15 Minutes…..a Blog Tour…
Welcome to today’s stop on Victoria Findlay Wolfe’s Blog Tour for 15 Minutes of Play — Improvisational Quilts!
I first met Victoria a few years ago at a Spring Quilt Market. She had heard of me, but I hadn’t heard of her, and I was sure glad to meet her because we have become good friends ever since! Victoria’s book takes the traditions of crazy quilts and melds that style into OTHER traditional and modern settings. Her book isn’t really big on a lot of patterns and instructions, but is HEAVY on inspiration, freedom, and fun. I particularly like this quilt among the many delights she has in there.
But see, I have been doing this type of quilting for many, many years, so I am naturally drawn to it.
See case in point, my sewing machine cover created many moons ago, for example…….
Yup, “made fabric,” as Victoria calls it, has been deeply set in my sewing room antics for many years now. I love that other peeps are into it now too! Victoria’s book is right up there with The Collaborative Quilting books by Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston for inspiration into color and design in my humble opinion.
Another delight that I found in 15 Minutes was Victoria’s Grandmother and her quilts. She was a big part of Victoria’s inspiration, and I love how her influence is honored and many of her “vintage” quilts are shared in the book as well. Makes me wonder what my grandkids will do. Not that I am in a hurry to have any right away or anything….. 🙂
So I decided to do some of my own playing as part of today’s post for the tour. I started playing (pictures of some of that play here and here) and then chose to make some blocks that I think I may turn into pillows for after Christmas to brighten up the gloomy Pacific Northwest winter here. But I can’t decide a setting for them. That’s where you come in. To win your copy of Victoria’s book, tell me your choice from the 5 options below for setting in a border of green for a pillow top.
15 Minute Play No. 1
15 Minute Play No. 2
15 Minute Play No. 3
15 Minute Play No. 4
15 Minute Play No. 5
Pretty simple, huh?
I will choose randomly for a winner on December 12th and then C & T will send a hard copy of the book to a US winner or an electronic copy to an international winner.
If you haven’t been to the previous stops on the tour, be sure to do so for your chance to win. And make sure you keep hopping along to those after today as well!!
Nov: 26: “Victoria Findlay Wolfe”, http://www.15minutesplay.com/
Nov 27: “Bonnie K Hunter”, http://quiltville.blogspot.com/
Nov 28: “Alissa Haight Carlton, http://www.handmadebyalissa.com/
Nov 29: “Pat Sloan”, http://patsloan.typepad.com/
Nov 30: “Kimberly,” http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/
Dec 1st: “Karen Griska”,http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/
Dec 2nd: “Angela Walters”, http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/
Dec 3rd: Generation Q, http://generationqmagazine.com/
Dec 4th: “Tonya Ricucci”, http://www.lazygalquilting.blogspot.com/
Dec 5th: “Michele Foster”,http://quiltinggallery.com/blog-posts/
Dec 6th: “Scott Hansen”,https://bluenickelstudios.com/
Dec 7th:”Amy Ellis”, http://amyscreativeside.com/blog/
Dec 8th: “Rachaeldaisy”,http://bluemountaindaisy.blogspot.com/
Dec 9th:”Jackie Kunkel”, http://cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/
Dec. 10th: http://www.ctpubblog.com/
Kathie L
Great minds think alike. I love all the colors that are blended in this type of quilt.
Toni
Hard to pick just one! I say #3 or #4, but i think i like #4 best.
Have a great day! 🙂
Susan
I like 1, 2, or 3 and would love to have the new book!
mrsmoore
I vote for number 5! I have a Victoria-inspired pillow on my sofa, too!
Donna
This book needs to come to my house. I have scraps ready to play!
MarciaW
What a plethora of choice. I will go with #3. It seems in keeping with an improv block. I would enjoy using Victoria’s book so please enter me into the giveaway drawing too.
Kathy Schmidt
I saw an ad for this book a while ago and wanted a copy! I like arrangement number 2 the best for your blocks. You make the choice tough because 4 and 5 are pretty attractive also!
Becky Greene
I think I like Number 3 the best – it keeps to the spirit of the blocks. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!
KarenH
I really am enjoying this – and would a love a copy of the book!
Patricia Hersl
I like 4, but that sort of takes the play out. Keep playing!
Michele Muska
I like your 4th option. I already have Victoria’s fabulous book! I love her color choices and am very inspired by the freedom she uses in her work. Great post. Enjoy your work!!
chris
Hello,
Love setting #4 – love that riot of color, all those fabrics doing a happy dance together!
Ellen M.
I can’t explain why, but 15 Minute Play #3 hit my eye the best. I’m new to quilting and this would be great for inspiration. Many thanks!
Ruth
For a pillow my choice would be #4. If these blocks were going into a quilt I think I would choose #3 for more movement.
Karen
#3 is my favorite – love your made fabric. This book looks so wonderful!!
DianeY
I think I like either #1 or #3 the best
Alice R.
I can’t wait to get a hold of this book! I love Victoria’s grandmother stories, and look forward to hearing more. Love your pics, thank you.
Pamela S
My choice is #3 – it is so you!! Also very balanced in a fun see-saw way. Count me in on this great giveaway- I’d love to learn more about Victoria’s techniques!
Kate
I think I would go with #3. It feels in keeping with the spirit of the book. Would love to win the book! Thanks for the chance.
Marilyn
Number 4 hands down……thanks for the chance be in the drawing. I agree that
she sure has an eye for color.
cinzia allocca
They are all great! I guess you’ll have to go with your gut, which is what this kind of play is all about! So fun!
Mary on Lake Pulaski
I would chose option number two to use with a green border.
Carol Florcyk
My choice for the pillow is #3. Thank you for the opportunity to win Victoria’s book!
Wanda
I have done the crazy piecing method since the 1970s so it is a regular activity for me too. I’d love to own this book.
Michele
Love number four. I love improvisational piecing. It’s freeing.
Terri Geesey
I’d love Victoria’s book! I think I like 3 or 4 the best…
Elaine M
Vote for #4. Fun color combo. Thanks for the chance of winning Victoria’s great book!
Jeanne
Number 2 is my favorite. I want to play, too — would love to win a copy of the book!
Thanks ~ Jeanne
Jean
Each of these quilts inspires me a little more to ‘make fabric’
Sharon
I like No 4 with all the color bursting together in the center. Also LOVE you machine cover – what inspiration!
Gene Black
I really like #5 best. I also like #4 – but 5 is more my style.
I have been “making” fabric for a long time too. I would love to have the book and read/see Victoria’s inspiration. I have been watching her blog for a while now.
Linda Ashcraft
I like #4. Hope I win.
Regina
I like #3 then #4. Thanks for the chance!
Carol Sc
It was hard to keep the different ones in my “memory”, but number 3 was the one that appealed to me the most. I would like to see what happens, when more blocks are added — even though I know you said these would be a pillow. — just my thought.
quiltschon@att.net
Teri
I like #1
Would love to win a copy of the book – thanks for the chance.
Regan
I think #3 is it for me! Thanks for the chance!
patty
I like 15 minutes to play #3 the best for a pillow.
LizA.
Since I’m also a resident of the gray, gloomy PNW winters I totally understand. I vote for #3 first then #4. There’s something about the yellow framing the bursts of color that appeals to me.
Terry
Looks like a great book! Lots of fun! Thanks for the chance to win.
Terry
Anita
I like #4 best.
Victoria’s book looks amazing, and I would love to win it!
Kat Scott
Love the made fabric style… I would choose either layout 2 or layout 4. Thanks for a chance!
Rommy
I like number 4, straight and squares.
This book looks very nice.
Silsbee
I cannot decide between 1 and 3! Thank goodness I don’t have the final say. 😉
Katherine
I like #3
Jolanda
I trey it again. Here in Holland is this book not for sale. I want to win it, I can show my quiltfriends what to do with 15 mniutes and scraps..
Tamie
I really like the first setting. I’m so inspired by what I see from Victoria’s book. I’d love to have a copy in my library. Thanks for participating in the tour.
Gunilla Börjesson
It looks so fun!, I think I need that book!
Gunilla in Sweden
audrey
I like #5. This book sounds very inspirational–my favorite kind. Thanks for the chance to win!
Mina
I like #3. I think that a bunch of those blocks would give a quilt some movement
Lou
I like Nos. 1 &4. Would love a copy of the book. thanks
Debbie M
It’s fun watching you play with the process, Scott. Great review! Thanks. I have a U.S. mailing address.
Fran Wolf
I’ve dabbled in crumb quilts and love using scraps. I would love this book for the inspiration.
55
I vote for #4, which points to why I need a copy of Victoria’s book: to help me break away from my need for symmetry! (#1 was too symmetric for me, so maybe I’m already making progress!)
ritainalaska
my choice? #3! love it when one can rearrange the blocks for a personal touch. am enjoying this blog book tour and appreciate your views.
Pam Cope
I like #3 best, but any would look great. What fun.
Johanna
I like #4! Actually, i like all of them!
Heather Bassett
I like number 3 – it has a ‘Gees Bend’ look to it. I would love that book.
Indianna
Number 1
Sandi
I like 3 and 4 but, if I have to pick 1, I would chose #3. I think this book is going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for the chance to win.
Patty
#4 is my favorite.
Janet
I like three the best.
Jean
I like #3, but any one of them would work. So why not make more quilts using the others, and donate them to Victoria’s Basics program. I’ve been doing Bonnie Hunter’s crumb blocks and made a queen size quilt for our show last year. A great way to use up all the little scraps that are given to me, and it keeps them out of the landfill.
Ellen
I have to agree # 3.
Barb in MI
My vote is for layout # 3!
Thanks so much!
Lizzie
I like number 4 best! You balanced the play with order, and that works for a pillow. I would pick one of the more open plays for a quilt. And I love your sewing machine cover!
James
My vote is #3, because it has some green near the center, which will balance a green border. But it will look great with any option! Thanks for the chance to win.
Nancy
You could combine layout 1 and layout 4, alternately…. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and for offering the book. Your blog is new to me. I’m going to have a look around. Thanks!
Nancy from joy for grace
Sherri I
I really like #4. But #1 is okay too. Thanks for the chance to win!
Emily C
I love #4. I also love how different everything looks when you rotate them a little.
Dorothy Matheson
I borrowed the book from a friend and sure like it. I actually like the first of the layouts of your blocks the best. Sure hope I win the book.
Amy Losordo
I liked the demo in your blog of the 15 minutes play…fun!
Sandy
I like #4, because when you add the green border, you will have a three-border effect going on to set off the colorful center.
Lisa Mathis
I would say 3, maybe 4. I love love love Victoria’s style and your style is a perfect match!
Tami Chaulk
I think that I’d pick 15 Minute Play No. 2. I would love to read Victoria’s book as I need some inspiration and fun. Thanks for the chance to win.
Julie in WA
Ah, you two are kindred spirits! For a pillow, I like #4!
Barb in MI/FL
My choice would be #3, which is sort of a patience corner type block. Green borders will really stand out against the yellow. Thanks for the opportunity to receive one of Victoria’s books… I love her ‘style.’
Suz
I would like to see block #4 made into a pillow, and scrap up the back!
Debbie Gallett
I vote for option #3. Would love the book. I also love your machine cover.
Heather
AT first i WAS going to vote for 3, but then 5 won out. it’s kinda quirky and that really works for me.
Susan
I like number 2 – it is the least expected setting of the blocks and I love it!!!
Anne
My vote is #4 even though it’s more symmetrical. I like how it puts the focus on the “play” fabrics by grouping them together. This concept is something I’d love to try with all my scraps. Thanks for the chance to win.
usairdoll
Sounds like an amazing book and I’d love to learn more about color. Your blocks are great and I choose #4. Looking forward to seeing which option you choose.
Thank you, Victoria and C&T Publishing for an awesome giveaway and a chance to win.
Merrie Jo
I like #3. I think it would look great as a pillow top.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Judy1522
I like #3 and I also like the concept of “made fabric”.
Jane B
I’m going with 3 or 5; not exactly sure why, but I do love your yellow. Sweet.
Jitka
Good to play. I like setting no 3
Carin
I like no. 2 and 4. Would love to win the book!
Monique
Love, love, love #3!
Karen
well I do not know why I haven’t been making my own fabric – I have plenty of boxes of scraps to do it! Would love to win a copy. I have been following Victoria for some time and I like your stuff that you show here too.
Rachel
I like 2 and 4. Thanks for a chance to win.
Barbara Orozco
I’d chose an alternate setting with blocks 1 and 3.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
nikki
I just heard abour this method a few days ago it looks like a lot if fun! I Love #4!!!
Betty
I like number 3. This book is up my alley since I love scrappy and seem to have tons of it.
Lisa Marie
I like layout #3. Blocks that you can rearrange to get different looks are great!
Cecilia
I like #2 the best, with 4 as a close second. This looks like a very interesting book.
Joe Cunningham
Victoria’s quilts are like her: smart and cool.
Linda
NEAT BLOG POST!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
I’D CHOOSE #3 !
Victoria
I am absolutely drawn to #4 even though it breaks the design “rules” that I just spent a semester of school learning and applying. I know you are not supposed to plop the focal point smack dab in the middle but I love how the colors look so much richer and more saturated playing against one another.
Stina
I wanna play too…;0))) scraps and some spare minutes to have fun…that’s all a girl needs…lol…thanks for a chance to win..:0)
Miss Nancy
I like #4 the best but #3 is a close second. Love the way you are playing with these. Thank you for a chance to win this most interesting book.
Have a super great sewing and stitching day!
Elizabeth McDonald
I like #5 best! It was not an easy choice…
Elizabeth
#3 for me
Heather
Definitely setting number 3 – love it (and would love a copy of the book!)
Darlene B
I like #4 the best! Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book. Sure looks intriguing!
carol c
when i first began to piece, I just wanted to make quilts to help and happy people. I had plans to piece together scraps but soon found out many other ways and it fell by the wayside. I gift all my quilts and the best looking IMHO are the scrappyfied quilts. Thanks for the chance for this eye opening book to creativity.
GG
My first choice is 15 Minute Play No. 4. But the other settings look good, too.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Terri
No 1! I am really into the crosses right now, I just love the cross log cabin block quilt out of the Modern Log Cabin book, it’s amazing! Thanks!
Alice M
I like #4.
Diane
I have been working like this for years too..so have the antique quilt makers and Gwen and Alabama folks…I sure would like a copy of this book.
Annette
Number 3 is my favorite, would love a copy of your book. You make it look so easy to improvise. Love your quilts !
Heather
#4! #4! 🙂
Bertha Goggin
I like #3 – Thanks for the chance to win this really neat sounding book!
JoAnne T.
Scott, #4 is my favorite, it’s snazzy! By the way, I love your quilt patterns in the magazines. I can’t think of the name of it right now but your latest one is the quilt I’m going to start in January. Thanks!
Victoria’s book is so beautiful!
Sissy
#4 please.
Cindy B.
How about: on point, two facing north and two facing south? Add the green as triangles at the outer edges.
Otherwise, I like all four clustered in the center, the shades of gold on the outside.
Mary Ann
I like #4
Adri H
What a great book. Thanks for sharing it with us. This style of making fabric with tiny scraps sounds like a good option for me! I’m still learning the basics of quilt making, but this sounds like the kid in me that just wants to sew sew sew. I like the arrangement #3 for a pillow top. If it were for a whole quilt I’d pick #4.
Elizabeth
I prefer how setting 3 distributes the yellow. Thank you for sharing. I love your machine cover.
Michelle L
My choice, Number 4
Sallie
I like #2. Thanks for the chance to win!
Michelle Harrison
I like #4 best of all!
ratty
LOVE the sewing machine cover…, THAT’S what I need to do with part of my crumb block collection! 🙂
virgdale
Sound like alot of fun
Ginger Bee
#4, with #3 a close second. I just like that window look, plus the yellow framed by green could a great color combo. Thanks for the giveaway!
Susan
I like option number one the best.
Lisa E
I would pick #3. Thanks for the fun exercise.
noga lewis
I just LOVE #4! All this deep beautiful colors next to each other to form a great design!
Sandy (aka Stitches)
I really like #4 but most of them would be just fine.
Paula
I like option No. 3 the best! Thank you for the giveaway!
Allison
I like #3
Kristin M
I really like the swirl effect of #3 and I think it fits well to the “made fabric”.
Jamie
I like number 5 the best.
Nancy Angerer
They are all great. I guess I will choose #3
Lyn
#1 if you like quilting in patterns, otherwise #4 (but they all look great!)
kathy h
I like #4 the best. I like all the many colors together in one place.
Judy K
“Made fabric” is an awesome idea! I can’t wait to get started.
hafza
I choose #3 and #5. Thanks for the chance with the giveaway!
Carmen
I’m “boring” and like #4 the best. Thanks for the chance to win!
nancysue
I like No. 1. The 4 “windows” are not really a full framed squares, so it’s a bit edgy 🙂 Love it!
Deb
I like #4…great book!
Carol Lagestee
I like #4. The book would be wonderful to have. Hope to win!
Kim
No. 3 and 4 are pretty fab layouts. Thanks for the giveaway.
Valerie
I much prefer option 4 – I like how the dark red-ish border frames the “crazy” patchwork. Thanks for a chance to enter the drawing.
Karyn Ashley Smith
1, 2 & 4 appeal to my orderly side…but I think 3 works best with the personality of the blocks 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you decide
Sue in Scottsdale, AZ
I really like #4. However, I also liked #1.
Linda
I like number 4 the best. Most pleasing instant response when perusing the choices. Thanks:)
Bonnie
Hard to pick just one but no. 3 and 4 are my favorite settings.
Suz
They all appeal in some way, but #5 seems to be the one calling my name!
Erika
I like numbers 3 and 4.
This book looks great.
Cheryl
I like #3.
Kathleen
I especially like #3 and #4. It will be interesting to see what all your readers say, won’t it? I love your sewing machine cover-what a clever idea.Victoria’s book looks like fun, innovative and inspiring for a semi-liberated quilter like myself. Thanks!
Kat @ Rose Prairie Quilts & Farm
I would love a copy