Friday, October 2, 2020

Scrap Mixology : Well Suited

 Back in late 2019, I started working on my goal of writing a book.  I decided to spend tons of hours secretly sewing and putting together ten block designs for a book proposal.  I held myself to the goal of sending it off for review by the end of March.

Well....crap!

So much for well laid plans.  I still sent it off even though businesses were not sure what the future would look like and I waited for over 5 long months for them to make a final decision on it.  It was not the best book to release during a pandemic.  My plans were for a scrap book that didn't look like any books out there and it was kind of a format you had to pick up and look at to see the great ideas it had inside.

So I wasn't surprised (or disappointed) to finally hear they were going to pass.  In the five months I was waiting for an answer, I devised a plan B to just create some pdf modules that can be bought and instantly downloaded.  

Quilters can just buy the blocks they like or that best fit the scraps they have.



The working title for the book was "Become a Scrap Mixologist".  I am just calling these Scrap Mixology Modules.  They are specifically designed to help you use your scraps - sorry you will not find any yardage requirements in these modules.  Today, I am releasing the first module "Well Suited".  It is a 13 page booklet that includes the instructions for a basic block along with a helpful table letting you know how many blocks you need for 4 quilt sizes. 



But the pages go on to show you how you can place lights/darks within the blocks to create different patterns in the quilt layout.

You will see I take the Scrap Mixology philosophy further because I also share some ideas for swapping in different components within the block to change the look.

So one block can be made into dozens of different looking quilts...all made from scraps.  If you have been following my blog, you know this is a concept I share often. 

 Now you can have lots of scrappy ideas at your fingertips.




Here is another quilt I finished using the Well Suited block.  But I used the instructions for adding a pinwheel in place of the 9 patch.  I still used the light/dark alternate block layout using some blue scraps I had.  I also used two colors for the pinwheels.




I really love the look of this design.  It was fun to quilt too.  I swirled in the pinwheels and then I swirled in the blue diamond.  It was easy to use the piecing for my spacing.




These Scrap Mixology modules will hopefully be used as a lookbook to generate ideas on how to tailor a unique quilt to the scraps of the reader.  I will be releasing new modules as I finish up the quilt samples and all the layout diagrams for each block.

Right now, the Well Suited module is available for download from my Payhip pattern shop.  Once you download it, you can just print the page(s) you want for the design you choose.  If you decide to try it out and make some quilts, I hope you share them either here on the blog on Sunday's Oh Scrap link up or on your social media with the hashtags #scrapmixology or #wellsuitedblock.  
I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Update:  I have also listed these patterns for instant download in my Etsy shop at a slightly higher price (to cover the higher fees on Etsy).


As I release each module, you can find them on my Scrap Mixology pattern page here on my blog.  I will also be sharing more blocks and quilts made from this module...and you just might see some made by some friends!



24 comments:

christina said...

How exciting!! The book may not have been suited to a pandemic but the topic certainly is as so many quilters seem committed to working with what they have!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

this is so exciting - i am so happy for you - can't wait to check it all out!!! good on you - and holee cow .. keeping secrets - success!!! ;-)

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I am so glad that you were able to pivot and offer another option!

Leanne Parsons said...

That's a great idea! I love Well Suited and the new plan for the quilt designs. Good luck with the rest of your modules :)

Ellie said...

What a great idea! I love this first one and I’m sure the others will be as good. Congratulations !

Chantal said...

Well, Dang! Too bad for that company. You don't want to try again with another publisher? I wish great success with the modules. ;^)

Sheri said...

I hope you will find another publisher as I love your scrappy quilting ideas and the mixology is a great idea too!!! I just followed your blog on Bloglovin!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That's such a pretty version, Cyndy! I like how you used pinwheels in the center this time and the pretty shades of blue for the corner triangles. This is your superpower - mixing up basic blocks to make amazing designs! 🤗

Nancy said...

I just bought and downloaded it. I currently have scraps scattered all over my floorthat I had my granddaughter color sort for me. I now plan on using this module for inspiration. Thanks!

KMSC said...

I think you turned lemons into delicious raspberry lemonade. This first module is a great idea! I have scraps galore and need more ways to use them!
Thank you for always sharing your ideas with us.

Nann said...

You go! The modular approach makes sense and now you don't have to create any patterns to conform to an editor's idea of what will sell or what will make a well-rounded book.

Gail in LV said...

This is great! I just bought it! I've been wanting to make a controlled scrappy nine patch and just could not figure out how to do it. You've done all the work and it is appreciated!

Susie H said...

It always pays to have a Plan B even if you don't have to use it. Great ideas and I'm looking forward to seeing all the modules. You always have great ideas!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Very exciting! I love the idea of these downloadable modules and I'm always on the lookout for ways to use up my scraps!

sandi s said...

I just bought it and love the ideas! Thank you. Hugs,

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Glad you had a plan B. I'm sure it will take off.
xx, Carol

audrey said...

So sorry about all your hard work and then being turned down. Very disappointing I'm sure. Love the idea you came up with to make the most of all your effort!:)

Robby said...

I'm sorry the book approach didn't work out for you. You always have creative ideas for scraps and I think this is a terrific alternative, especially in a time when some people are limiting extra purchases a module or two may be more affordable than a book. Good luck with this new adventure!

The Joyful Quilter said...

What an interesting concept, Cynthia! I'm looking forward to seeing what other modules you will release. Best of luck on pattern sales!

Pamela said...

Sorry the book didn't work out, but I am very excited about collecting the modules! I have so many scraps that are begging to be made into quilts that I am sure I will put them to good use!

Cathy said...

That does sound like a different idea for a book - even better idea for modules! Congrats to you!

Emily said...

Very neat idea! I'm sorry the book didn't work out but releasing as modules sounds brilliant!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Having actually gotten a book published 3 months before said publisher announced they would no longer publish quilting books, I am here to tell you that your personally sold PDF modules are absolutely the way to go. Congratulations to you - off to explore this first release.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Hi Cynthia, too bad about the timing but I think that modules could be very useful. I just bought your first one and am looking forward to making it. Thanks so much for linking up to Free Motion Mavericks' 300th posting party! Take care and good luck.

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