Thursday, March 20, 2014

"Modern Quilt Perspectives" Blog Tour and Giveaway

I love books because I love stories. And not only do I love stories, but I love stories with a twist ending or a hidden meaning—something that isn't obvious, but is totally there. I'd never looked at quilts as a method of storytelling, but this book has changed that for me.

Let me back up . . .

A few years ago I was working as an editor for F+W Media craft books (super fun, right up my alley). I had the luck to attend Quilt Market several times to help man the company's booth, see the sights, source new trends and talent, and just generally rub shoulders with the glitterati of the quilting world. That's where I met Thomas Knauer.


I honestly can't even remember how we started talking, but I do recall falling very easily into a long conversation about quilting, post-modern art, the modern quilting movement, fabric - and a whole slew of other items - and needless to say, I was intrigued. I had just met this guy—a relatively new fabric designer—and he was blowing my mind with his perspective on quilting. To Thomas, quilting is more than just fabric and design—quilting can be a powerful art medium.

Long story short, that first conversation eventually lead to a publishing deal—and now I have in my hands "Modern Quilt Perspectives" - Thomas's first (of many, I hope) quilt book.

Honestly, I couldn't put this book down. The first flip through made me slow down to read, and then I was reading it cover to cover. The thing that struck me most is the additional level of meaning and story built into every quilt. This is a book full of beautiful quilts that you'll absolutely want to make. But in addition to the fantastic designs and color use, each quilt was designed to tell a story about a time or a place, a feeling or a goal. Some tell about shared moments between two people, and others represent political movements. Big to small, profound to simple—these quilts are about more than design, they're about the people that use them.



At the risk of sounding corny, this book moved me. I can't entirely explain that feeling, but it did.

I love lots of the quilts in this book (seriously, there are at least 4 I want to make), but this one is my favorite. "Ampersand" is pieced to be a jumping off point for story-telling and story-making. The "&" symbol is made up of fussy-cut fabrics, each showing a specific image that can be incorporated into a bedtime story—princesses, animals, trees, etc. Using "and" in storytelling allows the tale to keep building and building and building...  Thomas describes using this quilt to make up stories with his daughter, each pointing to an image and using "and" to help build their tale. Love.

This is a book you will want to read cover to cover, over and over again. I think you'll be touched by the meanings behind these quilts like I was. I know I haven't looked at quilt making in quite the same way since.


Thomas is kindly allowing me to give away a copy of "Modern Quilt Perspectives" to one of you lucky folks!  Just leave one comment below about why you would like a copy, and make sure I have a way to contact you if you win. The giveaway will close on Thursday, March 27 at 11:59pm EST.

You can buy your own copy here, too.




The giveaway is now closed. The winner is #80 (chosen by Random Number Generator) who said:

June D said...
I'm a fan of his - his blog is on my list to read and be inspired by. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of his book.
Congratulations, June! I'll send you an email about getting your prize to you!





Keep following the blog tour (posted below) and check out previous posts to see more from the book!


March 14: Thomas Knauer http://www.thomasknauersews.com/
March 15: Lisa Sipes http://thatcrazyquiltygirl.blogspot.com
March 16: Robert Kaufman http://www.swatchandstitch.com/

March 17: Victoria Findlay Wolfe http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com
March 18: Katy Jones http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/
March 19: Bill Volckening http://willywonkyquilts.blogspot.com
March 20: Kelly Biscopink http://stitchyquiltstuff.com
March 21: Audrie Bidwell http://blueisbleu.blogspot.com
March 22: Mary Rachel Kolb http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com
March 23: Rachael Gander http://imaginegnats.com/
March 24: Sew, Mama, Sew http://www.sewmamasew.com/
March 25: Cloth Paper Scissors
http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissorstoday/default.aspx
March 26: Cheryl Arkinson http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com
March 27: Quilting Daily http://www.quiltingdaily.com/blogs/barb/default.aspx
March 28: Fat Quarterly http://www.fatquarterly.com/blog/
March 29: Pellon/Erin Sampson http://pellonprojects.wordpress.com/
March 30: Sew Modern http://thatswhatshesewed.com/
March 31: Rachel May http://quiltingwithamodernslant.com/
April 1: Quilty http://www.heyquilty.com/blogs/
April 2: Amy Smart http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
April 3: Quilter's Connection http://quiltersconnection.ca/blog
April 4: Teresa Coates http://www.crinkledreams.com/
April 5: Generation Q http://generationqmagazine.com/
April 6: Cloth Paper Scissors
http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/barb/default.aspx
April 7: Sara Lawson http://www.sewsweetness.com/
April 8: Kim Niedzwiecki http://gogokim.blogspot.com
April 9: Rashida Coleman Hale http://www.iheartlinen.typepad.com/
April 10: Thomas Knauer http://www.thomasknauersews.com/ - See more at: http://willywonkyquilts.blogspot.com/#sthash.6VQYysud.dpuf

April 1: Quilty http://www.heyquilty.com/blogs/
April 2: Amy Smart http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
April 3: Quilter's Connection http://quiltersconnection.ca/blog
April 4: Teresa Coates http://www.crinkledreams.com/
April 5: Generation Q http://generationqmagazine.com/
April 6: Cloth Paper Scissors
http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/barb/default.aspx
April 7: Sara Lawson http://www.sewsweetness.com/
April 8: Kim Niedzwiecki http://gogokim.blogspot.com
April 9: Rashida Coleman Hale http://www.iheartlinen.typepad.com/
April 10: Thomas Knauer http://www.thomasknauersews.com


Happy stitching!

Kelly

98 comments:

Susan said...

I am really looking to explore modern quilting more! This looks like the inspiration I am after!

Unknown said...

As you mentioned, it's more than a modern quilt pattern book. Besides having really artistic and beautiful quilts and their patterns, it's the story behind the quilt that makes the book (and quilts)inspirational and complete. Thanks for the opportunity!

Cathy said...

The stories behind making a quilt have always been a special interest of mine. Thomas' book with its inspiring quilts is a much needed new publication in the history of quilting. Thank you for a chance to win a copy

Sharon said...

I taught quilting for over 25 years and am now an editor for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Having been steeped in traditional quilting, I am realizing that the modern movement, while not out to replace traditional or art quilting, is surely going to complement both. Learning more about this movement would be a boon to our subscribers, both domestic and international. I hope to see more modern quilters submit designs to us. I have begun to follow Thomas and find his take on quilting very interesting.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

I have met and sat with Thomas and discussed quilting and the modern quilt world when he came to London a year or more ago AND I sent in an "i" block for one of the quilts that is in the book so I definitely would LOVE to win the book!!!

Anonymous said...

I am eager to study Thomas"s quilt making and his thinking about quilts.
Thanks for this chance.

Nancy Ferree
bnferree@hotmail.com

Gill said...

This looks a great book - I'd love to make the ampersand and the bar code quilts!

Lynn Wilson said...

Thank you for the chance to win Thomas' book because I got into quilting as a way to mourn my mother. Every quilt I made was fully of meaning for me.

Elizabeth said...

I am intrigued by the quilt photo and want to find out the story behind the quilt. I would love to win a copy of the book to read the stories for the quilts. Thanks for sharing.

Vicki H said...

I like reading about what inspires quilt makers.

Fran said...

I'm already a huge fan of Thomas' work - his fabrics are amazing but as a follower of his blog it is the way that he talks about quilting & his family life is so fantastic & inspiring. I knew that his book would be unique & wonderful & I'd love to win a copy, thanks for the chance.

Unknown said...

I haven't met Thomas but would love to sometime in the future. I follow his blog and find him inspirational and I'm a huge fan. I sent an "i" in for one of his quilts, I can see it on his blog header right now which brings a smile to my face everytime I see it! Would love to read his book.

Unknown said...

All of our quilts have a story by the maker and another story by the user. Every quilt we gift has 2 stories. We can only imagine the stories of the users. What a fantastic idea for a book. I would love to read it.

ithinksewquilts said...

I've been following Thomas since his column in Quilters Newsletter Mag began. I was already in love with the modern quilt movement and part of what he brings to it, among other things, is an intellectual element that is often missing from the pursuit of quilt making, quilt collecting, quilt loving.... He is a breath of fresh air. And I can't wait to win your book giveaway, should the quilting gods smile upon me.

James P said...

I am always interested in the why; that hint of inspiration that leads my own design direction. Thanks for the chance to win!

Maxine said...

This looks like a wonderful book. I would love to read it.

cynthia said...

I am burning to make that You are Here quilt.

momma said...

I'd love a copy because I love that Thomas pushes for the art when it's often seen as less than that, it's beautiful and meaningful, and I like his prose and style. I'll be buying copies as gifts as well as one for myself if I don't happen to win one.

Flaun of I Plead Quilty! said...

I love Thomas's essays (he calls them blog posts) and enjoy the way he gets me thinking more deeply about quilts. Would love to have a copy to guide my studies in textile work!

mjb said...

I'd love to read the perspective he gives.

Anonymous said...

HI KELLY,this book looks so interesting+I think it would be an inspiration to me for some new type of quilts!
Thanks for sharing!

msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Ruth said...

I look forward to reading the stories about each quilt.

felice said...

This book looks like it is fabulous. Would love to see for myself! :)

Unknown said...

I love the idea of using a quilt to tell a story. I am new to quilting and this is so inspiring!

Unknown said...

As a relatively "new" quilter as I start losing my fear of my sewing machine and start to trust my growing skills more I am finding that some of the more "challenging" quilting techniques are maybe falling into the realm of the possible. Modern quilting falls into that bin and I find myself thinking "I bet I could manage that" Growth is good!

Anonymous said...

I used to make quilts. Pretty quilts. One year for my granddaughter's brithday I began gathering fabrics that showed memory pieces for the center of each bloks I made. She and her best friend were laying on the quilt and laughing about all of the fabrics they found. Then her friend found a block with two young girls painting and said "hey, there we are"! My granddaughter looked up at me with a tear in her eye and a lump in her throat and sad "you made this for ME". At six she actuallu got it. Since that day I have been making quilts with meaning--not just pretty quilts.

Ali said...

I love his blog writing so I'm looking forward to reading it for that reason, but I also really want to make the Palimpsest quilt!

LCP said...

This really looks like a great book. Thanks for your review and the opportunity!

Carol said...

I like lots of different quilts, but 'In Defence of Handmade' calls to me. I think I really have to make this quilt, and having said that, I'll bet there are a few others I will need to make.

Unknown said...

I love the ampersand quilt- that's reason alone to get the book!
-Julie

misplacedpom said...

I've been struggling to find my own voice when it comes to describing why I make what I do so I'm interested in reading more about how others do it.

Karen said...

Thank you for sharing your perspective - I mean your story! I have been enjoying learning more about this book during the blog tour and look forward to the day I can read it myself!

Jo said...

I have really been enjoying hearing about this book and a glimpse of the stories behind some of the quilts.

Dolly said...

I would like to win this copy of his first book. It looks like it would inspire work around my little quilting spot !

Chirpy said...

who doesn't need another inspirational book. I'm definitely going to have to find this and check it out.

Granny Maud's Girl said...

You have 'sold' the book so well, who wouldn't want a copy? From the bits I've seen, I like the idea of a modern quilting book with a few challenging projects.

Allison C said...

I'm sold! Sounds like it is a great book and I would love to check it out.

Anna said...

Your review makes the book sound as amazing as I expected it to be. I'd love to win a copy.

Karrie said...

This book looks amazing. I love reading anything about quilts! ksmith8@emich.edu

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book and see the rest of his quilts!

Unknown said...

I have my first quilty crush! Thomas must have such a heart to go with such a thoughtful mind
Zanalou999@gmail.com

QuiltSue said...

This book intrigues me. I too love to read about quilts, not just look at them.

Wendy said...

I love thomas's no-nonsense approach and the premise of the book is wonderful. There are also several quilts I'd like to make

Beth said...

I love reading the stories behind quilts! Sounds like a wonderful book.

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

I would love an tho check out all the cool quilts. I love traditional quilt making, but am so drawn to modern fabrics. Thanks for the info and the chance to check it out for free :)

Quiltbiscuit said...

This looks like a feast. ! Yum.

Michele said...

Looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Karrie said...

This book looks awesome! I would love to have a copy. Thanks for the chance. ksmith8@emich.edu

Bailey said...

I love the & story and would love to read more!

Anonymous said...

I would love a copy of Thomas' book as I recently was inspired by one of his quilts and it was accepted into the Paducah show next month. I am interested in how he thinks about quilts and quilting.

Caryl Brix at brixcas@yahoo.com

Lisa England said...

I've read some of Thomas' magazine articles and blog posts and always find them thought provoking. I would love to read his book and be inspired by the stories!

Katelyn @ Sing While Crafting said...

This looks like such an amazing book. The Ampersand quilt tells its story beautifully. I see that being reproduced all over - telling different stories for different families. I would love to read about the gorgeous quilts and their stories. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

Jan Baker said...

I love modern quilts even though I haven't started one yet. My problemis I want to make a quilt other people will love and I think a modern quilt will strictly be for me. I might be the only one who "gets" it. just talking about it makes me more determined to make a quilt that speaks to me and for me.

Anonymous said...

I would love a quilt book with a lot to READ! Sounds like a good fit for me.

carolyndawn said...

Quilts and stories. How wonderful. And the photo on the front page looks wonderful.
cdbarnes52@gmail.com

Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts said...

I love reading Thomas' blog and his thoughts on quilting. I can't wait to get my hands on his book!

Susan said...

I am really getting into the more modern quilt designs that are around! This would be the inspiration I need to try one of my own! The stories are a bonus! Thanks for the chance to win!

Marty Mason said...

When I first realized that I was a modern quilter, Thomas Knauer's name kept coming up when I searched 'modern quilts and quilters'. Love his insights, fabric and quilt designs.

Kathryn said...

I've used Thomas's fabric in my quilts, and his book looks wonderful.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love the quilt books that have so much good reading in them. I would love to own this one.

Lyn said...

I think the book would be an interesting read, and the quilts pictured are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I love quilt books and quilt stories. Can't wait to pick this one up!

DebraKay Neiman said...

I need a modern perspective to my quilting. In defense of handmade quilt just blows me away and I want this book. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Erin Myone said...

I just saw this book in my Amazon feed the other day and was curious to know more. Now I am definitely intrigued! Hope I win a copy, thanks!

B Greene said...

I have wanted a copy if this book ever since I sent in my "I" block for Thomas' quilt. I would love to dig into the stories behind each wonderful quilt. Thanks for the chance to win

Mara said...

I would love this book AND I have a little princess I would love to tell stories with.

Unknown said...

I'm always looking for ideas for new projects, and that book looks great!

Linda M said...

I'd love to win this book.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Why? This book really intrigues me - it seems to stretch the boundaries of quilting and make it even more special than it already is.

Cynthia H said...

Hi Kelly: I'd love to read the stories and the meaning behind. I love a quote by him that I recently read about this industry being more than the next fabric line (paraphrased). Immediately I connected as I am also of that persuasion. Quilting is an art form! And we are all fortunate enough to be hugely connected to that art!

SewPsyched! said...

Oh my goodness!! When I was doing my grad work, we studied the use of 'and' I. I provisational interaction between teachers and students. Many new teachers had a very hard time allowing g children to build stories with them as co-leaders. What a great idea the &quilt is!!!!

Joan H. said...

I would love to have a chance to read more about the story behind each of these beautiful quilts. The book sounds so fascinating.

Becky said...

I love quilts and I love stories. Would love a chance to read and study this book. Love the story behind Ambersand,

Jaynie said...

I love to read. I enjoy quilt books or any book that is quilt themed in any way. Would love to own this book and make some of the quilts in the book. Thanks for sharing.

Siobhán said...

I switch between stitching and quilting, with quilting being the obsession that's won over stitching for the last 3+ years. I can figure out how to express myself with counted thread, but with quilting--not so much. I loved seeing the video interview that Thomas did at Quilt Con and the reasons behind his Martha quilt. I'd love to win the book not just to make some of the quilts that I've seen (totally drool worthy!) along the tour, but to read why HE made the quilts. I hope it will jump start the stories I want to tell with my favorite medium.

Thanks for the chance to win!

Jacklynn Grimm said...

I love the stories and the inspiration behind the quilts, not just the patterns shown in quilting books. Thanks for the give away!

Nancy in IN said...

I love to quilt. I don't do many bed sized quilts but need one for Grandson and perhaps this is the book that has the pattern that he will like.
Just send to me!
Thanks

janequiltsslowly said...

I am a big fan of Thomas, his quilts and his perspective on why we quilt! Thanks for the chance to win this amazing book.

Sarah said...

I would like to own a copy of this book because I've just started out quilting and modern quilts seem intriguing and slightly scary to me; I'd like to learn more. Thanks for the giveaway!
sarah@forrussia.org

June D said...

I'm a fan of his - his blog is on my list to read and be inspired by. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of his book.

kimberlier said...

Your review sold me on this book. I want to read & learn more. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

Cindy said...

I would love this book because I HAVE to make the Ampersand quilt. I know I'm crazy. Plus, I just have to read the stories.

Linda E in NM said...

Looks like a great introduction to Thomas's work. I'd love to have a copy to inspire me.
thanks!

Allison C said...

Looks like a great book

Margaret said...

I'd love to read the stories behind all of the awesome quilt I have seen pictures of. Plus, I contributed a block to the 'i' quilt.

Lisa said...

I just love reading what Thomas has to say, I find it just makes me want to go out and quilt. That's the idea right! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his book. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I would love a copy of this book because it looks fascinating. Thanks!

Jacklynn Grimm said...

I really would love to read this book and find out more about Thomas and where he gets his inspiration. Thanks for the give away!

Willa said...

Way too many things have closed in on me lately. I would love to have the book to jump start some creativity. I know I would handle the ducks nibbling my ankles better were I doing something fun and creative part of the time.

Kelly said...

I would love to win this book... When I was a teenager I would relax by flipping through my Seventeen Magazine and Cosmo. Now that I'm an adult I relax by perusing my quilt books. I would love to add this to my collection.

Mariel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mariel said...

Just the blurb on that quilt alone is enough for me. I love the story behind the quilt and love that I have a chance tow in the book. Also, just read in the amazon link that he is an Ohio University grad. Love supporting fellow alumni, go bobcats ;)

Life Scraps and Patches said...

I love both quilts and stories. And, I'm another OU grad!

Marti Taylor said...

The more I learn about Thomas the more I realize that we have the same ideas toward quilting, I would love to own this and peruse the pictures and stories to find inspiration to help tell my own story. thanks for the chance to win!

SewingKaren22 said...

I love the idea of a story telling quilt. My four-year-old would love that!

Brenda said...

I absolutely covet this book! I drool when I read the reviews.

June D said...

Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to the book - know I will learn a lot.

June D said...

Thank you again for the book. It arrived a few weeks ago, I forgot to let you know!

: )
June