When I was working on Stitch Savvy, there were a few hairy moments. The book has 25 projects, and I had one week to shoot ALL the step-by-step photos for the lessons. At one point, we simply had to call in reinforcements to prep some of the pieces behind the scenes before bringing them into the photos–and Kelly Biscopink saved the day. She’s skilled and smart and has a keen eye for detail, and she was willing to come in and stitch a zillion little squares together in the background so that we could get the work done in time. Naturally, when I heard that Kelly had written a book of her own, I was beyond thrilled–nothing in the world makes me quite as happy as knowing that someone I like and admire has something good coming their way!
Kelly’s book is Modern Designs for Classic Quilts, and it is just delightful. Written with Andie Johnson, whom I had the great pleasure of meeting at Quilt Market this year, and who is every inch as talented and lovely as Kelly, the book is pretty and colorful and creative and full of great tips and great designs for a dozen quilts that are based on classic designs but lead you as the quilter in a modern direction. These ladies are so smart and so warm and so invested in what they do that it comes across in every word on every page, and it leads to a book that’s a real pleasure.
The patterns include some of the most classic of all quilts: postage stamp, coin, flying geese, log cabin, spider web, and Dresden plate.
The photos are just lovely, the fabric selection is inspiring, and the writing is so very accessible. I love the way both Kelly and Andie make it clear how to create each quilt and give the reader the confidence to dive in and be bold. My kind of book!
There is a thorough techniques section, making this a good book for beginners, but the templates and designs that are included mean that even an intermediate-level quilter will find plenty in this book to love!
I think my favorite is this one, which is begging to be made from the mountain of scraps I have hovering about my studio:
Not only are Kelly and Andie generous with their time and talents, but they have very graciously sent along a copy of the book for me to giveaway to you! These ladies have written something really lovely, a book that you’ll be able to reference over and over, with plenty of eye candy to get you to look at your stash in a new way and make some quilts that you and your family can snuggle under and treasure.
To enter:
Leave a comment below!
One entry per person, international entries welcome.
Giveaway closes Monday, November 19 at noon. Winner will be announce the same day!
Follow the rest of the Modern Designs for Classic Quilts blog tour for more inside peeks and chances to win!
Monday, Nov. 5 (Andie and Kelly, AndieJohnsonSews and Stitchy Quilt Stuff)Tuesday, Nov. 6 (Lindsay, CraftBuds)Wed., Nov. 7 (Jill, Darling Jill Quilts)Thursday, Nov. 8 (Faith, Fresh Lemons)Friday, Nov. 9 (Tracy, Generation Q)Saturday, Nov. 10 (Angela, Quilting is my Therapy)Sunday, Nov. 11 (Shannon, Stitch Craft Create)Monday, Nov. 12 (Laurie, Scarlet Fig)Tuesday, Nov. 13 (Lindsay, The Cottage Mama)Wed., Nov. 14 (Jessica, A Little Gray)Thursday, Nov. 15 (Mary, The Tulip Patch)Friday, Nov. 16 (right here!)Saturday, Nov. 17 (Kaysie, KZJo’s Studio)Sunday, Nov. 18 (Jenny, Sew Kind of Wonderful)Monday, Nov. 19 (Carla, LollyQuiltz)Tuesday, Nov. 20 (Thomas, Thomas Knauer Sews)Wed., Nov. 21 (Brenda, Pink Castle Fabrics)Thursday, Nov. 22 (Lindsay & Liz Rea, CraftBuds, Inspire Me Grey)Friday, Nov. 23 (Sarah, The Last Piece)Saturday, Nov. 24 (Andie and Kelly, AndieJohnsonSews and Stitchy Quilt Stuff)
Kim
November 16, 2012 at 2:11 pmWant it! Want it! You know as soon as my move is over, I will make every quilt in this book!!!!
Meigh
November 16, 2012 at 2:39 pmOooooooooooohhh. I shall cross my fingers that I win, b/c this looks awesome!
Cindy Hennes
November 16, 2012 at 2:41 pmAbsolutly Love these quilts – the book is amazing! Please put in to win a copy! Thanks Cindy
Kerstin
November 16, 2012 at 3:06 pmThis looks like such a cool book, I’d love to have that one in my collection!
Megan
November 16, 2012 at 3:12 pmI just bought my very first quilting book about 2 weeks ago and now I’m hungry for more — I’d love to win this!
MarciaW
November 16, 2012 at 3:16 pmThank you for the informative review. Just the cover quilt makes me want a copy as have always wanted to make a log cabin quilt and this one is beautiful.
Heather
November 16, 2012 at 3:19 pmI’m so wanting to make my first quilt and I see so many cool ideas in this book. It may just push me over the edge to finally make one 🙂
MarciaW
November 16, 2012 at 3:20 pmThank you for the informative review. Just the cover quilt makes me want a copy as have always wanted to make a log cabin quilt and this one is beautiful. Thanks for the chance.
Linda
November 16, 2012 at 4:10 pmHI! REALLY LOOKS LIKE A USEFUL BOOK!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Debbie R.
November 16, 2012 at 4:15 pmWhat a fantastic book. Thanks for the chance to win.
sew little time
November 16, 2012 at 4:27 pmOoh, lookslovely. Just starting to plan my first ever quilt!
Melanie C
November 16, 2012 at 4:40 pmThis book looks great! I would love to win!
Anne
November 16, 2012 at 4:44 pmLove the look of the quilts in this book. Also love connecting with new blogs through the hop.
Lisa Marie
November 16, 2012 at 4:44 pmThis looks like such a great book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Kristie
November 16, 2012 at 4:50 pmBeautiful quilts. Just the right balance of modern and traditional. I’d love a copy for inspiration. Thanks!
Lauren aka Giddy99
November 16, 2012 at 4:58 pmI really want to make a quilt like that one on the cover!!!
Kristen
November 16, 2012 at 5:17 pmThis book looks fantastic! I really like that last quilt photo too!
Jamsby
November 16, 2012 at 5:17 pmI’ve made a few quilts but have been so inspired by what I’ve seen lately. I’d love this book.
Andee in AZ
November 16, 2012 at 5:51 pmThanks for the chance!
Jennifer B
November 16, 2012 at 6:10 pmWould love to have this book”
Tanya
November 16, 2012 at 6:19 pmThis book looks amazing!!!!!
Becky Greene
November 16, 2012 at 7:25 pmThanks for the sneak peek inside this book – it looks wonderful!
Georgia Brungs
November 16, 2012 at 8:06 pmWow I always live to learn new techniques! Thanks for the chance!
BEth
November 16, 2012 at 8:31 pmHanks for the chance!
Caryn
November 16, 2012 at 9:38 pmThe more I read about this book, the more interested in it I become. Thanks for the chance!
Ginger
November 16, 2012 at 9:39 pmThis looks like a great book. If I don’t win, it’s going on my Christmas list.
Sallie
November 16, 2012 at 10:29 pmLovely photos! Thanks for the chance to win!
claudia
November 16, 2012 at 10:32 pmAndie said lots of good things about you, I believe she is right! You are so talented and pretty and sweet!
Deborah
November 16, 2012 at 10:43 pmI have checks in the mail to both of you for saying that. Keep an eye out.
🙂
LJ
November 16, 2012 at 10:46 pmI’m seeing lots of quilts from this book that excite me. That diamond one is super.
VickiT
November 16, 2012 at 11:27 pmI love all I’ve seen so far during this blog tour about this book. The pictures of all these quilts in the book look fabulous.
Caitlin
November 16, 2012 at 11:37 pmI would love to have a copy of this.
Rachelle
November 16, 2012 at 11:40 pmWould love to be in to win, need more quilt books!
Judith
November 17, 2012 at 12:49 amThroughout the blog hop, we’ve been shown quite a few of the quilts in the book, and I can honestly say that I haven’t seen a single one that I wouldn’t want to make. That’s exceptional! Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity.
MelodyJ
November 17, 2012 at 3:31 amThis looks like a very good book.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Gill
November 17, 2012 at 7:28 amLooks a fabulous book! I have enjoyed seeing inside it – I especially love the flying geese quilt!
Rhonda
November 17, 2012 at 7:56 amI adore the log cabin quilt on the cover of that quilt…gorgeous. Thanks for a great giveaway.
Jill Pullen
November 17, 2012 at 11:35 amI would love to win!
Devon
November 17, 2012 at 12:04 pmWow looks like a great book!
Sue
November 17, 2012 at 1:28 pmI see lots of great quilts in this book, it would be hard to decide which one to try first! I’m leaning toward the diamonds.
Lisa E
November 17, 2012 at 1:59 pmI have definitely seen some quilts that I want to make in this book. Thank you for the chance to win.
Kelli
November 17, 2012 at 2:25 pmModern designs of classic quilts are my most favorite kind of quilts! So…this book is most definitely a NEED for me. Forget want. It’s a need. I am crossing my fingers for this giveaway, but if some other lucky duck gets it, I’m putting this at the top of my Christmas list! 🙂
carla bynum
November 17, 2012 at 3:04 pmHi!!! I would love to have this book!!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!
Ellen Ban
November 17, 2012 at 3:22 pmLooks like a must have book!
Suz
November 17, 2012 at 3:59 pmThe photos and diagrams make this a ‘must have’ book! Thanks for the chance!
Marianna
November 17, 2012 at 4:24 pmThis book looks great! I have added it to my wish list just in case I don’t win. Thank you for the giveaway!
Deb
November 17, 2012 at 4:34 pmLove that quilt on the front cover!!! I’d love to win this book. I know the authors must be thrilled to see their work in print!!
Amy Losordo
November 17, 2012 at 4:51 pmThis looks like a great book! I would love to own it…will add to my wish list if I don’t win this great contest.
Nicola
November 17, 2012 at 5:03 pmOoh – what a great giveaway! I’ve just finished my first quilt for my little girl and would love this for inspiration for my next one… I’m officially addicted!
Allison C
November 17, 2012 at 7:19 pmI love that gray framed diamond quilt!
Hannah
November 17, 2012 at 8:13 pmWhat a great quilt book! I love the twist!
jackie
November 17, 2012 at 8:35 pmwhat fun!!!! looks like some great quilts
Cheryl
November 17, 2012 at 9:30 pmHope to win and my first quilt will be an Urban Quilt like the one on the cover. So pretty!
Beth T.
November 17, 2012 at 10:55 pmMy niece is a brand-new quilter. I’d be thrilled to win a copy to share with her. Thanks for highlighting this great new book.
Karen
November 17, 2012 at 10:59 pmThe book looks wonderful – thanks for sharing.
Lisa McGriff
November 17, 2012 at 11:10 pmThis looks like just the book I need! lisamcgriff(at)hotmail(dot)com
Megan
November 17, 2012 at 11:21 pmOhh yes please!! 😀
Deborah
November 18, 2012 at 12:20 amLooks like a fantastic book – thanks for the chance to win!
Yzo
November 18, 2012 at 3:34 amThat is a beautiful quilt – thanks for the giveaway, I’d love to win this!
Sarah Z
November 18, 2012 at 5:50 amThis looks like a wonderful book! Thank you for the chance to win one!!!
Lizzie | Swedish Scrapper
November 18, 2012 at 6:22 amOh, the more I see of this book, the more I would like to try the patterns, and not just one! Thanks for the chance!
Jill
November 18, 2012 at 12:14 pmGet outta town! I’ve been planning on making an “American” (i.e, red, white and blue) log cabin quilt for my parents, so I love the cover photo. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sandra
November 18, 2012 at 1:12 pmthat book looks great and probably hard to find here in Belgium so i hope i have a change to win that book.
Sandra
November 18, 2012 at 1:24 pmoops typo it has to be “chance” and not change. lol
Mara
November 18, 2012 at 1:38 pmThis book looks great – classic designs utilizing all the great fabric that’s out. Thanks for the giveaway
Nicole
November 18, 2012 at 1:51 pmWow, great quilts, especially the diamond one!
Susan Stitch
November 18, 2012 at 2:30 pmThis book looks fabulous! I’d love a copy so I can spark my creativity. The traditional patterns are beautiful and fun to make, but with such a modern twist these quilts will be a fresh way to use my stash. Thanks for sharing it.
Tracy
November 18, 2012 at 4:43 pmI don’t normally enter giveaways; I mean, really, what chance do I have? BUT ~ I think I need to make that diamond quilt. please, pick me? 🙂
Sandra
November 18, 2012 at 6:08 pmJust in time for my Christmas wish list. What inspiring ideas!
ritainalaska
November 18, 2012 at 7:01 pmdefinitely eye candy! love the fresh patterns in this book … the diamond quilt is a dream quilt! would love to work it up! thanx for the chance to win a copy of this delightful book.
Doris
November 18, 2012 at 7:14 pmMy kind of book, looks smart & fabulous!
usairdoll
November 18, 2012 at 7:31 pmWhat beautiful quilts, so much color! Looks like an awesome book!
Thank you, Kelly and Andie for a great giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
beth lehman
November 18, 2012 at 7:33 pmholy crap, those quilts are so great!!!! i would love to make that log cabin quilt!
Nicole L.
November 18, 2012 at 7:47 pmI love the colours and fabrics! I have never quilted before but have been thinking about it and this makes me think even more. Have also just discovered sewing and DIY blogs (about 5 years late!). How awesome is it that there is so much inspirational stuff?
Kathie L
November 18, 2012 at 7:50 pmWho wouldn’t love to try out some these bright, inspiring designs? Me for sure.
Karen Chatters
November 18, 2012 at 8:39 pmQUILTS!!!
**I clearly have a problem
Julie in GA
November 18, 2012 at 10:22 pmThis looks like my kind of book–traditional designs with a modern twist.
Cindy Farmer
November 18, 2012 at 11:41 pmLooks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win one!
emily
November 18, 2012 at 11:59 pmI would love to win this book!
Heather
November 19, 2012 at 12:41 amI’m newish to quilting and am very excited by this quilt. I love the photos I’ve been seeing!
Rosemary
November 19, 2012 at 1:55 amI am a retired Home Economics teacher and this book would be a real motivator for me as I am looking for “new” blocks to create a quilt for a former colleague, an art teacher who has expressed a desire to learn to sew.
Jennie T.
November 19, 2012 at 3:08 amThis book looks amazing! Love the log cabin, love the spiderweb, love it all.
Cristin
November 19, 2012 at 9:19 amThis book looks fantastic! Thanks for the chance!
Barbara Orozco
November 19, 2012 at 9:44 amI’m really intrigued by the Urban Log Cabin, my fingers are itching. Next project is scheduled, as soon as Helix pair quilts and pillow cases are finished, I’m on for Log Cabins. If I don’t win this book, I’ll just oder it! 🙂
Thanks for offering this giveaway and good luck to all who participate!
Noemy
November 19, 2012 at 9:48 amOh! I’d love to have this book. You know, it’s so expensive to get this lovely kind of book to get shipped overseas! It would be amazing to get this one =D
Brenda Hulsey
November 19, 2012 at 10:25 amI’d love to have a copy of this book. I like when the old favorites are made modern!
Kathie
November 19, 2012 at 11:38 amIn just under the wire but hoping for the best. Lovely quilts and the modern design makes me want to try quilting
mjb
November 19, 2012 at 3:57 pmI think this book will be great inspiration.
Mary on Lake Pulaski
November 21, 2012 at 4:54 pmThat spider web quilt is the most beautiful I’ve seen!