Scrap Quilt Secrets
Ever wonder how a book concept is born? For my first book, I have many quilters to thank! I began teaching quilt workshops accidentally about 15 years ago. Someone saw my original designs in a quilt show and requested I teach them. Someone in that first workshop recommended me to another group, and so on and so on. Before I knew it I was teaching on a regular basis and doing trunk shows of my many quilts. And no surprise, but they were all very scrappy quilts!
A few years into the teaching and trunk shows I noticed a trend among the questions I was getting asked. It seemed that many quilters wanted to know more about my design process. That got me to thinking, what is the thought process and the step by step design decisions I make when quilting? Up to that point I thought I had just been playing with fabric and having fun.
Naturally I got out pencil and paper and started making a list (lists are my love language). I wrote out every question I ask myself when pulling fabrics together for a design. I wrote out every choice I make when designing the blocks and quilt layouts. I wrote out every step that was made (other than the obvious… measure, cut, sew, press, etc.) I became more aware of the unconscious choices. I spent some time listing the reasons why I select fabrics, which combinations appeal to me, how piecing and construction can be make easier and more accurate, why I select one technique or process over another.
Then my newly realized decisions and process steps became a part of my trunk shows. I explained the why and how of the techniques and selections. I found that quilters were taking notes and photos. I thought maybe I was on to something.
I organized my information, and put it all together into a cohesive format. I made sample quilts illustrating specific ideas and concepts, and as a homeschool mom, I created an acronym for each of the topics. That’s right SCRAP stands for Style, Contrast, Repetition, Accent and Palette. I had to add Selvages in as a bonus, just because I could! I then made 3 quilts illustrating those concepts for each chapter in the book. I am so proud of this book, even six years later, I wouldn’t change a thing!
I am so pleased to continue to share these quilts and this book when I teach today. The information in the book is really comprehensive and there are a list of tips and tricks for each quilt. It’s just a deep dive into the design process and how to use the steps to make quilts you love! It’s perfect for beginners but also a great resource for experienced quilters. And I’m so thankful for each and every quilter who has purchased the book and continues to support my dream of bringing joy and inspiration to quilters everywhere.
More information about the book can be found HERE.
Enjoy every stitch! Diane