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.
I have been wanting this book since I saw it. The ideas look wonderful !! Perfect sized quilts.
by Shanna on June 5, 2010 at 10:22 pm.
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!
by Tiffany S. on June 5, 2010 at 11:07 pm.
Thank you for the chance to win this great book!
SheilaC
by SheilaC on June 6, 2010 at 2:49 am.
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.
by M Rosemary Dempster on June 6, 2010 at 6:23 am.
Sorry, I put the wrong thing in for the URL above.
by M Rosemary Dempster on June 6, 2010 at 6:24 am.
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.
by feuerblume on June 6, 2010 at 7:46 am.
So fun
I would love to try my hand at some of these projects!
by Rachel on June 6, 2010 at 8:03 am.
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.
by Megan on June 6, 2010 at 10:09 am.
I saw this book and knew right away that it would be interesting! I love the idea of quilts as art.
by Valerie on June 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm.
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!
by Pam on June 6, 2010 at 9:19 pm.
Working on my first quilt and having a blast. What a great post.
by Natalie on June 6, 2010 at 9:30 pm.
Those skulls are awesome. I’d really love to learn how to make them!!
by Laura on June 6, 2010 at 9:44 pm.
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…
by Amylee on June 6, 2010 at 11:23 pm.
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
by kjerstiye on June 6, 2010 at 11:31 pm.
I love the ideas in this book! Would love to win a copy!
by Victoria on June 6, 2010 at 11:44 pm.
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!
by Carolyne on June 7, 2010 at 2:16 am.
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
by Gill on June 7, 2010 at 6:27 am.
This looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance to win:)
by Vicki on June 7, 2010 at 8:07 am.
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!
by Diane B on June 7, 2010 at 1:16 pm.
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.
by Marcia W. on June 7, 2010 at 1:36 pm.
I love it! What a great looking book and a great giveaway!
by Marita on June 7, 2010 at 1:44 pm.
I can’t wait to see this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
by Tracy C. on June 7, 2010 at 1:54 pm.
My co-worker’s mother just made me two gorgeous quilts. I’m dying to try and make my own!
by Cortney on June 7, 2010 at 3:40 pm.
This is really cool – I always wanted to try quilting, and I have even bought some fabrics already….
by Nicki on June 7, 2010 at 5:07 pm.
i love this post so much and kathreen is just awesome in her love and constant promotion of all that is handmade
by margie oomen on June 7, 2010 at 8:10 pm.
great post! would love to win!
by Jeni on June 8, 2010 at 10:05 am.
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
by Teresa on June 8, 2010 at 10:34 am.
Mini quilts!! What a great way to get some crafty satisfaction!
by Tiffani on June 8, 2010 at 10:59 am.
Wow! I can’t wait to make some of the projects–I’ve never done minis. I would love to start now.
by Anne on June 8, 2010 at 11:25 am.
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!
by Wendy on June 8, 2010 at 12:05 pm.
The powerline quilts are stunning – particularly when displayed next to each other.
by Andy on June 8, 2010 at 1:03 pm.
The quilts in this book are fresh and innovative. I would love to win the book. thanks for the draw.
by Lucette on June 8, 2010 at 2:24 pm.
This is so amazing! I’ve never even seen quilts so small, but they look so fun!
by Emily on June 8, 2010 at 3:32 pm.
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.
by Jackie H on June 8, 2010 at 10:06 pm.
Excellent! Thanks for introducing me to this book. Definitely going to check it out.
by Becky Sander on June 9, 2010 at 12:12 am.
I love these mini quilts – what fabulous creativity!
by so we added chickens on June 9, 2010 at 11:17 am.
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.
by debbie on June 9, 2010 at 2:23 pm.
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!
by Bonney on June 9, 2010 at 7:36 pm.
These quilts look like they are fun to make.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
by MelodyJ on June 10, 2010 at 5:43 pm.
I love the idea of practicing techniques on a smaller scale project!
by Kirsten on June 10, 2010 at 7:24 pm.
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.
by Bridgit on June 10, 2010 at 9:09 pm.
I will be very happy to win this book, I love mini quilts.Hugs from France.
by Beatrice on June 10, 2010 at 11:51 pm.
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”
by Kristy on June 11, 2010 at 2:43 am.
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.
by Laura B. on June 11, 2010 at 11:23 am.
Have a great vacation, I’m on a mini vaca in Santa Fe. I’d love to win this book!
by diana on June 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm.
I love unusual quilts and this is right up my alley!!! Great tips!
by Angela on June 11, 2010 at 10:45 pm.
Please sign me up for your giveaway. I need a new summer project.
by Melissa on June 11, 2010 at 11:01 pm.
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
by Glaucia on June 12, 2010 at 12:37 pm.
I was sure I already commented on this! Anyway, I’d love to win this book, thanks for having this giveaway!
by Tiffany on June 12, 2010 at 7:40 pm.
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.
by Jane on June 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm.