Fresh Quiliting by Malka Dubrawsky - Review and Giveaway

Malka Dubrawksy's new book Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design and Inspiration arrived a few days ago and I am so excited to share it with you.  I've been following Malka and her work for a few years and I am always bowled over by the way she uses color and pattern to create beautiful quilted objects.  This book is no exception - it's jam-packed with great projects in bright, crisp colors that all have a modern aesthetic.  It showcases Malka's signature style with projects that are inventive and inspiring.

The book includes a very thorough section on material and tools and another on technique.  These parts are extremely informative and are a great resource for newer quilters and those of us who have more experience, too.  There are also two project sections.  The first one has small patchwork projects for home, family and friends.  In this part, you can find everything from a knitting needle case to a crib bumper and everything in between.  All the projects are fantastic and live up to the book's title.  One of my favorite projects is the mix it up patchwork scarf.  I love how Malka combined different types of fabrics - silks, corduroy, cotton prints - in an interesting pattern.  I can see making this for just about anyone on my list.  Using subdued colors, plaids and stripes would make it great for a man.  I also love the strings attached potholders and trivet.  These projects are great for using up scraps - perfect for anyone like me who has a hard time letting the little leftovers go. 

The second project section includes quilts for wall, bed and baby.  Malka has included a wonderful variety of patterns that use different techniques.  I think one of the strengths of this book is Malka's ability to transform a traditional patchwork pattern into something updated and modern.  I especially love the honeycomb hexagon quilt for this very reason.  Not only is the scale of the hexagons larger than you'd traditionally find, Malka also walks you through how to piece them by machine, not hand.  Awesome.

Malka's fresh approach to quilting and patchwork is inspiring.  Looking through the projects in this book, it is immediately evident that they are all versatile and adaptable to other items.  I really love the look of the whirlygig quilt - it's simple and understated but there is some great play with pattern and color that appeals to me.  Unfortunately, I don't have time to make any kind of quilt at the moment so I took the whirlygig pattern and used it for a potholder instead.

This came together easily and pretty fast.  I pieced the front and then followed the quilting and assembly directions from the strings attached potholders.  All the fabrics came from the scrap bin with the exception of the binding fabric, which is also on the back.  Easy, fun, fresh.  I am sure I'll be making more.

I have one copy of Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design and Inspiration to give away.  If you would like a chance to win it, please leave a comment on this post before 5:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, December 12th.  I'll use the random number generator to choose a winner.

For more information about Malka and her book, visit her blog, A Stitch in Dye, and visit the other stops on her blog tour.

12/6 -  http://www.filminthefridge.com

12/7 -  http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com

12/8 -  http://jchandmade.typepad.com

12/9 -  http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com

12/10 - http://www.tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com

12/13 - http://blairpeter.typepad.com

12/14 - http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog

 

Comments

[Donna]

I am enjoying the blog hop. I just love Malka's color choices - so fresh and pretty.

[Rachel at Stitched in Color]

Me, pick me! I can't wait to lay eyes on this book.

[Amanda]

I love Malka's work! I am so excited that she has a book out!

[Mindy]

i am in Love with the honeycomb hexagon quilt! i have to give a try!!

[Bryanna]

Oh man this book has been on my wish list for so long! My fingers are crossed!

[Amy Hodge]

This book is so beautiful -- I've been dying to get my hands on a copy! And your blog is lovely as well, Erin -- I've been following you for years now!

[Gill]

This book looks so good!
I'd really love to win a copy!
Gill

[byneedleandthread]

please enter me in the giveaway! The book is so bright and happy!

[dani]

Would love this. That yellow quilt is dreamy.

[Colette]

I am so in love with her hexie quilt! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book :D

[Susan]

Mmmm ... love quilting books! Hate quilting in a one-bedroom apartment, but small projects still work!

[Jenny]

This looks great! I'm a beginning quilter, and I would love to win it.

[Canela]

Malka's work is beautiful!

[Suzanne]

She is not a quilt artist I have heard of before, but her book looks lovely!

[Caroline]

I think her use of color and dyeing is so creative! Thanks for this opportunity!

[ronit]

the book looks great! thanks for the giveaway.

[Kate]

I love that hexagon quilt, it's just stunning!

[aditi]

oh i LOVE her colours!

[nikki]

the colors in this book are so darn gorgeous!

[Michele]

This looks like such a fabulous source to add to my crafting library. Thanks for such a great review and giveaway!

[Sara Robertson]

Looks like tons of inspiration!

[Barbara]

where's Malka today ? great way to follow her on this hop !

[Susan]

Thank you for the opportunity to win. Your potholder looks great - love the binding.

[amandajean]

this looks like a fabulous book! i'm a big fan of Malka's use of color....she does so great!

[jenny w.]

The book looks fabulous! Such wonderful color and inspiration.

[Kristin]

Glad to have found your blog due to the blog hop! Looks like a fab book!

[NancyJL]

Would love a to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway.

[sharonj]

Great book! I love the way Malka uses color. Thanks for the chance to own a copy.

[DianeY]

I'm going to have to buy this book - unless, of course, I'm lucky enough to win it!

[Sarah]

I love Malka's work and am very excited about this new book!

[Amber Carrillo]

Malka's style is just so fresh and amazing. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Jeanie]

this book looks just fantastic! thanks for the chance to win a copy!

[Yarnyoldkim]

Spectacular! I'd love to win this book. Fingers crossed!

[Amanda B]

I love the colors in this book!

[sam]

Yay! Glad you're on the book tour! Thanks for the chance to win, I love Malka's work, and can't wait to get my hands on her book!

[Sarah Jackson]

Really cute! I already have the book, so you don't need to draw my name. She's been a good inspiration for my Christmas making this year.

[claudia]

Looks like a great book. Her use of color has always inspired me!

[char]

Sure hope to win this book. I love Malka's blog.

[Cathy Bertanzetti]

Love, love, love this book, it's on order!

[Ericapauly]

excited to find a new inspiring book!

[Janny]

The book looks wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway.

[Amelia]

I would SO love to win this book.

[Kolleen]

Wow, everyone on the blog tour has such interesting things to say about this book. I can't wait to see it in person!

[Colleen Kole]

I do enjoy how each of you has enjoyed this book. Maybe I'll be lucky and it will be mine!

[Dan]

Can't wait to see the book!

[monica]

ooh! i hope i win, but if i don't i need to buy a copy so i can make that scarf!!

[julie]

What an exciting and inspirational book!

[beki]

ack - pick me! this looks like a book that i need to add to my collection.

[Alexandra]

Very cute potholder! I can't wait to get this book. I hope I win! :)

[Account Deleted]

on my wish list too!