Guest Blog: Designing your own mini-quilts by Kathreen Ricketson
Kathreen Ricketson from Whip-up (I’m sure you all read Whip-up) is sharing a post for the Guest Blog today all about things to consider when designing a mini quilt. Kathreen has a new book out called Whip-Up Mini Quilts (published by Chronicle Books), so she is quite an expert when it comes to designing & creating mini quilts.
Win your own copy!
The book includes quilting basics, tips & tricks, patterns and more. If that sounds like it’s up your alley, make sure to leave a comment on this post to win a copy. I will choose a random commenter to win and this giveaway will end Friday, June 11th at 11:59 pm EST.
In addition to making an appearance on Indie Fixx, Kathreen is doing a blog tour to help spread the word about her beautiful book. Many of the participating blogs are doing giveaways as well. Here’s the schedule.
| June 1 - | CRAFT | June 8 - | Hand Made by Alissa |
| June 2 - | Crafty Pod | June 9 - | My Love for You |
| June 3 - | Chronicle Books | June 10 - | Film in the Fridge |
| June 4 - | Indie Fixx | June 11 - | The Haystack Needle |
| June 7 - | Craft Sanity |
By guest contributor Kathreen Ricketson
When you are thinking of designing your own mini quilt there are a few steps in the design process. First of all you need to think about who or what you are making the quilt for. It might be a baby shower gift or it might just be you experimenting with a new technique and trying out some of your design ideas. If you are making the quilt for a specific person or occasion then you will have stricter parameters to consider - and these can be a big help in narrowing down your design choices. However if you are making the quilt for your own personal creative satisfaction then this opens up an enormous range of design possibilities. In both of these cases you still need to consider a few basics of design:
1. The design elements: Will you be using a pattern, a traditional block design or improvised piecing? Will you be adding extra decorative embellishments such as embroidery or stenciling - what techniques will you use to make your quilt? These are all important questions that will effect the design of your quilt. You may want to keep it simple and use a basic traditional block design or experiment a little. Whatever you decide you should consider your skill level and the time you have available. Just remember that the quilt top is where most of your handwork and design elements will appear. It is usually either pieced with patches of fabric sewn together in a design or appliquéd with pieces of fabric sewn on top of a background. Sometimes these elements are used together and combined with other techniques as well. You might use embroidery stitches, fabric painting, or any other fabric manipulation you like-there is no end to the creative possibilities.
Two heads are better than one is an example of the block design being the major feature of the quilt top - the colors and fabrics are secondary concerns. Another example of the design elements being the major feature is the Granny’s delight duo where motifs are embroidered and stenciled on the quilt top.
2. The fabrics will you use - recycled fabrics - often using old clothing or linens in your quilt can add layers of memory and meaning. Or you might be using fabrics from your favourite designer range or even some vintage fabrics or scraps from your basket. Whatever your preference be sure that the fabric you select for your project is suitable for its eventual use. If you are planning to turn your mini quilt into a place mat for your dining table, then choose sturdy, machine washable fabrics. However, if your mini quilt is for display, then feel free to use more of your precious delicates.
My shibori sampler is an example of a pared back colour palette combined with basic techniques - however it is the fabric used that sets this quilt apart - hand dyed fabric samples are the highlight of this quilt. The keepsake quilt is another example of the fabrics taking centre stage - here an improvised sewing method was used with recycled clothing as a fabric.
3. Colour is a major design element of any quilt and mini quilts are no exception. There are many places to get inspiration for new color combinations. Use the good ol’ color wheel for tried-and-true combinations. (Read up a little on color theory if you are unfamiliar with the color wheel.) You can also take your cue from the colors that appear in a patterned fabric that you love, or you can take a walk around your garden or a park and pick out the colors of your favorite leaves and flowers. A fun but slightly more involved method, if you have access to a computer and photo-editing software, is to “pixelate” a colorful digital photo. Zoom in until all you can see are pixels, or blocks of color, and use these as inspiration for your fabrics. There are also some online color-palette-generating tools, which are fun to play with if you’re stuck (a couple of examples can be found Here and Here).
Powerline sky has intricate piecing, however it is the colour combination that makes this quilt pop. English flower garden uses a few different techniques but is the emphasis on the colour elements that really shine in this quilt.
sillylittlelady wrote:
great quilts! I think I know who to get this book for
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 8:45 am | Permalink
Melanie K. wrote:
I have been wanting to try my hand at quilting. I guess if I win the book; it is a sign, right? LOL
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 9:08 am | Permalink
BlueEyedYonder wrote:
I just love the idea of mini quilts. When I was little I use to help my grandmother make flower garden quilts. When I say “help” of course I mean I scatter all the sewn flowers on the floor and skip around on them like lily pads. Oh the patience of grandmothers! Maybe I will try a mini flower garden quilt to give to one of my dearest friends. She is decorating her new nursery in a faded vintage turquoise, pink and yellow color palette. A sweet mini quilt would be perfect!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 9:30 am | Permalink
Kayley Walker wrote:
Quilting is something I really want to get into! You’ve got some great tips on here
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 9:52 am | Permalink
vadjutka wrote:
I ‘d love to win a copy!
I will get a a sewing machine from my neighbour, and will start to learn sewing, which is a big dream of mine.
And it would be so great to learn with those cool mini quilts, pillow covers etc…
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 9:57 am | Permalink
Christina wrote:
These make me so happy!
I’ve been working up the courage to try quilting, and this seems like the perfect way to get started. I would love to win a copy!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 10:01 am | Permalink
Margie wrote:
My fingers are crossed … these look like some perfect summer projects!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 10:10 am | Permalink
Dominique wrote:
I’d love to win this book! I’ve wanted to start quilting for a while now..
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 10:54 am | Permalink
Anna wrote:
Thanks for the great ideas! I love the powerline quilts, so unique:)
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 11:19 am | Permalink
Claire wrote:
I sooooo want this book. I’m itching to try mini-quilts and I love all the projects I’ve seen so far!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 11:38 am | Permalink
Sarah S wrote:
I would love to win a copy of this book! Those quilts are awesome.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 11:56 am | Permalink
Tamara wrote:
The powerline sky quilts are amazing!! The details of the lines and the birds are quite beautiful. I wonder if I could do one with birds perched on the lines. It looks like a cool book.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 12:31 pm | Permalink
Jan wrote:
Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 12:46 pm | Permalink
Stacy wrote:
I’ve always wanted to make a mini quilt and this book looks really inspiring.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Sherri S. wrote:
Ooh, I’d love to win this book…I’ve never quilted but would love to get started. Thanks!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 3:08 pm | Permalink
Anne B. wrote:
Sounds like a fun book. Count me in.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 3:49 pm | Permalink
verity wrote:
Ooooh! Fantastic! Thank you for the giveaway.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 4:20 pm | Permalink
sy wrote:
i saw this book in the bookstore and really love the projects in it, the powerline quilt is my favorite
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 4:59 pm | Permalink
~Helena~ wrote:
I love those mini quilts, nice to see indivuals ideas in the mini quilts.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 5:20 pm | Permalink
Bellgirl wrote:
I say Kathreen’s book at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show- it looks fantastic, and a great way to learn a variety of new quilting techniques.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 5:29 pm | Permalink
Amy R wrote:
This books looks more and more interesting the more I read about it! Loving the tour too. . . .
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 5:36 pm | Permalink
Laurel wrote:
I love everything I’ve seen from this book so far, it’s all so gorgeous. I’ve never made an actual quilt, I think starting with mini projects would be a fantastic way to ease myself into it. =)
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 5:56 pm | Permalink
Sherry J. wrote:
I’ve been seeing this book all over the web and i would love to have it. thanks.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 6:38 pm | Permalink
Bonney wrote:
This book looks fabulous; I’d love to win a copy!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 6:39 pm | Permalink
Anna wrote:
I’ve been wanting this book every since I saw it. IT SEEMS SO AMAZING!!!!! I think I would make 100 quilts~
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 7:15 pm | Permalink
Aimee wrote:
This is a great post!
Thanks for sharing!
Love
Aimee
x
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 7:27 pm | Permalink
Beth in Seattle wrote:
This book looks like it is full of great ideas. I love it.
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 7:31 pm | Permalink
Sally wrote:
Thank you for this lovely giveaway and for all your inspiration!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 8:16 pm | Permalink
Mindy wrote:
I’ve been following this blog tour, and man, do I want this book! The more I read about it the more I know I have to own it for myself!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 8:17 pm | Permalink
Gina wrote:
Quilting is something I’ve never tried before, but I’d love to learn!
Posted on 04-Jun-10 at 9:03 pm | Permalink
Sarah Martin wrote:
How fun and refreshing the “two heads” are! So not my grandmother’s quilt…!
Love “powerline” too. Reminds me of laying down in the back seat looking out the window on long car trips with the folks. : ) Both pieces speak so much to me. Thanks for making them!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 12:06 am | Permalink
lauren wrote:
i love this! my fiance and i are having a quilt themed wedding this summer (decorating with, fabric square escort cards and guest book, etc.) this would be a lovely addition to the collection we have going!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 12:49 am | Permalink
Jackie wrote:
i love to read sewing books and this books looks interesting.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 1:59 am | Permalink
Catherine wrote:
Really enjoying following your blog tour! getting more inspired each day!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 2:51 am | Permalink
website mumbai wrote:
This book has full of great ideas.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 5:11 am | Permalink
LeAnn wrote:
This book looks amazing! I can’t wait to start quilting
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 6:04 am | Permalink
Paula wrote:
This book is great inspiration! I just took a course in journal quilts, and small quilts are a great way to try new artistic ideas. Thank you for the giveaway!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 7:29 am | Permalink
Sandy wrote:
I used to quilt a long time ago and these mini quilts are such an inspiration to get back into it.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 8:02 am | Permalink
Renee Alam wrote:
I have been wanting to learn to quilt for a long time,so this would be perfect…I would do this side by side with my 3 daughters who are alos old enough to learn to quilt….this would be fun!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 8:13 am | Permalink
se7en wrote:
Oh those powerlines are simply amazing - whoever thought powerlines could be beautiful!!! Love it!!!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 9:18 am | Permalink
deidre corbet wrote:
looks like the perfect book for my DD & I to get started on our learning to quilt plans. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 10:12 am | Permalink
Kristy wrote:
I’d love to make some mini quilts as a way of trying some different techniques without taking in a huge project.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 10:52 am | Permalink
Grace wrote:
OMG the quilts are so gorgeous! I would love to have the book!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 11:50 am | Permalink
Cindy wrote:
I would love to win a copy! I just love everything mini!!!!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 12:20 pm | Permalink
Karen L. wrote:
I have been coveting this book since I first saw it. Is it OK to do that? Hope so. If I don’t win it, I will surely have to buy it. Got my fingers crossed!!!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 2:12 pm | Permalink
Michelle wrote:
Oh those are sooo CUTE!! want to try it but how do I start?? Would love to have “the book” to show me how. Thanks for taking the time to do a great posting.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 7:44 pm | Permalink
Christie Fouts wrote:
As a mother of four: 17, 18, 18 and 21 this book really fits the bill with its creative, contemporary quilts. And mini…who doesn’t love a little immediate gratification! Thanks for putting this publication out there for those who want something not quite so tradition.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 8:48 pm | Permalink
Sherri I wrote:
Mini Quilts are so cute. Thanks for this giveaway!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 9:34 pm | Permalink
Merryn wrote:
I saw the picture of the shibori mini-quilt and am intrigued as how to make it. I would love to win the book. Thank you.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 9:51 pm | Permalink
Joy wrote:
Wow, these quilts are amazing. I’d love to try some of these techniques. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 10:02 pm | Permalink
Shanna wrote:
I have been wanting this book since I saw it. The ideas look wonderful !! Perfect sized quilts.
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 10:22 pm | Permalink
Tiffany S. wrote:
Holy cow! Those are some lovely quilts. I keep looking at quilts and wishing that I could make one, however I just don’t think I have the stamina to make something big enough to cover a bed. I love the idea of smaller art quilts, especially the power lines quilts. Thanks for sharing this book with us!
Posted on 05-Jun-10 at 11:07 pm | Permalink
SheilaC wrote:
Thank you for the chance to win this great book!
SheilaC
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 2:49 am | Permalink
M Rosemary Dempster wrote:
I love mini quilts, and try to make one using traditional patterns. Looking at the cover of the book, I think it is time to go modern and try some contemporary patterns. The ones on the cover look fantastic. Thanks for this opportunity.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 6:23 am | Permalink
M Rosemary Dempster wrote:
Sorry, I put the wrong thing in for the URL above.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 6:24 am | Permalink
feuerblume wrote:
I like miniquilts a lot, because they are fast to make and offer so many ways in trying out your creativity.
So, I hope I win this book ;o) Keep my fingers crossed.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 7:46 am | Permalink
Rachel wrote:
So fun
I would love to try my hand at some of these projects!
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 8:03 am | Permalink
Megan wrote:
This book looks fantastic! I’ve never quilted, but have been wanting to learn how. I love the concept of using mini-quilts to practice new techniques.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 10:09 am | Permalink
Valerie wrote:
I saw this book and knew right away that it would be interesting! I love the idea of quilts as art.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 1:58 pm | Permalink
Pam wrote:
I would love a copy of this book… I have been wanting to try out quilting for a while but never knew where to start!
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 9:19 pm | Permalink
Natalie wrote:
Working on my first quilt and having a blast. What a great post.
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 9:30 pm | Permalink
Laura wrote:
Those skulls are awesome. I’d really love to learn how to make them!!
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 9:44 pm | Permalink
Amylee wrote:
I’ve just started quilting (upon becoming pregnant, cliche right?!) and would love to win this! Sounds right up my alley! After all, they say to start small…
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 11:23 pm | Permalink
kjerstiye wrote:
Love this book- I followed their previews over at whip up all last month and have had it in my amazon wish list since it’s been available! thanks for sharing a copy with us1
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 11:31 pm | Permalink
Victoria wrote:
I love the ideas in this book! Would love to win a copy!
Posted on 06-Jun-10 at 11:44 pm | Permalink
Carolyne wrote:
I have been meaning to make myself a quilt for about 3 years (when I finished my first/last one, for my then newborn niece), this post on quilt design has been quite helpful since I have so many ideas in my head that I don’t know where to start!
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 2:16 am | Permalink
Gill wrote:
I’ve been making fuul size quilts for a while now but somehow I’ve never gotten round to making a mini quilt - this book looks fabulous!!
Gill
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 6:27 am | Permalink
Vicki wrote:
This looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance to win:)
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 8:07 am | Permalink
Diane B wrote:
These quilts are beautiful and the idea of a mini quilt is just up my alley - I have been wanting to make a quilt and I think this may be the perfect place to start!
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Marcia W. wrote:
I’ve considered making a mini-quilt yet somewhat fearful about it. If win this quilt, then should help me get moving on a project. Thank you for the giveaway for the book.
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 1:36 pm | Permalink
Marita wrote:
I love it! What a great looking book and a great giveaway!
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 1:44 pm | Permalink
Tracy C. wrote:
I can’t wait to see this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 1:54 pm | Permalink
Cortney wrote:
My co-worker’s mother just made me two gorgeous quilts. I’m dying to try and make my own!
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 3:40 pm | Permalink
Nicki wrote:
This is really cool - I always wanted to try quilting, and I have even bought some fabrics already….
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 5:07 pm | Permalink
margie oomen wrote:
i love this post so much and kathreen is just awesome in her love and constant promotion of all that is handmade
Posted on 07-Jun-10 at 8:10 pm | Permalink
Jeni wrote:
great post! would love to win!
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 10:05 am | Permalink
Teresa wrote:
I just love the look of mini quilts, they are so sweet. I’d love to make some to decorate my walls instead of pictures.
Teresa x
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 10:34 am | Permalink
Tiffani wrote:
Mini quilts!! What a great way to get some crafty satisfaction!
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 10:59 am | Permalink
Anne wrote:
Wow! I can’t wait to make some of the projects–I’ve never done minis. I would love to start now.
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 11:25 am | Permalink
Wendy wrote:
I would love to win this book! I’m new to quilting and some bite sized exposure to different techniques is just what I need!
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 12:05 pm | Permalink
Andy wrote:
The powerline quilts are stunning - particularly when displayed next to each other.
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 1:03 pm | Permalink
Lucette wrote:
The quilts in this book are fresh and innovative. I would love to win the book. thanks for the draw.
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 2:24 pm | Permalink
Emily wrote:
This is so amazing! I’ve never even seen quilts so small, but they look so fun!
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 3:32 pm | Permalink
Jackie H wrote:
I love mini-quilts and how much quicker they come together than full-sized ones. Plus, my kiddies love using them for their dollies and trains.
Posted on 08-Jun-10 at 10:06 pm | Permalink
Becky Sander wrote:
Excellent! Thanks for introducing me to this book. Definitely going to check it out.
Posted on 09-Jun-10 at 12:12 am | Permalink
so we added chickens wrote:
I love these mini quilts - what fabulous creativity!
Posted on 09-Jun-10 at 11:17 am | Permalink
debbie wrote:
I would *so* love to be the randomly chosen winner of this book! I’ve been playing with mini quilts since I first saw Susan Shie’s work but I love traditional quilting and would like to learn more about combining the two. Thanks for the design tips, too.
Posted on 09-Jun-10 at 2:23 pm | Permalink
Bonney wrote:
The more of this book I see the more I know it has to be on my list. It looks absolutely wonderful and so full of information!
Posted on 09-Jun-10 at 7:36 pm | Permalink
MelodyJ wrote:
These quilts look like they are fun to make.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted on 10-Jun-10 at 5:43 pm | Permalink
Kirsten wrote:
I love the idea of practicing techniques on a smaller scale project!
Posted on 10-Jun-10 at 7:24 pm | Permalink
Bridgit wrote:
Wow, those quilts are amazing. I would really love some help working in mini. The few I’ve tried have been nice, but not stellar, and I’m in need of some expert advice. Thanks for the great give away.
Posted on 10-Jun-10 at 9:09 pm | Permalink
Beatrice wrote:
I will be very happy to win this book, I love mini quilts.Hugs from France.
Posted on 10-Jun-10 at 11:51 pm | Permalink
Kristy wrote:
I’ve been following the tour and this book seems to be ‘right up my alley’. I love to quilt, but shy away from the words small and/or hand when attached to quilting :0) The descriptions of the book sound that the instructions are clear and easy on the “beginner”
Posted on 11-Jun-10 at 2:43 am | Permalink
Laura B. wrote:
I’d really love to win a copy of the Mini-Quilts book - I have little talent and no creativity and starting a foray into quilting with a mini-quilt would be the best option for me, I think. Even if I don’t win a copy, I’ll have to buy one so I can figure out what to do and how to do it.
Posted on 11-Jun-10 at 11:23 am | Permalink
diana wrote:
Have a great vacation, I’m on a mini vaca in Santa Fe. I’d love to win this book!
Posted on 11-Jun-10 at 7:30 pm | Permalink
Angela wrote:
I love unusual quilts and this is right up my alley!!! Great tips!
Posted on 11-Jun-10 at 10:45 pm | Permalink
Melissa wrote:
Please sign me up for your giveaway. I need a new summer project.
Posted on 11-Jun-10 at 11:01 pm | Permalink
Glaucia wrote:
wow.. this book would fit so well on my studio’s library
I’d really love to win a copy. Since i made my first mini-quilt, i became hopelessly addicted to it 
Thanks for the chance of having one on my own
Posted on 12-Jun-10 at 12:37 pm | Permalink
Tiffany wrote:
I was sure I already commented on this! Anyway, I’d love to win this book, thanks for having this giveaway!
Posted on 12-Jun-10 at 7:40 pm | Permalink
Jane wrote:
I’d LOVE to win this book, because I’ve always been interested in quilting, but never had the technical quilting know how to be able to actually make one.
Posted on 13-Jun-10 at 5:18 pm | Permalink