When Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic asked if I'd like to review her new book, Zen Chic Inspired - A Guide to Modern Quilt Design, I jumped at the chance! The first time I ever attended Quilt Market in Salt Lake City in 2011, one of my very favorite booths was the Zen Chic booth. I have loved and been inspired by Brigitte's sleek, modern style ever since!
The book has 12 unique quilt patterns made using different minimalist, modern styles as well as different piecing, quilting and applique techniques. I'm especially intrigued by this design technique of inserting strips. There are a few patterns in the book that feature this design element - it's definitely something I want to experiment with.
Another feature that inspires me, is Brigitte's use of color palettes and incorporating them into the quilts. She has a section of the book with helpful advice and steps for choosing color palettes, being inspired by shapes and other design elements, pixilating and using photographs, and how to pull together an inspired color palette. She also features an exercise where you can load an image into the Moda Palette Builder and have it help you pull together the colors and fabrics inspired by the photo. I can't wait to try it.
I've always been so inspired by Brigitte's use of color and shapes - I'm excited to use her guidance and suggestions to push myself out of my comfort zone. This quilt, Iceland Ice especially spoke to me. I decided I wanted to start making these blocks. That palette is SO dreamy. But I decided to push myself and pull together a unique look of my own, but still keep it sleek and modern.
Then I remembered this bundle I pulled together for Fabric Spark a few months ago and knew this design was the perfect use for this bundle! (The bundles are sold out now, but they have some other great ones to inspire your imagination.)
Here's where I've come so far. Not only were these blocks quick to put together, I love using them as a chance to play with a new palette of color and fabric and to make something that looks really cool and modern. Each block is cool by itself, but seeing how they work together is what really makes it fun!
I can't say how much I really am loving this book. It's a style that I've admired and been inspired by for years now - and I'm so excited to have more patterns and tools help me be more modern and sleek. Watch for Zen Chic Inspired in your favorite quilt shops. It's also available from Amazon. Ebook versions are available from the publisher, Martingale.
To see other blogs featuring Zen Chic Inspired visit these sites:
I'm so excited to keep building these blocks. Of course, I'm starting a new project with 17 other unfinished. (What else is new.) But the way these blocks came together quickly, I'm thinking it's not going to stay a UFO (un-finished object) for long. For real. Hold me to it!
Judith
Dear Amy,
It was such a fun to read your preview of the book. I like the way you made the Iceland block in a different modern style.
Greetings from
Judith
Karen Seitz
You're right -- that bundle is perfect for that pattern. I can't wait to see the completed quilt top!
Allison in Alabama
Love these fabrics!!!
Karen
Great start! And we'll all hold you to it 🙂
Ronni
Hey, SLC 2011 was my first Market too:)