Wednesday, March 4, 2015

A Modern Twist - Natalie Barnes book tour + giveaway!!

My quilty friend, Natalie Barnes, of beyond the reef, has a new book out with Angela Walters of quiltingismytherapy.com called A Modern Twist. It's a great collaboration by 2 people who have made their mark in my approached to quilting and sewing, and it has some extra elements of content to it about design and a variety of projects that you don't find in just any quilting book.

The book cover:
Photo by Brent Kane
One of the aspects of this book that I came to love quickly, is that it includes some fun, approachable projects and not just quilts.
The Picnic Casual:
Photo by Brent Kane


Hexagon Scramble, designed and pieced by Natalie Barnes, quilted by Angela Walters.
Photo by Brent Kane
Throughout the book, Natalie offers some great pointers on the elements that lend toward good quilt composition, like colors in the fabric selection, scale of the prints and use of solids.

For me, when it comes to composition, I follow a few quick + easy rules of thumb: 1) using a complete fabric collection is a safe bet for a balance of focal prints, blenders and background fabric OR 2) using a mix of fabrics from the same designer is a safe bet for a balance of focal prints, blenders and background fabric.


The Picnic Tote:
Photo by Brent Kane
If you want to break out of the same "composition comfort zones" that I have, then this book is a great one to consider adding to the quilting library. She also gives you some great pointers on stash busting when it comes to your sewing + quilting projects.

Ranch String table runner, designed and pieced by Natalie Barnes, quilted by Angela Walters.
Photo by Brent Kane
Circle Shuffle, designed and pieced by Natalie Barnes, quilted by Angela Walters.
Photo by Brent Kane
--

A quick note for you on me + Natalie & how we met. Before I moved to California, even before I started my pattern company, back when I was just a quilter + a huge fan of fabric, I met Natalie at the Long Beach Quilt Festival when I was visiting my brother in LA.
Natalie and her crew in the beyond the reef booth spotted me after I had spent all of my money had a budgeted for the day and I almost couldn't carry all that I had purchased. They took pity on me and let me store a bag or two in the booth, and then she took me back to her place for a bbq. You can learn more about my friendship with Natalie here.


--

Take a spin through the tour to see what a few other quilt bloggers have to offer on the topics of Color + Contrast + Composition:

01 March - Natalie Barnes +WELCOME
beyond the reef


02 March - Victoria Findlay Wolfe + CONTRAST
Victoria Findlay Wolfe
03 March - Teri Lucas + COLOR
Generation Q Magazine
04 March - Julie Herman + COMPOSITION
Jaybird Quilts
05 March - Jenny Wilding Cardon + COLOR
Martingale
  
06 March - Rose Hughes + COLOR
Rose Hughes
07 March - Amy Smart  + CONTRAST
Amy Smart
08 March - Carolyn Friedlander + COLOR
Carolyn Friedlander
09 March - Latifah Saafir + COMPOSITION
Latifah Saafir Studios
10 March - Amy Ellis  + CONTRAST
Amy's Creative Side
11 March - Angela Walters + COMPOSITION
Quilting is my Therapy
--
Ready for the giveaway? You can win your own copy of A Modern Twist! (International entries will be eligible to win a copy of the eBook, US entries will be eligible to win a copy of the book. 1 entry will win.)

The Rules


1. Leave ONE comment to enter. Make sure your contact info is in your profile or that you leave it in the comment.

2. In your comment tell us which A Modern Twist project you're inspired to make from the book.

3. Comment entries must be left on this blog, www.jaybirdquilts.com, to be valid. Comments sent via E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media will not be counted.

4. Simple as that!!

You have till 9PM PST on Sunday, March 15th to enter. 
Giveaway Now Closed

Winner will be selected by 
Good luck!

--

And the winner is...





© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

168 comments:

Alicia said...

the placemats look fun to make.

Unknown said...

I would love to make the Hexagon Scramble.

Stephanie said...

I love that table runner!!!

Laura said...

I really like the Ranch String table runner.

Material Girl said...

I really need to make that tablerunner- sure have enough fabric to use up!

Cathy Smith said...

I already have this book. It's great! Full of so many fun projects that I can't decide what to do first!

ma40422 said...

I want to make the Ranch String table runner. Love the bright bid of pink that runs through it.

Regina said...

you have gotten me so hooked on hexagons through your patterns that of course I am drawn to Hexagon Scramble!!

AsktheLandlady said...

I want to make the ranch string table runner-- it is so colorful!

Josie McRazie said...

Oh the circle shuffle!! I love love love circle quilts!!

tropicslady said...

I do not have a table runner on my dining room table and I just love the ranch string table runner, so that would be the first thing I would make!

Deb
ladara@cfl.rr.com

Charlotta said...

The Circle Shuffle is definitely what I'd want to make! I really don't get into making things that aren't quilts, for whatever reason. I love all the cute things people design and make, but something gets stuck in my brain when I try to make any of them myself!
I love the neutral background in the Circle Shuffle quilt, something I've been getting back into here lately.

Betsy said...

I like the colorwheel wallhanging.

Birlot said...

I love the circle shuffle AND the hexagon scramble. How could I choose. Maybe just do both ...

Lisa England said...

I like the bag with the chevrons on it. And the table runner with the aqua background.

Tamie said...

I'd love to try the string table runner. So pretty.

Kathy said...

ohhh I love the Color Wheel on page 5

Sonya said...

I really love that Ranch String table runner!

Unknown said...

I am new to quilting, but the Circle Shuffle looks interesting!

Chris R said...

I really need table runners.
creeske@gmail.com

June D said...

The aqua/turquoise with the orange project looks so interesting - I think that would be my first one to complete. I'd make it for our friend's guest room. I have a nice stash of those colors waiting to be used. Thanks for the chance.

Laura said...

I really like the Picnic Tote - so handy for so many things. Also like the table runner. Thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

Circle Shuffle so I can use the Olfa circle cutter I bought last year.

Unknown said...

The Ranch String Table Runner. I've never done that string piecing but need just a nudge in that direction

Karen said...

On another blog hop site there are studio boxes--I think this beginner could pull those off!

Christa said...

I love the Hexagon Scramble and the Ranch String table runner, they are gorgeous. Thank you for the chance to win. christatheron@yahoo.com

Elizabeth said...

I would start with the Hexagon Scramble quilt. I have some fabric that would look perfect made up into this quilt!

Beth said...

I would like to make that string table runner - so nice and bright!

Ann said...

The circle shuffle is super. I would try that first.

Anna brown said...

Well i am a tote kinda girl,,,, But the circle shuffle is really cool...happyness04431@yahoo.com

Jacqueline Frances said...

I'd really like to make the picnic tote and the string table runner.
Thanks!
Quilty Huggs,
Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows(Canada)
snausages22@yahoo.ca
Come check out my blog:
http://www.quilt-sewhappy.blogspot.com

Sandy said...

Oh my! I have to say I am inspired to make 2 quilts. Hexagon Scramble and Circle Shuffle ... I always go big or go home :)

MJ said...

I love going to the zoo with my daughter and grandkids during the summer, and we frequently eat lunch there. The placemats would be great to take along to use on the picnic tables!

Debbie said...

I love the tablerunner. Something I would make for sure. :) Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)

Anonymous said...

I like the Ranch string table runner but that hexagon quilt would be fabulous!

Jessica said...

Hexagon scramble is calling my name.

barbara woods said...

Love it all

Debbie said...

I am thinking the picnic tote. I just spent my book/pattern budget on jaybird patterns so hope I win !

Drhodes9@cox.net

Mary Ellen said...

The Hexagon Scramble caught my eye ,but anything there would be very nice too do.

Carol K said...

It is interesting to see what you like when you are not busy "working on quilting". It looks very interesting. I like the rollups for entertaining outside. Thank you for all you do for Quilting.

Unknown said...

sounds like a good book to have. I would make a tote or a small quilt. :)

mb-RI said...

What beautiful projects! How could you choose just one to make???

fwJIquilter said...

I would love to make the Hexagon scramble and the Circle Shufffle.

caspharm@yahoo.com

Sewgirl said...

I have been collecting strings as I get my scraps organized, so would love to try the table runner.

Maureen said...

I would like to make the table runner.

Unknown said...

I like the string table runner that is included on the cover. I think that would be fun to make.

Hillary Drake said...

Beautiful. I'm thinking about the table runner or the circle quilt.

Kathy Davis said...

Would love to make the Picnic Casual placemats.
Kathy Davis
kdavis1@centurytel.net

Andee said...

That hexagon scramble has me running for my hex n more.

Kathy E. said...

I am super interested in trying the Circle Shuffle quilt! I think it would be adorable in a baby-size and in pastels. Circles seem to be very popular lately!

Unknown said...

The Hexagon Scramble definitely is for me! thanks for the chance to win.

Sylvia said...

I like the circle shuffle!

Pamela said...

I love the string table runner! Thanks for eye candy and the chance to win!

Unknown said...

The Ranch String table runner is the inspiration for me (I just realized it's on the book cover!).
ktsquiltdreams atgmail dotcom

Patty said...

My favorite is Circle Shuffle. Thanks.

Cecilia said...

I would make the circle shuffle quilt. It's too cute.

Linda said...

I'm absolutely in love with the ranch string table runner!!! So beautiful.... Next would be the circle shuffle!!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I really find the circle quilt quite fun and interesting. Would love to add this book to our MQG library.

sewsaucysuzy said...

I love the Ranch String table runner!

Debbie said...

I love the Picinic Tote. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I like the hexagon quilt
Nancy Hilderbrand
gandn74@ymail.com

Anonymous said...

I am itching to make the color wheel wall hanging - that is soooo beautiful!

Liz
boltonia55@yahoo.com

Sandra Cooper said...

I love bags, but I even more adore the table runner!!

Unknown said...

I would love to learn more about quilting in general!
Jennifer

klstitches said...

The hexagon scramble intrigues me the most!

GranChris said...

I love hexagons but circle shuffle looks different. I'd give it a try.

Juels said...

I like the one featured on image 10 of 14 (n0 names given). I also like the placemats and would re-figure the pattern to make it larger for a quilt.

claire ross said...

I would make the patchwork tote bag. A girl can never have too many bags!

V Hair said...

I'd love to try Circle Shuffle as I love the idea of the pieced circles. Thanks for the giveaway!

suzanprincess said...

I'd make the one on the cover, but as a single block wall or lap quilt, maybe with some other facets of that block here and there.

Unknown said...

Ranch string table runner. Ritasiav@hotmail.com

Laura West said...

I really love the table runner!

- lwest.86@hotmail.com

Betty Woodlee said...

I am drawn to Modern Twist table runner. I liked several other projects as well. b.j.day68@gmail.com

sherryberrybim said...

Hexagon scramble is the pattern that calls my name.

Christinabean said...

I LOVE the Circle Shuffle and would like to de-stash my collection to make it!

Sylvia Anderson said...

Since I am currently working on table runners for birthday and Christmas gifts, that table runner look positively yummy. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

Julie said...

I liked the Hexagon Scramble and the Circle Shuffle patterns. Thanks for the chance to win.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I love Hexagon Scramble!

cookie said...

Circle Shuffle is for me paired with bright colors.

Helen said...

I love the picnic bag. Would love to win.

hl3smith@yahoo.com

Phantom said...

I would like to do the Ranch String table runner, but I like the quilt with circles, too. Hard call, but I'd love to see the book or to have it.

Deb said...

I like the placemats and table runner!

Terry said...

It has to be the Ranch String table runner…love it!!
cwayons(at)yahoo(dot)com

Shawna said...

I like the circle shuffle. it would be fun to try

Ann D said...

I'm not one to embrace circles if I'm the one having to deal with them but I'll have to say that Circle Shuffle is a pattern that I would be inclined to try out. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.


anndunn24(at)gmail.com

Beth said...

This book looks interesting. I would like to make the table runner. Thanks!

Karen said...

I like the picnic tote.

Carolyn in Kerrville, TX said...

This is the first book in a long time that has gotten my interest. The picnic tote and picnic casual (silverware caddie) would make wonderful gifts. I love the table runner, too.

Unknown said...

I have loved making string quilts for more than 30yrs and have taught classes and workshops promoting their "green" aspect. So naturally, that Ranch String Tablerunner" with it's glorious colors caught my eye right away. I'm currently back in chemo for the fourth time so this is a project That could take my mind off what's going on in my current "reality". Nice projects, y'all!

Unknown said...

The picnic tote looks great! I am looking forward to reading the book!

Anonymous said...

I love the ranch string table runner with the bright pink, a perfect project for those strings that seem to multiply around my studio. Thank you for the opportunity to win, your blog is always inspiring.

Barb Johnson said...

The color wheel wall-hanging would look great in my sewing area - and it would help me remember which colors are complements, etc.

rustymom said...

The lovely tote bag is my favorite!

Donna said...

The circle shuffle is so unique and I love the fabric in the picnic bag. Thanks for sharing.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

What beautiful projects! Love the Circle Shuffle quilt and would love to make one of my own.

Awesome giveaway!

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Kathy H said...

I have always wanted to make a string quilt but combining colors has kept me from trying. I would try the ranch string table runner.

Loris said...

Whoa! there are several in Natalie's book that I want to make :-) The Hexagon Scramble for on but the sting table runner and placemat ideas are also wonderful. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy! And..
Best Wishes for a wonderful wedding and blessed marriage =^.^=

Marie Chat said...

The Ranch string table runnerlooks like a lot of fun to me. I've made a couple of string quilts for charity quilts but would love this project for me!
Thanks!

Joni said...

I could see myself making several projects that I've seen from the book so far. My first would be the Hexagon Scramble. Thanks for the chance to win!

Lynn said...

Circle Shuffle looks interesting.

Anonymous said...

I love the Ranch String table runner and the picnic tote! Thanks so much for the chance to win! :)
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi (at) yahoo (dot) com

Cathy L Wilson said...

I loved the ranch table runner! Thanks for a chance to win, it looks like a great book!

patty a. said...

I love the picnic tote.

Lori H said...

The Hexagon Scramble looks fun! Thanks u for the chance!

Joan H. said...

I really like the Square Rectangle quilt

MichelleY said...

I love Hexagons and the Hexagon Scramble has a very interesting colour combo!

Rebecka @ LadyM Quilts said...

Circle Shuffle caught my eye!

elizajane said...

I am inspired to make the Ranch strip table runner. I am on a runner kock as they sdeem to be loved by everyone

greeneggs said...

There is so much variety in these projects. I love the table runner with its rich, saturated colours.

Amanda Best said...

I would like to make the table runner, so bright and happy!
my email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com
Thanks!

quiltingtaylormade said...

I love the Circle Shuffle !! Looks like a fun quilt !! Tay Satterfield @marshmarin.aol.com

CyndyK said...

I am inspired by the Ranch Spring table runner. Lovely colors! cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

The Picnic Tote is my first choice. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Unknown said...

The Picnic Casual Mats are what I would make from this book.

Unknown said...

I love the hexagon and the placemats

Rozz01 said...

I would like to do a scrappy Hexagon Scramble.

Stitches said...

I like the Hexagon Scramble scrappiness!!

Lisas Mom said...

I luv Natalie's "Circle Shuffle" quilt project the most. My determining factor in purchasing a book is how many quilt projects featured would I want to quilt some day. There are plenty to choose from in this book. Great job Natalie!

cinderbike said...

I have not been to your blog before. It looks really fun. I am glad that with this give away we get to check out some interesting blogs. Thanks

Gill said...

I love the Ranch String runner!

Debbie said...

Love the circle quilt!

quilter said...

I like 'Circle Shuffle'!!! If I don't win, guess I will buy a copy, Thanks
cork@pa.rr.com

Anita said...

Circle Shuffle is awesome!

Trish Frankland said...

Ooooh that Circle Shuffle quilt is calling my name!

Unknown said...

I'd make the patchwork tote bag.

Sarah@123quilt said...

I'd love to make that table runner. Thanks for the chance to win!

Jeneta said...

I enjoyed reading about how you and Natalie met! I'd make Circle Shuffle.

Kathryn said...

I love that bedspread with the circles. It's so different than anything I've made yet.

Alice Ronne said...

Not sure what I'd make but I'd love to win! akronne17 (at) gmail (dot) com

dcargill said...

I'd love to make the Ranch String table runner!

Carol said...

I love the Ranch String table runner and would most likely make that first. I do like the circle quilt but having made a circle quilt (not like that one, of course) already, I think that one would not be top priority. But the string runner--wow! Thanks for the giveaway!

Patricia said...

Favorite is the table runner!

Becca said...

THe blue and gray table runner or placemats...not sure which they are.

Sofiane said...

Love the circle shuffle 💖
Jurga_kaya@yahoo.co.uk

OhioLori said...

LOOOOVE the "Hexagon Scramble"!!! and also the Picnic Tote!! (am such a Tote "Addict"...giggle)

Thanks for chance to win this great looking book! :)

Unknown said...

I would love to make that picnic tote! Maybe I'd actually go on a picnic!

Katsmith said...

I love the table runner, the place mats are awesome too!

Laura T said...

I'm particularly in love with the table runner on the cover! Love the color and style of it. Plus table runners are so quick to make up - instant gratification! Thanks for the opportunity!
LauraT

Unknown said...

Circle Shuffle is my 1st choice! It will also be a stash buster...I hope!

Camille Mendel said...

The picnic tote and placemats look so fun. I'd love to make a few sets as wedding gifts.camille@focus20.com

Coline T. said...

I really like the Circle Shuffle :-) thanks for this lovely giveaway ♥
Email: coco.pink@hotmail.fr

janequiltsslowly said...

Lovin' the colors with black & white in the picnic tote.

Julie in GA said...

I love that Picnic Tote.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Karen N said...

That picnic set looks like a lot of fun!

Lace Faerie said...

I think it would be fun to make a Tablerunner based on the Circle quilt!
~doulakaren(at)yahoo(dot)com

hands2hearts said...

I would love to make Circle Shuffle, its subtle yet draws attention to the individual quilting motifs in each large circle...great

Beth said...

That is such a cute, SoCal story! (I'm a HB native, so I think I can say that with authority.)

If I win this book I will race to my sewing room and get started on the Ranch String Table Runner.

Carli The Quilter said...

Julie, you are so right and its very hard to choose which one I'd make, but perhaps the table runner would be first up Ranch Table Runner is my fav.
thanks for hosting this giveaway.

carlithequilter@gmail.com

Jocelyn said...

This book looks so awesome! I LOVE the table runner. Thanks.

Sally said...

Hexagon Scramble is my fav, I love hexies!!

Annette said...

I really like the Ranch String table runner.
Thanks for a chance.

Judymom5 said...

I want to make the crazy looking quilt on the cover! So fun.

Sandra J said...

I would like to make the Picnic Casual. They will make great gifts.

Hilary Florence said...

It has to be the circle shuffle

Fiber Babble said...

Circle Shuffle has really caught my eye and my imagination!

one line lane said...

Picnic Casual is where I would start - then move on to the hexagon scramble!

sewsilly said...

I would be more inspired to make the Hexagon Scramble because I have not tried anything like that yet. Could be a challenge.

biogrrl said...

I love the circle shuffle - that would definitely be my first project from the book!

tropicslady said...

I love both the table runner and the picnic tote!

deb
ladara@cfl.rr.com

QuiltSue said...

I just love Circle Shuffle.

Susan L. said...

What great projects! I would really like to make the Hexagon Scramble quilt.

Gene Black said...

This looks like a great book. I would love to make Circle Shuffle.

Unknown said...

I would like to make Hexagon Scramble and Circle Shuffle. Thank you for the opportunity.

quiltzyx said...

I think the Picnic Tote would be fun!

LimeLover said...

Dreaming of Circle Shuffle!

Karen said...

I really like the hexagon scramble, the circle shuffle and the string table runner. These items would fit the gifts I need in the near future.

Anonymous said...

I like the color wheel!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Rachel D @ Just Sew Y'all Know said...

The quilted storage boxes are too cute!