Book Review - S is for Scraps, Scrap-Basket Sensations and All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts from That Patchwork Place

Hi everyone:

I recently participated in the Book-A-Round Tour to promote Kay Mackenzie's latest book, Scrap-Appliqué Playground, and created a version of her "Crazy Hearts" quilt with my fabric scraps using her crazy patch technique (click here to see that blog post). That experience made me look at some of the other books I have which use up those pesky fabric scraps. I usually just throw all my scraps into a box (I have 2 or 3 of them) and pull out pieces when I'm doing appliqué. Just think - I could also use some of these scraps to create pieced quilts!

Let's take a look at the projects in these three books.

Photo courtesy of Martingale

In S is for Scraps: 18 Great Quilts, Gayle Bong includes information on selecting, organizing and using your fabric scraps. She also describes her production techniques to help you finish your projects quicker - and I'm all about getting things done faster (increased the chances that I won't lose interest and abandon the project partway through!). 

Ahead of the Game from S is For Scraps
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

Sparkling Stars in Taupe
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

Make Momma Happy
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

She includes a variety of pieced projects, that are suitable for throws, bed covers or table toppers. There are quilts for beginners, as well as more advanced quilters, so everyone should be able to find a project that would suit their skill level. I like the quantity of information that is provided in the book, from construction techniques, to quilting motifs. 

Another book that uses scraps is Scrap-Basket Sensations: More Great Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips by Kim Brackett. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

As the title indicates, these projects use scraps cut into 2 1/2" strips or pre-cut 2 1/2" strips (sometimes called jelly rolls). Kim also suggests taking some of those "what was I thinking of?" fabrics from your stash and cutting them into 2 1/2" strips to use in scrap quilts. What a great idea!

Nova from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Another organized quilter, Kim gives information about sorting and storing your fabric scraps and how to cut up "true" scraps into 2 1/2" strips. She provides construction tips and information about special piecing techniques, such as folded-corner units and split units. 

Tool Shed from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

The projects in this books are of the larger variety (think quilts, not wall hangings) and would be suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters. 

Scrap-Basket Paddle Wheel from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts includes several projects from various quilters, such as Kim Diehl, Evelyn Sloppy and Mimi Dietrich, just to name a few. It even includes quilts from Kim Brackett and Gayle Bong. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

While the majority of these quilts are pieced, there are some appliqué patterns in this book as well. Information on construction techniques, as well as the various types of appliqué are included in the book. 

Fractured Diamonds by Gayle Bong from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Whether traditional or contemporary, beginner and advanced quilters are sure to find a project to suit them. 

Jamie's Quilt by Le Ann Weaver from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

This compilation also gives you the opportunity to explore projects by a variety of quilting experts. If you haven't already picked up a book by one of these ladies, you will certainly want to after viewing their patterns.

Past and Present by Kim Brackett from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

So, have I inspired you to sort through your scraps and see what treasures they can become? I'd love to see what you can come up with - just as soon as I climb out of my pile of scraps!