Thanks for all the comments last week about trying new things….the winner of the Simple Home book is Dawn! I sent you an email to get your mailing address. Speaking of trying new things: last month on one of my giveaway posts I asked readers what, if anything, they wanted to learn or try in 2015. By far the most popular response was to practice free motion quilting, which is also something I need to do. But many of you also chose new skills within sewing and piecing, including sewing curves in quilts. (if you’re interested, I have tutorial on curved piecing, Here)
As you probably know, I absolutely love quilting with curves and trying new shapes that can come from curved piecing. Do you want to know what my very first curved quilt was? You guessed it, it was a “Strips ‘n Curves” quilt, made from this book by Louisa Smith, at a class at my local quilt shop probably ten years ago or so. I would love to share this book with someone interested in trying out curves. While the photos make the quilts look very difficult, they are mostly simple drunkard’s path type curved piecing, easy and gradual with no strange shapes or templates. The fun effects come from making the strip sets and then cutting them up in creative ways.
I don’t have my first curved piecing quilt anymore, it was ruined when our basement crawlspace flooded at our last house. The design was similar to the orangey one in the second photo above, but I did it all in shades of pink and green. Obviously, I fell in love with curves and never looked back! This book offers instructions to get you started on piecing curves and shows tons of examples of ways to turn a basic block into a really impressive work of art.
If you are interested in trying your hand at curves, or you already love curved quilts and want to try this method, leave a comment here. I will choose a winner for the book next Sunday. Tell me, what is your favorite classic quilt block?
Sharon
My favorite is the log cabin because it’s so versatile. Love the look of the book and it looks like something I’d love to try. Thanks for the chance.
I love the log cabin block. It was the first block I learned how to make and it’s so quick and versatile.
I have two favourite blocks: log cabin and New York Beauty. I’ve discovered they look smashing together!
I’d love to try sewing curves – they terrify me!
My favourite block is the churn dash!
My favorite classic block is the churn dash. LOVE piecing with strips. This book would fit right in with the other string books on my shelf. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’d love to tackle curved quilting. Thank you for the giveaway and hope I’m the lucky one!
akronne17 (at) gmail (dot) com
I make lots of 9 patches. they are so versatile.
Log Cabin was my very first block and it is still a favorite of mine (a lot wonkier now, though!).
I don’t have one. I have made all my own patterns but am interested in stepping it up!!!!!! I really want to learn how to do curves!!!!!!!! sonjasmith76@yahoo.com
The log cabin is my favorite – so versatile. Thanks.
My favorite is storm-at-sea. I really like the stars and circles it forms with multiple blocks.
Thanks for the giveaway! I love many different quilt blocks, but find myself making four-patch and nine-patch. With beautiful fabric – they can be exciting!
Curved piecing is something I have not done—–and would really like to try it.
HI,it’s “DRUNKARD’S PATH”!
THIS SOUNDS VERY NEAT!
THANKS FOR A GREAT GIVEAWAY!
My local library has that book so no need to include me in the giveaway. I’ve borrowed it a few times and although I haven’t made any of the quilts patterns it’s great to look through.
My favorite block is the simple nine patch. I would love a chance to win that book. Thank you!
I love strings and curves. My favorite block is the Ohio star.
I’m a pinwheel block gal. Oooo, wouldn’t they be great set in circles? Thanks for the giveaway!
Have not made many. I have made it takes five and also have done a log cabin. Both were fun. Always looking to try new things
I like the look of stars. Haven’t made any, yet. Lol I also like the log cabin. Thanks for the great giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com
I love the orangey one also. So far I haven’t been brave enough to try curves, but I’d like to!
Oh this looks so interesting! I am anxious to try curved piecing, but am scared at the same time! I love the pinwheel block- getting ready to start a scrappy pinwheel quilt for my little girl! Thanks for the chance to win!
It is on my list of must do in quilting would love the book to help out:) Thanks
Virginia Star! So simple and pretty.
My favorite classic block is the Shooting Star because it’s not only simple, but can take on so many dimensions with colors and patterns. I’m very interested in learning how to make curved pieces!
I would love to learn how to sew curves! I am so new still and everything looks so exciting to try. I don’t have a favorite classic block yet!!
I have liked the shoo fly block for years.
I need to do some curves it’s been a long time.
LOve the deunaed path
Love the nine patch blocks. Thank you for the giveaway.
I love the New York Beauty block the best. Curves with a punch. Thanks for your generosity.
My fav is log cabin – so many ways to itnerpret!
Ono of my best favorite classic block is log cabin.Thanks for the chance!
I love stars and spinning wheels (HSTs). Classics that stand the test of time.
I really do not have a favorite block. I have been in several block exchanges & have made plenty of different blocks but none have emerged as a favorite.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I love nine patches because you can do so many things with them
Right now my favorite classic is the nine patch. I’m hoping to do a postage stamp quilt sometime soon.
Thanks for blogging!
My favorite go to block is Jacob’s Ladder
I’m in love with ohio stars and log cabin.
My favourite at the moment is old courthouse steps…feeling like I need a bit of order in my life and sewing! Best wishes.
Wendy
My favorite block is the 9 patch, it’s so versatile
Interested