Utility-Style Book Review + Project + Giveaway

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Welcome to the fourth stop on the Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living Blog Tour!  


I am so happy to be able to share a new book with you today! 


If you struggle with perfectionism in your quilting, if you often find yourself stressed or at a stand-still with indecision during your projects, or you just want some beautiful new projects to make...you should check out this wonderful, new book by Sharon Holland!

The notion for this book is that if you embrace irregularity in your art you will find freedom!  Sharon even quoted Pierre-Auguste Renoir who said, "Regularity, order, desire for perfection destroy art.  Irregularity is the basis of all art." and Leo Tolstoy who said, "If you look for perfection, you'll never be content." I love that idea!  It is so true...in all facets of life!

Not only does Utility-Style have 12 creative, beautiful projects, lessons on color theory and quilt-making basics, it also has a thorough section on different types of machine quilting, a section for note taking at the end and lots of beautiful, inspiring photography!

I decided to try one of the most simple projects in the book ~ Cabin.


It's a graphic, log-cabin style quilt.


I don't think I have actually ever made a quit like this before.  Normally, I would probably choose something a little more intricate.  But I actually really, really love the simplicity of this pattern!


I pulled out some old Christmasy fabrics and shirtings from my stash.  The only thing I bought was the minky backing.  I just happened to have enough yardage to complete each "round".  But the beauty of this book is that it teaches - if I didn't have enough fabric, I could just fill in with another complimentary fabric and it would be just as beautiful!  Scrappy, unique and full of character!


It's a quick make.  I got it done in one afternoon/evening.  It feels nice to have another Christmas quilt ~ to add coziness to my home this time of year.


Melinda Raven in Alpine, Utah quilted it with this feather/swirl design.  I like that it's not super dense.  The density of the quilting and minky back make it extra soft and cuddly!


Doesn't the minky show off the quilting so well?


I think this might be one of my new go-to patterns now.  It's quick ~ it would be the perfect pattern for a baby or wedding gift.  And, it's a striking, no-fuss design that lets the fabrics shine!  I thought about making it even bigger (maybe for my son's bed?) but thought I'd stick with the pattern so you could see exactly what this book has to offer.


I really do hope you'll check out this book!  You won't be disappointed!

Be sure to stop by Sharon's blog HERE to get more details on her book and the following
15 creative blogs that are sharing more Utility-Style projects. 

Monday 12/4  Heidi Staples - Fabric Mutt
Tuesday 12/5  Amy Friend - During Quiet Time
Wednesday 12/6  Maureen Cracknell - Maureen Cracknell Handmade
Thursday 12/7  Amber Johnson - Gigi's Thimble
Friday 12/8  Karen O'Connor - Lady K Quilts Designs
Saturday 12/9  Kori Turner-Goodhart - Olive Grace Studios
Sunday 12/10  Silvia Sutters - A Stranger View
Monday 12/11  Sarah Maxwell - Designs by Sarah J
Tuesday 12/12  Jessica Swift - Jessica Swift
Wednesday 12/13  Lisa Ruble - Love to Color My World
Thursday 12/14  Cindy Wiens - Live a Colorfullife
Friday 12/15  Eleri Kerian - Sew and Tell Project
Saturday 12/16  Anjeanette Klinder - Anjeanette K
Sunday 12/17  Stephanie Kendron - Modern Sewciety
Monday 12/18  Christopher Thompson - The Tattooed Quilter
Tuesday 12/19  Susan Playsted - Hopewood Home

Also, I'm dying over this FREE project called Roman Stripe that Sharon published to kick off her book tour!  Isn't it just perfect in all it's scrappy glory?  And, it uses 2 1/2" strips (and I know you all have lots of those lying around!)!!!  So be sure to stop by her blog today!

(Roman Stripe photo cred: Sharon Holland)

Sharon has generously offered to send Utility-Style to one of you, my lovely readers!  Just leave a comment below.  For extra brownie points, tell me one of your favorite holiday traditions.  I am trying to be more festive this year and incorporate some new traditions so I'd love to hear ideas from you.  

I will pick a winner Sunday night and announce the winner Monday, December 11th, 2018.  
Note: this giveaway is open to US residents only.  

Happy quilting!

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber