Monday, May 16, 2016

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 21 Riel at The Q and the U

89 comments:

Anne said...

I do have a small selvedge collection...love the Orange pillow!

VA said...

Your Selvage Colourblock Quilt is gorgeous! I've been saving my selvages since I saw a selvage quilt at a local quilt show a few years ago. I also had no idea that those selvages could be used like this!

Anna brown said...

I have a bag full of selvedge...Haven't tryed anything yet but soon.... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Debbie said...

I like you first threw them away and then started giving them to other quilter friends that saved them. I finally saw the light and saved them myself and have made a pincushion so far. Onward and upward to bigger and better selvage items in the future!

Kelly O. said...

I have been saving selvages to make an epic quilt!

Heidi said...

What a great quote, & so true! I have a LOT of concert stubs from my youth, & now I have several pounds of selvedges ready to create a quilt packed with memories of fabrics. The quote has led to an idea I will sketch out. Riel is crazy-inspirational, cant wait to read her book & get tips from a selvedge pro!
Your Colourblock quilt is amazing!

sandy from BC said...

I have bags full of selvages just no idea of what to make with them.

slowery@shaw.ca

mumbird3 said...

I've made one small pincushion with selvages - hoping to do more! THis book looks awesome! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah J said...

I haven't made a project from selvages yet but I am saving them! I love that the windowpane pillow doesn't require a ton of them!

Emmacathryn said...

This book looks really interesting, I'm sure it would help me find a way to use up my selvedges!!

claire ross said...

I have some selvedges but will definitely save more going forward x
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

Brenda said...

Looks like a great book! I've been following Riel online for several years and even sent her a package of selvages when I decided to clear out. imho: why can't C and T send out the real book to Canadians, since they are promoting a book authored by a Canadian? I know you didn't make that call.

Anonymous said...

I have made a selvage apron with matching oven mitt that is my favorite project so far. I love this book!

Anonymous said...

INTERESTING BOOK! LOVE TO WIN IT!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

SarahZ said...

I have a large pickle jar crammed full of selvages...saving to make your color block selvage quilt :) I have covered the cushion seat of my sewing chair in much beloved Amy Butler Love selvages, with a few others thrown in too :) This book looks amazing...I am so glad to be introduced to the author, too!

Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge said...

I love making small projects with my selvages - mini quilts, mini minis, zipper pouches. I also have a tote bag that never fails to get a reaction in fabric stores! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

mangozz said...

I've never made anything with selvages but I've recently started saving them and will probably start off with a pincushion. Would love to win this book. chocolatewiskers@aol.com

Leslie said...

I have a large bag of shelved he's awaiting inspiration. This book could move me forward.

Nancy J said...

I don't have any saved, but this book will inspire all of us to save and sew a fab project. So good that for us overseas readers there is a e-version, a bonus for sure.

Anita said...

I love selvedge projects, I think I was hooked by Jodie's dress as well. I have several zip lock bags full of selvedges saved, just waiting for inspiration.

Pauline said...

I have a selvedge collection - it has lots of Cotton & Steel, by far my fav selvedge though Lori Holt has some cuties too. Love that lattice pillow - I might pit it on the must make list

fabart3440 said...

I've made a jacket using selvages with a sweatshirt base, and have a big block quilt of selvages started.

Sandy said...

Great post...love the selvage sewing projects you have made so far...especially the colouring box string blocks.....
until this tour I had only made a pouch with selvages, so my favourite project is the one I made from Riel's book!! See you on the 19th!

Kathy H said...

I have long admired selvage projects but have only made one, a Halloween mummy. I thought selvages would be perfect for it.

quilt for fun said...

I started with about 8 blocks using my selveges, but put it aside for "later". Still have a whole basketful, so I could definitely use this book.

Mary said...

I do collect selvages, but haven't really done anything with them. This book sounds like one I need to help me get started. It sounds like a lot of fun.

maureen said...

I haven't made anything from selvages yet. But I'm starting to save them now!! Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win.

JANET said...

I love the Medallion Quilt also. I have started saving my selvages, but I have been using them to tie things with. I have since started rethinking that!

Lisa England said...

The only selvage "collection" I have are the selvages still attached to the fabric! That's a lot though. I would like to try making something from selvages and Riel's book looks really interesting. The pillow is fabulous!

Betsy said...

I'm actually saving them in a pretzel jar ready to be used

Cecilia said...

I have been collecting selveges, but I haven't made anything yet. A friend made a tote bag out of selveges for me and I love the way it looks. Thanks for the giveaway and review.

ArabesqueStitch said...

I have a big bag full of selvedges I bought from a quilt shop. I found a skirt pattern online and I've been anxious to start seaming them together. What a wonderful giveaway - this book looks amazing! Thank you!

Jacque T said...

I have been saving selvages for a long time, probably have a good 3-4 big shoe boxes full at least. I have not made anything with them yet though. This book would be a real treat, I have also seen the selvedge dress and love it! Thank you for the giveaway. jtraun@nelson-tel

JoAnne in southern California said...

I have a large selvage collection, all sorted by color and a selvage book is just what I need! Thanks for telling us about it.

Kathryn said...

I have baggies full of selvages, but nothing to show for them. This may be the inspiration.

Allison C said...

I haven't in the past and now I'm regretting it...so I just started.

Lori Smanski said...

i love this pillow. I have just started my selvage collection
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

carol said...

I have started saving selvages. I like the pin cushions as my first project.

Kathy E. said...

My favorite selvage project was a mini wall-hanging I made for my One Word for 2016. I made it entirely of selvages, even the letters and binding! I have seen photos of chairs upholstered in selvages and that's one project I'd like to tackle someday!

GranChris said...

I give mine to a friend. She made herself a jacket. I might start saving them for me.

Rozz01 said...

I just became enlightened about these selvage projects so I am saving to make a clever pillow.

Béa said...

I have a basket of selveges and a few ideas to use it.

Modern-Print said...

Wonderful post.This is nice post and gives in depth information. I like to read this post because I met so many new facts about it actually.Thanks a lot.

memmens said...

I've hoarded my selvedges ever since I started sewing 'seriously' about 6 years ago, I've used some in little project (in fact I think you have one of the journal covers I made) but I still have over 2kgs worth waiting for the right project!
mary(at)emmens(dot)co(dot)uk

Linda Nelson said...

I adore my selvages. I have been collecting them for years and actually use them! I made an iPad stand for my sewing room with my favorites!

lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

marebear said...

What a novel idea! I had never even thought of using the selvages for a project. LUV it! I would love a chance to win this book, too.

Joy said...

I've been saving for a couple of years. I just have to find a project that grabs me. I lean towards those that have a solid in the pattern. This book would sure help me make my decision. Thanks for the chance to win it.

rrjane011749 said...

I'm just starting my selvage collection!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I don't have a stash, but will start o e

Unknown said...

I dunt have a selvage stash, but will start one

Unknown said...

I dunt have a selvage stash, but will start one

Anonymous said...

I have a big selvedge stash, but I haven't tried to make anything with them yet. This book would be helpful.

Diane Beavers said...

Good Morning Krista,
After the first review on Riel's book , I started cutting my selvages wider. Went a little crazy w/my rotary cutter by going into my stash and trimmed my FQ's:) That's okay tho as I'm ready to stitch up a zip pouch today. The lattice pillow; absolutely would brighten up any space. Thank you for sharing.

schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

Gill said...

Like you Jodi's dress was my first introduction to selvedges!
My collection is tiny but I'm saving hard!

Sandi said...

I do have a selvedge stash and they seem to be getting deeper as the selvedges are becoming cuter! I have made several pincushions but really love your spools!
Sandi
sahill@telus.net

Mary said...

Several years ago I had lots of fun making a Red Zinger from Karen Griska's pattern. I still have a huge basket stuffed with selvages and have been searching for a good pattern. This book might have it!

Debbie said...

Hey, I'm just about to start your sewing machine mat from the Make It, Take It book! I've picked out my selvedges and I'm hoping to get it under the needle tomorrow. This is great timing!

Jill said...

I started a selvage collection after seeing some great quilts online, but I haven't made anything with them yet. This book looks like it has lots of inspiration. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

Susan McG said...

I have been collecting selvages for some time. I haven't used any yet but am thinking of a thread catcher. I'm sure this book would provide inspiration for lots of projects. Thanks for the giveaway.

Patti said...

Like you, I tossed them for ages, but I collect them now! I've only made small projects with them so far- pouches and journal cover. Riel is truly an inspiration. Thanks for the chance to win her book!

GranChris said...

I usually give mine to a friend but I might save them now.

Silverthimble said...

I have been following Riel's work since I saw her skeleton Quilt for Halloween. I am glad to see she has now put out a book!

silverthimble@shaw.ca

Kathy L said...

Guess I'll have to start saving my selvages. Looks very interesting.

dutchcomfort said...

What a great idea to write a book about selvages quilts! I’ve saved them for years, but was reluctant to make anything out of the strips. Thanks for a chance to win this book Krista!

swooze said...

I love all the selvage projects but don't even know how to begin!

Danette said...

I have used some of my selvedges for a tote that I was entering in a contest using "text" prints. I did not win, but my tote turned out cute. Would love to win this book. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

jellybean said...

I love saving my selvages I have only ever used them in mug rugs nothing larger my favorite of those was a Christmas tree one as a teacher gift

clemonssarah7 at gmail dot com

judys said...

Love these patterns! Now to remember to save the selvages.......

Sandyzoo said...

I have not made a selvage project but have saved a lot of them. I'd like to make a wall hanging!
Carol S.
sandyzoo45@comcast.net

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I do have a selvage collection, but have never used them--I think I need this book!

gigi said...

I have been saving selvages for over and year and really want to do a project. Now there's a book! Thanks

Monica said...

No I don't have a selvage collection but now I have a reason to start one.

trudys_person said...

I've ordered this book book for the library - I can't wait to see it! And I've been saving selvages for a while, but I haven't made anything yet ... I'll get to it!

Anita said...

I have been saving selvages for years, but I have not made a project with them, yet.

Said With Love said...

I have been collecting selvedges for a while and want to try the quilt on the front cover! But I might start with some of the smaller projects first!

Paige said...

I have been saving selvages without a plan for them. This book would be great!

AngieSue said...

I have jars of selvages that are constantly in my way -- yet I just can't seem to get rid of them!

Havplenty said...

I started saving selvages when I saw the Red Zinger quilt by Karen Griska. I have not made anything with my selvages yet but plan to. I am loving the projects I see in Riel's book. This book would be a great resource to any quilter's library especially mine.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Linda said...

I'm saving selvages!! I'd like to make a pillow first! This book would help me out! 😃

Unknown said...

My collection grew last wknd as I won a large basket of selvages at my local guild's show!

patty a. said...

I have a small collection.

janequiltsslowly said...

I have a large selvage collection that I am itching to play with other than the small projects I've tried. Thanks for the chance to win!

Karyn said...

I have a medium sized selvage collection that needs to be examined closer now that I have some ideas on what else to do with them besides a pin cushion (which always turns out super cute, but how many can you use/gift??) Thanks for the chance!

rosemaryschild said...

I always wondered about the so nice selvages-great ideas!

Anne said...

I could use a new pillow for my chair and the selvage pillow looks so cool. The arrows quilt certainly is eye catching

Pat V. said...

I've filled a box with selvages and am ready to begin a project!

kimberlier said...

I just started a selvedge edge string quilt this weekend! Looking forward to seeing this book in person.

Jenny said...

I've got quite a few selvedges saved, but so far have only made several sets of placemats, plus an oven cloth. I'd love to make a nice roomy tote bag, and I've seen a pattern for a summer skirt - that looked rather good too. Thanks for the chance to win the book.