Modern Selvage Quilting - a book review & giveaway!

"Unsuspecting, a creatively inclined woman walks into a yard sale; a quilter walks out."

This happened to Riel Nason, Canadian author, mother, quilter and lover of selvages. She left that yard sale with a huge box of random fabric for $6 and proceeded to cut out her very first quilt with fingernail scissors because they were the sharpest pair in the house.

I haven't (yet) met Riel, but I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing her fun and original selvage quilt creations, first on Flickr and now on IG.  When it comes to creating with selvage edges, her imagination knows no bounds! This is a person who mounted one-woman show of Hallowe'en inspired selvage projects entitled "1/4-inch Scream". Awesome!

Her new book Modern Selvage Quilting contains instructions for 17 projects using selvages. 

"Selvages are like ticket stubs you keep from a fabulous show"

(how true!!)

Like Riel, I was smitten after discovering selvage quilt projects online. Jodi's remarkable selvage dress was my first introduction to the concept of saving and using selvages (I'd tossed them for years before realizing they were usable. Gasp).  Then I came across Riel's adorable snowman quilt . By that time, I'd started saving selvages. My first projects were very small - some cute little mini coin quilts, then some larger spool quilts and finally my prized Selvage Colourblock Quilt (made from 4 years worth of selvage-saving).  After that quilt, I figured I was done and gave all of my leftover selvages away, except for those incredible linen Echinos with shaggy edges and interesting text.  Those I've kept. 

If you were like me and have yet to discover the fun of saving and making with selvages, you'll find Riel's book is an excellent resource. She covers everything from cutting (just how much printed fabric should you cut off with your selvage edge, anyway?) to sorting, planning, measuring, pressing, sewing and ultimately creating projects efficiently with your selvages.  You'll also find tips on how to label, quilt and care for your selvage projects.

You'll find a variety of projects, in addition to the expected quilts. One that I would normally find too cutesy (a window valance) actually takes on a meaningful kitsch when made for your sewing room with favourite selvages. I also love the lattice pillow (above) - it would look perfect in any modern sewing space, or living room for that matter!  

Definitely the most unexpected quilt design in the book for me is the selvage medallion quilt - it is a great modern pattern that I think would be really fun to make. That X border is so good.  It almost makes me want to start saving my selvages again!

Have you got a selvage collection? If not, are you keen to start one now that you know there's a book full of cool modern projects you can make with them? C&T will give one random commenter a free copy of Riel's book (a US winner will receive an actual paper copy, an international winner will receive a digital version). Leave a comment that includes, or links to, your email address (if I can't contact you, I'll choose a new winner) and tell me about your favourite selvage-y project!

ETA: The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to commenter #42: Bea, you've won a copy of Riel's book!

Check out the rest of the tour here:

May 10 Riel at C&T Publishing Blog

May 11 Cindy at Live a Colorful Life

May 12 Yvonne at Quilting Jet Girl

May 13 Diane at Butterfly Threads Quilting

May 16 Krista at Poppyprint

May 17 Casey at The Studiolo

May 18 Leanne at She Can Quilt

May 19 Sandy at Upstairs Hobby Room

May 20 Mel at The Quilting Room with Mel

May 21 Riel at The Q and the U