All About Strips

All About Strips: Colorful Quilts from Strips of Many Sizes
Gifted by Martingale
www.shopmartingale.com
Reviewed by Molly Fletcher, Editor, FaveQuilts.com

Fabric scraps don't usually get a second glance. After all, scraps are just leftovers from projects long completed. Still, you can't bear to throw them away. Upcycle those castoffs into a brand new project with the help of All About Strips. Raid your stash for strips of various widths and give them new purpose as part of gorgeous quilts. This book contains fifteen patterns that range in size from throws to king-size quilts. 

Susan Guzman has worn many hats over the course of her career: banker, interior designer, and art gallery manager among them. An avid quilter since 2004, Guzman designs patterns for fabric companies, magazines, and of course, herself. Thanks to her diverse experiences, Guzman has a distinct style that hinges on her environment, no matter how mundane it may seem. 

All About Strips gives readers the tools to draw inspiration from garden in bloom, museum exhibits, and a moving truck (really!). Every quilt in this book comes with a story, so you can see how a small detail can make a huge impact on a project. Guzman's style is marked by big, bold graphics that let each assortment of fabrics shine. Some of my favorite designs include Crooked Path (jump on the chevron bandwagon!), Bookshelves (featuring text inspired prints), and Kindred Spirit (with a clever sashing motif).

This beautifully photographed collection is a treat in itself. Packed with tips on fabric selection, All About Strips will help you build your confidence as a designer. Beginners will love the hints sprinkled throughout the book, including the Odd Number Rule and block assembly. Easy-to-read diagrams and detailed cutting instructions make each project accessible to novices. Once you've worked through this book, you'll look at your scrap pile in an entirely new light.

BONUS! Enter to win a copy of All About Strips here. Contest ends 5/31/15.