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Pixel Play Book Review and Giveaway - Totally Groovy QAL

This post is part of the Totally Groovy Quilt Along. Click here to see all of the posts and learn more about the Quilt Along.

This is week nine of the Totally Groovy QAL! A few weeks ago you got to meet Emily Cier from Carolina Patchworks, the designer of the Groove quilt. Today I would like to share with you my thoughts on her latest book, Pixel Play.

When I first saw Emily's "pixel" quilts on Carolina Patchworks I had an epiphany. I realized that I could turn just about any idea into a quilt using pixels. And that's exactly what Emily has done in Pixel Play. It is the mother lode of pixel quilts

Pixel Play

Pixel Play

Pixel Play has 15 quilt projects for Kids, Family & Home. All the quilts are made with 1 1/2" strips of fabric.

To start off Emily gives you a pixel quilting primer, which basically answers questions you may have like…

  • Can I use a completely different palette?
  • Can I use prints?
  • Should I use a certain thread?
  • Can I reduce the number of colors?

She then gives wonderful instructions on how you will cut your strips, strip piece, and assemble the quilt top. Throughout her instructions she gives some really helpful notes with each step. Like how to keep your fabric organized when cutting and piecing, or quick piecing methods, and how to properly press as you assemble your quilt top.

Once the quilt top is complete she briefly touches on your backing, batting, layering, and basting. Then she moves on to five different suggestions for quilting your pixel quilt, with close up photos of these five quilting patterns on her pixel quilts (which is super helpful!).

She then includes a thorough explanation of how to bind your pixel quilt with double-fold straight-grain binding.

Here is what is included in the projects.

  • Full frontal picture of the actual finished quilt
  • A color coded yardage diagram
  • A color coded cutting diagram
  • A full color and size quilt assembly diagram
  • An alternate color palette idea (for some projects)

My Favorite Project

Pixel Play

Pixelville

One of the quilts that totally drew me to this book was the Pixelville Quilt. It can be made in a Crib or Twin. Emily designed a little section of this quilt to be embroidered with the town name, or possibly the child's name which is so cute! Emily also sells a quilt kit for this quilt which includes all the fabric. I would really like to make this quilt in a twin for my nephew Karson.

photo of Zinnia taken from book, showing a small section

 

Zinnia Quilt

This quilt is AMAZING. It is based on a Zinnia flower and comes in a Throw size. I really really want this quilt for myself :)

Other Fun Projects

Pixel Play

Pixel Play

Pixel Play

Pixel Play is filled with wonderful pixel projects to make—and to just flat out inspire you. You will be a Pixel Pro once you have completed one of these masterpieces! These quilt projects would also make fantastic gifts for all ages. In fact, I'm eyeing at least 3 quilts that I think would make great gifts for various family.

You cannot beat the price. Most of Carolina Patchworks patterns are $9 for a single pattern, and you get 15 patterns for only $21.95. Pretty awesome if you ask me! You can purchase the book at ctpub.com.

Featured Groovy Event Sponsor

Featured Groovy Sponsor

C&T Publishing and Stash Books

"C&T Publishing – leading the way to self-expression through the timeless art of hand-crafting. Inspired crafters use our products to create beauty every day."

Since its founding in 1983, C&T Publishing has become the industry leader for providing exceptional books and products to the quilting, paper craft, and fiber art markets throughout the United States and internationally. Consumers purchase our products through quilt, fabric, and craft stores; book, gift and museum shops; scrapbook and paper craft stores; and book clubs.

C&T authors are known as the best of the best in the quilting industry, and include such stellar names as Alex Anderson, Barbara Brackman, Harriet Hargrave, Lynette Jensen, Nancy Johnson-Srebro, Jean Ray Laury, Ruth B. McDowell, Judith Baker Montano, Yvonne Porcella, Elly Sienkiewicz, and Jean Wells. Many have been recipients of top quilting honors, such as the International Quilt Festival's Silver Star Award, appointment to the Quilters Hall of Fame, or inclusion in 1999's list of "The 20th Century's 100 Best American Quilts."

Groovy Giveaway

Totally Groovy Giveaway

C&T Publishing is giving away one copy of Pixel Play to one lucky winner! They do not ship giveaway books internationally so if the winner is from the USA they will win a Paperback Copy, and if the winner is International they will win a e-book.

Enter to Win

Here's how, using the Rafflecopter widget below, follow the step by step instructions. First step is to add a comment tell me which quilt from Pixel Play that I shared about is your favorite.

This giveaway will end Thursday, October 4th, at 12 a.m. EST. Mr. Random will choose a winner and I will announce their name on the Giveaway Winners page, later that Thursday. * Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE near and far! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that if you win I can contact you!

For Bonus Entries

  • Easy Entry for C&T Pub Facebook Fans
  • Sign Up for the C&T Pub Email Newsletter
  • Easy Entry for Pile O' Fabric Facebook Followers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Next week we will be looking at another new book, from the groovy quilting diva, Angela Walters! We will also be moving on to planning groovy quilting.

Alyssa

Stash Books provided a complementary book for me to use for this review. As with all reviews I vow to give my honest true opinion no matter what the compensation (see blog disclosure).
Alyssa Williams

Alyssa Williams

Creator of Pile O' Fabric

Alyssa Lichner is a graphic designer turned avid sewist. She writes modern quilting tutorials and shares techniques and inspiration on her blog, Pile O’ Fabric. Alyssa has a passion for exploring different techniques and applying them to modern designs. She is thankful to have the opportunity to share these techniques, through her tutorials, patterns, and classes with quilters around the world. She always encourages her readers and students to challenge themselves to try new things and to approach quilting with a fearless attitude.

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