I’ve been quilting a very long time, and in all that time, the one thing I’ve learned is that there is always something new to learn. Sometimes it’s a whole new concept, and sometimes – it’s a fresh look at something I already knew – but hadn’t thought about in quite that way. I found both of these things to be true in reading Modern Scrap Quilts by Sylvia Schaefer.
I’m not going to share all the concepts in this post that Schaefer shares in her book because I feel there is so much value in having this book in your hands and discovering how to apply these concepts to your own projects.
This is one of those books I plan on taking to my local printer and having them spiral bind it so I can lay it flat while I’m working on these ideas. I do this with most of my favorite “technique” books. It costs a few dollars – but it’s well worth it.
Here is one example from Modern Scrap Quilts that really got me thinking about my own quilt designs. The concept – using scraps in negative space. I’ve made a ton of quilts with a lot of negative space and always used the same fabric for all of the background. It never occurred to me to do otherwise. I’m over that now.
I decided to play with this concept in EQ8 and created a simple quilt using a solid background (something I would normally do). Then, I changed up the background and used a variety of shades of the same color. It’s quite a change to the feel of the quilt.
The quilts (and instructions) included in the book have been created to demonstrate each of the concepts Schaefer shares. Each concept (like the scale of the blocks in the negative space, etc.) is demonstrated in a couple of different ways. The differences (before/after) using the same quilt as an example are remarkable. Each example is used to bring the concept to life in a way that inspires me to give them a try on my own projects.
The projects included in the book are organized in a very interesting way, the quantity of scraps available and the size of those scraps. This will help you decide which project to make if your goal is to make a project completely from your scrap stash.
My thoughts About Modern Scrap Quilts
I found this book to be far more than a book about using scraps in modern quilting. That in and of itself would be useful. Schaefer has added so much more value in the pages of Modern Scrap Quilts, including:
Color: An excellent and clear explanation about how the color wheel works (Page 12) and how ”color” is made up of the relationship between Hues, Tints, Tones, Shades, and Values.
Block Construction: Most of what we think of as “traditional” blocks or block units (Half Square Triangles, Flying Geese, etc.) are included in at least one of the several quilt projects. They are very well illustrated, include pressing directions, and could serve as a great reference for making those block units in other projects.
Stash Organization: Specifically organizing scraps. I don’t generally have a lot of scraps on hand. I have been donating most scraps smaller than a fat 8th. I’m comfortable cutting into larger pieces to make what I want for the background (and foreground) of my quilts. I do like the images Schaefer shared of her scrap organization – and I’m guessing you’ll like it too.
Adding Depth: It never occurred to me to think about using a variety of fabrics in different tones, tints, and shades of the same color in the background to help the foreground “pop”. You can bet I will be incorporating that concept into a quilt very soon.
Adding Depth: This is the area I personally learned the most. It never occurred to me to think about using a variety of fabrics in different tones and tints of the same color in the background to help the foreground “pop”. You can bet I will be incorporating that concept into a quilt very soon.
Design Concepts: Schaefer clearly explains and illustrates a variety of design concepts I hadn’t thought about in quite the way she shares them. Concepts like Echoing Block Shapes, Accent blocks, Ghost blocks, Gradients in Negative space, and Using Partial blocks in the background are presented in a way that is so inspiring.
Most and Least favorite fabrics – We all have them. The small size of many of the pieces is the perfect way to incorporate some of those fabrics that are fine, but don’t make our creative hearts swoon. Including the last bits of our most favorite fabrics allows us to stitch some of what we love best about them into the project.
Scrappy Backing: Very few technique books take any time at all to discuss backing the quilt. Personally, I think that’s a lost creative design opportunity. Clearly, Schaefer agrees. She has devoted a section of this book to demonstrating how to make backings for a Modern Scrap Quilt that do it justice.
Modern Scrap Quilts is published by Stash Books, an imprint of CT Publishing. I was delighted to receive a copy from the publisher to allow me to write this review.
About the Author: Sylvia Schaefer
Sylvia Schaefer is a pattern designer and award-winning quilter. She holds a PhD in marine science, and her background in science often inspires her quilt designs, directly and indirectly. Her quilts and patterns have been published in magazines online and in print, and her work has been exhibited and won awards regionally and nationally. In 2017, she was awarded the second annual Craftsy Quilt Designer Fellowship, allowing her to start her own line of printed patterns under the brand Flying Parrot Quilts. She has also appeared on camera in Fresh Quilting and Patchwork Nation.
