Quilt Improv Blog Tour

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Today I'm very excited to share with you a new book by designer and author Lucie Summers,

Quilt Improv: Incredible Quilts from Everyday Inspirations

. Many of you probably know Lucie through

her fabrics for Moda

. I have a fair share of them in my stash and I'm constantly reaching for them when working on scrappy projects.

When I first opened Quilt Improv, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the photography. I have a very large library of quilting books. (Sort of a quilt book addict.) I think I can easily say, these are the most beautifully photographed quilts in my entire collection.

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Seriously. If I could spell out what would make a perfect setting for quilt photos, I would probably say rustic barns...

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

fields...

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

historic looking stone walls...

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

And what is this? A truck full of flower bulbs? (LOVE!!)

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

Quilt Improv by Lucie Summers

I want to move into every picture! I honestly feel like this could be a coffee table book. Drool worthy.

Quilt Improv has directions for several improvisational techniques, referred to as The Building Blocks: Applique Circle, Basket Weave, Chain Pieced Strips, Chevrons, Crazy Triangles, Half Square Triangles, Log Cabins, Pieced Squares, Portholes, Quarter Circles, String Blocks and X Blocks; as well as 12 Quilts. Is is absolutely packed with information.

I decided to make a little project out of the book, and in the spirit of one of my New Year's Resolutions, include one of my kids in the fun. I showed my 4 year old the project - Chain-Pieced Strips. I let him dig through my scrap tubs and lay out all the fabrics.

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

I trimmed them to size and sewed them together. It was actually a really fun project to work on together. He was so excited, he kept saying "I can't believe I'm making my very own quilt!!"

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

I quilted and bound it and now it is a very special quilt for his stuffed panda.

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

Quilt Improv ~ Chain-Pieced Strips : Fresh Lemons Quilts

Improv can be a little scary, but it's also quite freeing and a great way to sew with kids.

Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour - some stops even have giveaways!