Addicted to Scraps

About Bonnie K. Hunter

Bonnie K. Hunter is well-known for her focus on scrap quilts with the simple feeling of “making do”. She has been machine quilting since 1989 and has been a professional long arm quilter, an international instructor, and is now the owner of the popular quilting retreat center, Quiltville Inn, located in Southwestern Virginia, USA. Visit her website www.quiltville.com

Popular Patchwork

Feb 17

I have scraps for sure but I wouldn't call myself a scrap addict. I know people who at the end of a quilt class go through the rubbish pots seeking out unwanted scraps for their stash - and after reading this book, I can now understand why. In the first chapter, author and 'scrap expert' Bonnie Hunter provides a comprehensive guide to the sewing techniques used throughout the book, which include methods of sorting and cutting scraps so that they are ready to use. I am thinking this may be the answer to my 'scrap drawer' issues of overcrowding and rumpled fabric. This chapter also explains how to make half-square triangles, quarter square triangles and flying geese using quick piecing methods that are used throughout the quilt projects. The remaining chapters each host a project. The quilts are colourful and as scraps are used the pieces tend to be quite small. The quilts have a very 'Traditional American' look to them but would suit any colours in your scrap box. I think the challenge of scrap quilts is just to go with the colours you have and trust that it will work, this certainly seems to be Bonnie's philosophy. Each project starts with a summary of the colour choice and design from Bonnie, explaining why she chose the scraps and how she sorted them. The instructions for making the quilt blocks are very clear and there is a handy section called 'at a glance' that illustrates each block part and the pressing instructions. The projects are completed with the assembly of the quilt with no specific guidance given for the quilting. I am not sure I'd want to make twelve scrap quilts but think it more likely I will start to sort my scraps to make one or two. The book is very colourful, well written and certainly makes you think about the scrap pile in your stash. If you're a scrap addict, its definitely one for you to read and enjoy.