Book Review: Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza by Shannon Roudhan and Jason Bowlsby
Seattle-based artists, authors, teachers, and life partners Shannon Roudhan and Jason Bowlsby have just released their 13th book (Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza) and I’m delighted to have been asked to review it.
If you’ve ever met me in person or looked at my Quiltblox patterns, you’ll notice that I’m pretty structured in the way I approach a project (or anything else for that matter). Scrappy projects have been a stretch for me, and wonky design projects have never been something I have taken on.
That being said, why would I be so excited about a group of projects that celebrate a scrappy wonky look? Here’s the thing, I LOVE a scrappy wonky look – but I haven’t been able to get that look successfully all on my own. I’ve tried – it didn’t end well. Clearly, I needed a couple of crafty guides (in the form of Shannon and Jason) to get me started in the right direction.
First off – I have to tell you their writing style is like a fun conversation with a couple of favorite teachers. The entire book is an entertaining read – and I love the backstories about how the quilt blocks and projects were created. Here’s one example:
“Not gonna lie—just like the Slinky, Velcro, and X-rays, the Scrappy Wonky Rose block was an accidental discovery. One day, Shannon was playing with a Drunken Pineapple (the block, not the boozy bromeliad), and her wonk went a little too far—as tends to happen with or without the addition of rum. We both agreed that the resulting helical shape looked more like a deconstructed rose than a pineapple. Her observation, hastily thumb-typed into her Notes app one night before bed, became an obsessive session of experimentations with shapes and forms. Thus, the Scrappy Wonky Rose was born.” – Jason Bowlsby
Secondly (and a huge relief to my structured brain). There is a clear process and an order for the construction of the 12 blocks and 13 projects included in the book. With this book as a guide, it’s entirely possible for me to successfully use Shannon and Jason’s techniques to create a beautiful scrappy wonky project.
It All Begins With Component Blocks
I work with quilt blocks all the time. It never occurred to me that they would be considered anything other than “quilt blocks” (regardless of size, technique, or how they are used in a finished project).
The Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza has introduced me to a different way of thinking about quilt blocks. I find this to be very interesting from a design perspective.
- Component Blocks: Smaller blocks that are sewn together to create a larger block.
- Compound Blocks: Larger blocks that are made up of smaller component blocks.
- Combo Blocks: A combo block is created when two or more blocks are framed together to make a single larger block.
All the projects included in the book – start with a simple component block. It’s how you combine those component blocks that create something extraordinary.
The Blocks
The Projects
A Few of My Favorite Take-Aways
I consider a book to be of great value if I can learn something I didn’t know or I learned how to do something I did know how to do – more effectively (in addition to the projects included in the book).
I’ve always known about “Cut” measurements, “Trimmed” measurements, and “Finished” measurements. I didn’t know about “ish” measurements. These measurements are guidelines Shannon and Jason provided to help us achieve the same look and balance of the design as shown in the images.
For example – if the block calls for strips “2-ish inches” wide, they can be a little less than that or a little more than that width – and still work in the block. This variation is to be celebrated and contributes to the Scrappy Wonky block.
There are a few specific piecing techniques (like spinning or nesting seams – pages 20 and 21) that are helpful to know how to do. Each recommended technique is very well explained and shared in step-by-step images.
These tips and all the other information included in Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza from selecting tools and materials, managing seam allowances, pressing vs ironing, quilting techniques, and edge finishing – make this book a valuable resource. It’s earned its place on my bookshelf.
I‘ve Been Inspired
For a long time, I’ve been looking for the right quilty blocks to incorporate into the back panel of a jean jacket and maybe something on the front and some detail on the sleeves. I didn’t want to commit to block designs that were too traditional. The Scrappy Wonky Rose (page 59) and the beautiful Jacket that Shannon is wearing (page 127) have inspired me. That Scrappy Wonky Rose is going to make it onto my jean jacket. I can’t wait to get started!
About the Authors
Shannon Roudhán and Jason Bowlsby are the dynamic DIY duo from Seattle, Washington.Their award-winning designs have been featured in and on the covers of domestic and international publications, and their craft, portrait, and fashion photography have appeared in books and magazines around the globe. Shannon & Jason have published 12 books including Complete Crochet Course – the Ultimate Reference Guide, Designer Crochet, Boro & Sashiko: Harmonious Imperfection, and Contemporary Kogin-zashi: Modern Sashiko Beyond Filling in the Gaps. Their NEWEST book, Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza is available June 2024.
The duo has been married for 29 years and have been teaching adults for 20+ years. They have a mastery of subjects from Boro & Sashiko, crochet and knitting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, and photography. Their enthusiasm, quirky sense of humor, and relatable teaching style have made them sought-after teachers in virtual, local, and national venues. Be sure to check out their selection of online classes on Craftsy, Creative Spark, and through their website at shannonandjason.com. The “edu-tainment” experience of a class with Shannon & Jason will leave you informed, empowered, and in stitches (see what we did there?).