpartyquilting.com
* Let go of "the rules" with 12 fun, funky, and improvisational projects
* The fundamental techniques are outlined-from fabric selection to quilt tops to binding
* Projects are perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters

In this inspiring book, quilting mavericks Alissa and Kristen chronicle their year-long "virtual" quilting bee. Twelve chapters (one for each month) showcase the designs of today's leading modern quilters along with easy-to-follow guidelines, so you can reinvent their work in your own signature style. Best of all, with this book in hand, you'll have everything you need to start your own online quilting bee and enjoy collaborating with other fabric lovers around the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Block Party is a lovely book for those who want to start quilting, but feel somewhat intimidated by the scale and precision of the craft. Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks, both lovers of modern quilting, formed a virtual quilting bee, where twelve quilters from all over the U.S. shared the process of making twelve quilts over the course of a year. The book shares the patterns, color stories, and processes of making for all of the quilts, along with stories of how these quilters helped each other grow new skills and feel connected through making.Block Party encompasses relaxed approaches to a number of time-honored quilt block designs, including the Nine Patch, Roman Stripe, and Dresden Plate. Step-by-step photos explain how to make each block, and an illustrated chapter on basic assembly covers backing, binding, and various quilting methods. Beginners should find everything they need to dive into quilting.What's perhaps most interesting here, though, is the collective story o

About the Author

Alissa Haight Carlton is a founding member of The Modern Quilt Guild and blogs at handmadebyalissa.com. Kristen Lejnieks is a successful attorney, mother, and quilter.    

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: C & T Pub (June 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607051974
• ISBN-13: 978-1607051978
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love, love, love this book! May 27, 2011

By Rina A. Stein

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just got this book yesterday and it is just the best! I have a bunch of quilting books, but I was looking for some new and fresh ideas rather than the traditional quilting patterns. The authors use some basic traditional ideas as a jumping off point and give chapter after chapter of fresh, beautiful examples with some excellent advice on color choices. I am INSPIRED to make all of the quilts in the book. I definitely recommend this book. Also, the pics are beautiful :)

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic concept, beautifully executed June 6, 2011

By Alissa R. Wright

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I absolutely LOVED this book! I buy and use a lot of quilting books, but this is the first one that I read cover-to-cover without skimming over anything, and the reason is that it has, in addition to beautiful, illustrative photos and clear, concise directions, a great narrative through-line! I loved reading about how these twelve women, each in far-flung locations and with different lives and tastes and aesthetics, came together to make this 21st century version of a traditional quilting bee work. I am eager to try out all of the techniques in this book, especially the modern take on hexies. This is also the first time that paper-piecing techniques have ever made sense to me, and I've read dozens of descriptions and tutorials on them in the past.

I can't recommend this book highly enough! It is a must-read and must-own for modern quilters or anyone interested in learning more about modern quilting. I'd give it a sixth star if I could!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great quilt projects June 8, 2011

By K. Platt

Format:Paperback

Here are fresh ideas, month by month to create blocks and quilts. This book is also about getting together with like-minded people and producing quilts from blocks made by each member of a 'quilting bee'. Instead of cutting on the straight many pieces are cut wonky. The designs include log cabin, squares, triangles, strips, stripes and more. Contemporary fabrics have been used and both the ideas and projects have great wide appeal to a good age range and ability. This book includes clear instructions, good photography, tips and techniques on achieving a professional result. I really liked this book. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.