Laura Preston - Simple Geometric Quilting: Modern, Minimalist Designs for Throws, Pillows, Wall Decor and More

Simple

GEOMETRIC QUILTING

MODERN, MINIMALIST DESIGNS FOR THROWS, PILLOWS, WALL DECOR AND MORE

Laura Preston, FOUNDER OF VACILANDO QUILTING CO.

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For the brave and creative in all of us

I found quilting at the end of a long, frustrating search for a new artistic medium. I had been traveling around the United States in an Airstream trailer for a few months with my now husband and all my painting supplies, but never once picked up a brush. I studied painting and art history in college and was an oil painter for years, but the medium wasnt practical in a small mobile space. So, after exploring possibilities for a more useful creative expression, I came across a handful of modern quilters. I never knew quilts could look like works of art, and I was intrigued by this combination of craft, art, design and history. I had some rudimentary sewing skills, so I bought some fabric and improvised my first quilt. I had no idea what I was doing and poorly stitched everything by hand, but I was hooked. I learned everything I know about quilting from blog posts, tutorials and YouTube videos, and I havent stopped making quilts since.

As a self-taught quilter whos spent hundreds of hours googling quilting techniques and learning from trial-and-error, I felt many resources lacked a truly comprehensive guide to take you step by step through the whole process of making a quiltfrom design inspiration all the way to binding a quilt. With Simple Geometric Quilting, I want to teach you how to make each project in my unique style and create a holistic resource for all things quilting that you can reach for again and again, whether youre just learning how to quilt or have decades of experience making quilts.

Over the years Ive developed my own style of quilting that focuses on simple, uncomplicated design and large geometric shapes. Its a style suited to beginners or those looking for a quicker quilting projectIve always tried to make my patterns with large-scale pieces of fabric and as little piecing as possible. This minimalist approach to quilting puts the focus on the shapes and departs from the traditional method of repeating identical blocks across the entire quilt. I still use traditional quilting techniques, such as hand quilting, and borrow from centuries-old designsbut I believe that to keep this craft alive, it has to evolve to stay relevant in the modern home.

All of my work is inspired by my travels and favorite places Ive visitedthe patterns in this book are no exception. I spent months looking through photos from my years of traveling, recalling some of the most memorable experiences, and distilling those experiences down into thoughtful, cohesive designs. At the end of each pattern, I share those stories with you to give you a sense of why behind the quilt and some insight into my design process.

With in-depth tutorials and twenty projects ranging from a small wall hanging to a large queen-size quilt, theres something for everyone who wants to learn how to make non-traditional quilts using traditional techniques. While these quilts, pillows and wall hangings may look simple, that doesnt necessarily mean theyre easy. The four sections, , start with the most straightforward piecing techniques and end with the most advanced. That said, I encourage you to give every project in the book a try, whether youre a sewing novice or a quilting expert.

Id also like to encourage you to use the skills and techniques you learn in this book to create your own unique quilt designs. It can be intimidating when youre still learning, but if youre not quite sure where to start, read through the Design Notes sprinkled throughout the book to begin gathering inspiration, distilling a design, thinking about color and making it your own. The reason I wrote Simple Geometric Quilting was to inspire you and give you the confidence to make something thats truly you.

Below is a list of essential tools that I use to make quilts. The specifics may vary from quilter to quilter and you may prefer using one brand over another, but you should be able to find all the supplies below at your local craft store or online.

Self-Healing Cutting Mat Bigger is better when it comes to the surface you cut your fabric on. Id recommend nothing smaller than 18 x 24 (45.7 x 61 cm).

Rotary Cutter You get the straightest, most accurate cuts by using a rotary cutter. I find 45 mm is best for all-purpose use and cutting multiple layers of quilting cotton.

Acrylic Ruler These rulers come in all shapes and sizes, but as long as its clear and straight, itll work just fine to guide your rotary cutter when cutting your fabric. I get the most out of my 6 x 24 (15.2 x 61-cm) ruler.

Straight Pins Also called ball head pins, these come in handy to keep fabric in place while piecing, especially when assembling half square triangles.

Embroidery Scissors Small scissors with a pointy tip are perfect for snipping loose threads.

Sewing Machine You dont need a fancy machine to make a quilt, especially when youre new to sewing. In fact, the machine I started my company, Vacilando, with was the most basic $90 Brother sewing machine with very few bells and whistles. As long as it has a straight stitch setting, itll work for quilting!

Sewing Machine Needles Refer to your sewing machine manual to find the proper size and type of needle youll need for quilting, but make sure to have a few extra on hand in case your needle breaks.

Thread My preferred thread for piecing and quilting is Coats & Clark Machine Quilt Cotton Thread, but any 100% cotton thread should do the trick when working with quilting fabrics.