Modern Mix: 16 Sewing Projects That Combine Designer Prints & Solid Fabrics, 7 Quilts + Pillows, Bags & More [Paperback]

Jessica Levitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2011

This is a fabulous selection of contemporary projects combining large-scale prints and colourful solids. Printed fabrics can be so eye-catching. And when paired with the right solids, the results are truly spectacular! "Modern Mix" is packed 16 contemporary projects that show off the dynamic partnership of large-scale prints and vivid solids to great effect, as well as fabulous ideas and information on how to integrate fabrics of different colours and designs, and a chapter of quilt making basics.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jessica Levitt is a self-taught designer who crafted her first quilt more than 20 years ago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (October 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781607052494
• ISBN-13: 978-1607052494
• ASIN: 1607052490
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Mixed-Media

More About the Author

Jessica has been sewing and quilting since the age of 12. Always thirsting for some new craft, she has taught herself countless quilting techniques as well as costuming, even design, and home decor. She has also designed several lines of fabric for Windham Fabrics.

Her degree in engineering from Duke University is now largely unused while she pursues fulfillment in these more creative endeavors.

Jessica lives and works in New Jersey with her husband and two children.

You can see her latest projects and catch up on her life at her blog, Juicy Bits: www.juicy-bits.typepad.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars nice contemporary designs October 27, 2011

By liberal sprinkles

Format:Paperback

When I first started sewing two years ago, I used lots of print fabrics because I was just amazed at the designs available. It was only after a few months that I "discovered" the amazing qualities of good, old, plain solids. What a great way to mix fabrics and bring out the uniqueness of prints.

I was quite excited when I won an e-copy of Modern Mix in a giveaway because the concept of mixing solids and prints is something I really like and try and practize in my sewing. I like the book - author Jessica Levitt discusses this point succinctly using some good examples - but I felt it didn't really explore the issue in depth. I'm left with a nice e-book with some cute projects but I didn't learn much from it, although I do like a lot of the modern, clean pattern designs (hence the 4 stars).

If you're unfamiliar with combining colors or mixing solids and fabrics, this might be an interesting book for you. You'll learn things like using solids as a background or to highlight prints, as well as:

- color theory. For the Gradations Bag project, you pick print fabrics in 2 colors then create a spectrum of other prints in between that blend from one to the other, then use strips of neutral solids to highlight the prints and colors.

- using solids to tie together various prints in the same color family (Twin String quilt)

- piecing solids together to create patterns without things looking too busy (Diamond Strands quilt)

I like the fresh contemporary look of many of the designs. Other than the projects above, I might try the Traffic Jam strip quilt that involves appliques and the Wall Pocket for storing files or magazines.

Levitt's instructions are quite clear, it really helps that they are accompanied by diagrams. Many of the projects are quite simple, so this is a pretty friendly book for beginner sewers (there is a useful chapter at the end on basics and techniques of sewing and quilting). I think there are projects that may interest those with intermediate sewing skills - some of the quilts require more intricate piecing.

Overall, a good sewing book for beginners. Not sure how valuable it would be to the more experience sewer unless there are specific patterns that catch your eye.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What amazing Templates! January 3, 2012

By ciaebel

Format:Paperback

I am so thrilled to find this gem of a book. As a person who is starting out with sewing projects and quilting this book makes the process so much easier and with wonderful creative projects to try out. I am particularly happy with all the diagrams in the book. They are so detailed and easy to follow. A recommend addition to a crafter's library! :)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh New Projects to Make, Enjoy and Give December 17, 2011

By Embroidery RAT

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Modern Mix: 16 Sewing Projects that Combine Designer Prints & Solid Fabrics, 7 Quilts + Pillows, Bags & More

I bought this book because my sewing skills and attention span both were in need of a new challenge. So, this fresh and fabulous book jumped out at me because the cover had a delightful round ball-shaped pillow covered in what looked to be dark red rose petals - hey, it doesn't take much for me to buy a quilt book...

When I received it, it delivered on its promise: 16 sewing projects! But, these aren't those silly quilted wall hangings or tacky holiday table runners, these are gorgeous designs with fantabulous fabric selections. I made a darling string quilt out of this book and my next project will be the "arts and crafts triptych" where I will be stitching 3 panels and stretching them over canvas to go in an art niche in my hallway. These will be great fun as I search for the perfect fabric. I cannot wait to make the bedspread on the cover. I read the instructions for making the applique circles and this will be a piece of cake!

This is just the book I was looking for to jazz up my winter sewing.