Winter brings out the book worm in me....and since my computer has been so ill (Geek Squad has had it for over a week now...hence my absence) I have brightened my days by reading the stack of books I got in Houston at Fall Quilt Market. While I know I'm 100% responsible for myself 100% of the time....I don't understand why on earth this book as not been put on my blog sooner. "Pat....why didn't you kick me hard?"
Pat Wys is a lovely woman and the author of Spotlight on Neutrals and an IHAN blog reader....so I'm thinking I owe Pat a big apology for waiting until January to post my review. I'm 100% sorry Pat....and to everyone else....waiting will certainly pay off....because I'm giving away some Neutral Fabric along with the book to make up for the delay :)
Pat with her book, Spotlight on Neutrals
"I love quilting, quilts, and most of all quilters. Big shock! I love every single color, including all the shades, tings, and hues within the color spectrum. I love prints large and small, from vintage to whimsical. My taste in color and fabric changes regularly. Many thanks to the fabulous fabric industry for keeping it coming! I guess you can say I'm all over the board; I don't specialize in any one area or genre, and I don't have too much trouble stepping outside the box." Excerpt from Spotlight on Neutrals posted with permission of the author.
Any wonder why Pat and I get along? I feel the same way....she just put it in better words than I have :)
Before I move into my book review, I thought I share one more pix from Pat's Quilt Market Booth.
Pat Wys, Kelly Jackson (aka...me...) and Becky Rabalais
One of the best things about going to Market is being able to spend face time with folks that I otherwise just exchange e-mails with....face to face is soooo much nicer!!
Knowing that Pat loves all colors and hues I was surprised to see a book about neutrals. Neutrals are definitely not my favorite and I don't know why....honestly. After reading Spotlight on Neutrals I honestly feel differently....I have a deeper appreciation for Neutrals that I didn't have before....which is a great shift for me and my way of thinking.
"Baby It's Cold Outside" is one of the quilts featured in Pat's book. There are so many different things I like about this pattern. The gray fabric of the background really gives life to the snowflakes, it grounds them and speaks of quiet cold snowflakes in a way that wouldn't be communicated on a brighter fabric. Looking at this quilt calms me...centers me as I am in this winter season here in Ohio. The buttons add a lot of interest as does the wide rickrack on the border.
"Scrappy Nines" is another quilt in Spotlight on Neutrals that really grabbed me. Adding the black fabrics with the neutrals makes this quilt visually interesting for me. Without the black, I don't think I'd like it very much. One of Pat's friends used this pattern to make a quilt as a wedding gift. What an excellent idea...I would have never thought of doing that. How many times do people get quilts as wedding gifts and never use them or their tastes change and the quilt no longer is used. A quilt made from neutrals is timeless....genius idea!
Pat does an excellent job with directions and explanation in "Spotlight on Neutrals"and she also included little stories that I found interesting. I think if we all followed Pat's instructions in the beginning of this book....we'd all be much better off....and I'm even including seasoned quilters in this generalization.
What does Pat say?
You'll just have to purchase a copy HERE or leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Spotlight on Neutrals on this blog post!!! ( IHAN Blog Readers receive discount with coupon code: Pat Wys used at check out)
Because I waited way to long to write this post....I'm including 5 Moda Bella Solid Neutral Fat Quarters to the giveaway!
Leave a comment on this post before Thursday February 2nd telling me what peaks your interest in this book and I'll let the mean and nasty Mr. Random Number Generator choose a winner!!
On a personal note, I think the timing of this review came at a perfect time in my life and awareness. Neutrals and timelessness is what makes the brights so much brighter provides a restful space that is equally as beautiful and energizing in its own way. Thank you Pat for inspiring my awareness and giving me a deeper appreciation in a Neutral way :) LOL
Smiles,
Kelly
I don't often use neutrals - I tend to think of them as a background fabric when they could be so much more!!
ReplyDeleteI too think of neutrals only as something that should disappear while the rest of the quilt would stand out. Would love to see how neutrals could be used more positively in a quilt.
ReplyDeleteI have seen a few all neutral quilts and always thought they were gorgeous. I haven't been brave enough to try it myself, since relying on gorgeous prints and colors is the easier path. But with the designs in this book, I think I could give it a try. And you're right that a neutral quilt is a fantastic gift idea. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
ReplyDeletelove neutrals ... and mostly use them as backgrounds for my applique, whole cloth or pieced. love that snowflake quilt and would like to win the book! thanx for the opportunity to do so :)
ReplyDeleteNeutrals are an afterthought for me. If I'm purchasing fabrics I go to colors first. I'd love to see them in a new light. Thanks for a chance to win this book. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the quilts in this book will be noticed for their patterns because you won't be distracted by looking at bright colors - genius!
ReplyDeleteThe neutrals tend to look sophisticated. I love that snowflake quilt! I am having a riot with colour at present, and could well calm down with some neutrals!
ReplyDeleteI have found myself purchasing lots more tone on tone fabrics lately. I've been looking at more projects that need more neutrals in them. Love that quilt on the cover.
ReplyDeleteI'm a great fan of neutrals.I prefer them to bright colors
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of neutrals.I prefer them to bright colors.
ReplyDeleteOh, my! Me and neutrals, I never would have thought. But that one with the black really speaks to me. So, a starter set of neutrals would get me stitchin'! Thanks, as always, for your great reviews.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time mixing neutrals (if that makes sense) and need to learn more. Also, that back of the pillow sham is calling to me--I need to get motivated to make a couple of them!
ReplyDeleteusing neutrals! i use a lot of brights and using neutrals would be an excellent challenge!
ReplyDeleteThat book looks interesting and educational for any quilter!
ReplyDeleteThe nine-patch on the cover looks like it would provide a challenge in value placement. That's a good thing, I like a good challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win the book - neutrals are so flexible and go with any decor. :)
ReplyDeleteThe quilts in the book are beautiful! I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book that would certainly help me make beautiful quilts. And, I need all the help I can get when it comes to fabric selection. Plus, I love neutrals (but still nervous on fabric selection).
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I'd love to learn more about incorporating neutrals into my quilting projects since I usually choose lots of colorful fabrics and not neutrals. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDelete~Terry~
Hi Kelly, I would love to win this book. Really love neutrals and am a fan of Pat's designs. I am a follower of her blog silver thimble talk, and of course a follower of yours as well. Fingers crossed! Sandy. :)
ReplyDeleteI made my daughter a quilt using neutrals. She does not like anything wild or wonky or too colorful. It also went with her living room furniture. It turned out great and you really notice the pattern in the quilt.
ReplyDeleteI have not been excited about neutrals but just love the quilt in the snowflakes!
ReplyDeleteRosemary
I never used to own many neutrals (red is a Neutral right?) but lately I seem to be drawn to neutral quilts....
ReplyDeleteHELLO KELLY, THANKS FOR SHARING A SWEET GIVEAWAY! I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF THE DRAMATIC COLOR VALUES-JUST BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of neutral quilts. They work with any color scheme, and they are great for gifting to men. Thanks for the review and the give away.
ReplyDeleteI do NOT want to win - I won the book from Pat Wys herself. My favorite quilt in it is Havenstone. I really enjoy the book, but I have to have some color in my quilts. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI love her book, I have it tho, great review!! Pat is one awesome lady...like yourself.
ReplyDeletethe book's interesting as I usually try do use strong colours and combinations, being inspired to use some more neutrals easier to combine with the already existing colours is what I'm looking for. Thanks for introducing the book on for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThis is a GREAT book! I've thumbed thru it...and aaaahed at the pictures several times at my local quilt store. I would LUV to win this book...it would make a great addition to my other "smiling" quilt books on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your comments and photos with the author. =)
hugZ,
annie
anniesrubyslipperz.com
What a lovely book. I don't have a lot of neutrals since i don't know what to do with them.. this book would help
ReplyDeleteNeutral quilts are very rich and chic... I would love to be inspired. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI always use bright colors and I would love to make a neutral quilt. Unfortunately I'm not really sure what to buy and how to use them together so this book would be super helpful!
ReplyDeleteI love that snowflake quilt, especially with the lack of snow in northwest Ohio so far! Bring on the neutrals!
ReplyDeleteAs if that beautiful snowflake is not enough to get me... I am new and love to read what everyone has to say and show! How else can a girl learn! Great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteIf you asked me what my favorite fabric was I would say all of them because I just love fabric. But I need to love neutrals more and my DIL wants a neutral quilt so maybe I could get some ideas,Thanks for a look at the book and a chance to get one free.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to make a neutral quilt and I love her cover one!!! It sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeletewell, I have to say that your book review really piqued my interest in working with neutrals. That snowflake quilt looks like a real winner and would be great in my house. Thanks for a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'm so delighted you shed some light on this neutral subject!
ReplyDeleteI love neutrals. I have collected a lot of Daiwabo taupe fabric. It will make a beautiful couch quilt.
ReplyDeleteMy college daughter has told me she loves neutrals and is just learning to quilt. I wondered why she would love them them so much but after reading the review - I can see why! Love the snowflake quilt - very stunning! thanks for the review of Pats book.
ReplyDeleteHaving just completed a snowflake laden quilt, and snuggling under a cream and white one on my sofa (love the laptop) - this book intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteI love neutral quilts! They go with everything in everyone's home-they are just waiting in the background to cover you with love!
ReplyDeleteI love neutrals and the quilts you've featured from the book are so appealing! I have a size able neutral stash and this book looks like one that might help me bring that under better control!
ReplyDeleteI've started a quiet love affair with neutrals. I did a BOM in a neutral colorway last year and it is gorgeous. I had not been using neutrals other than backgrounds before. I think neutrals make beautiful quilts. The two quilts you showed from the book are beautiful. Can't wait to have a look at the rest of the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your giveaway and a chance to win an autographed copy. Awesonme!
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
That looks like a really great book! Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love Pat...she is a GEM....a real fun gal and a talented quilter! I was lucky enough to spend a day with her last winter (along with another quilt blogger...Gene) and we did a shop hop and had lunch together and MANY laughs along the way. We also saw in person some of the quilts from this book....which was in the works at that time. For those who think they can't get into the idea of neutrals, it is easy to take those quilts and substitute some monochromatic colors (shades of blue, for example from a very light one to a very dark one) for the light and dark neutrals Pat uses and come up with a great quilt, too. Some people have done her "neutral" quilts now in colors and they look terrific. Nice review of her book!
ReplyDeleteI love Pat and I love her book - I've been meaning to get my hands on a copy for a while now, so maybe I'll win?!? My favorite in her book is the Snail's Trail, but the Scrappy Nines comes in a very close second. I like the way Pat explains that neutrals are not just white and beige.... grays, and browns and blacks - they are all in there too so her quilts have a wonderful range of contrasts usually absent in neutral quilts!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a colour girl and I find it very difficult to work with neutrals, but I'd like to be able to expand my horizons. This book would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteI love full on colour, so would be interested to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI like neutrals, well as a background to popping colours and as an easy choice for the times I need some contrast....I would love to learn more about using neutrals in another way! Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to make a design pop with color and contrast, but using different values can do the same. I can see how the use of values would be especially important in creating a neutral quilt.
ReplyDeleteI think the one thing that is so interesting about this book is that so often we are concerned about the color in our quilts that we don't put enough energy in the neutrals. They are often what carries the color and can make or break the way the colors play together. I would also like to do an all neutral quilt but am not really sure where to start.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly for the chance.
What a beautiful book Kelly. I love that snowflake quilt - is it applique? Though I'm gaining an appreciation for bright colors I very much love the more muted colors that I see in, for instance, Civil War reproductions. The neutrals are calm and serene I think. Thanks for giving away a book - I know whoever wins will love it. I know I would. :) blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book around blogland, and really love some of the quilts that people have made. I also like the idea of neutrals, with some black thrown in, but I might have a hard time not tossing in a little red!
ReplyDeleteLove neutrals and this book looks amazing! thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteIlove her neutrals, so it looks like an interesting book. I think my living room/dining room are turning into a study in neutrals.
ReplyDeletethanks!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Pat's book. I went through her release blog hop so know that I would enjoy using this book. The quilts are beautiful and bring a sense of peace when look at them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating book. I'm ready to learn more about using neutrals in a different way.
ReplyDeleteI am intriged by neutrals but have not made a quilt using them. This may get me going.....
ReplyDeleteA quilt from neutrals is timeless.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like a good lesson on looking at neutrals without the bold contrast of color. Would love to win this and the fat quarters.
ReplyDeleteThese patterns just might inspire me to make a quilt 'outside my comfort zone', so I appreciate the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteI love neutrals and love quilts made with them. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks wonderful! I, too, really like the snowflake quilt. And giving neutral quilts, pillows, etc. as gifts is a fine idea, especially when you don't know the recipients' color favorites. Hope I win!
ReplyDeleteWow the timing of your post...My daughter just recently showed me a picture of a neutral quilt she saw and asked for one. She said that she is in love with 'that look'. I have made one other white on white quilt as a gift. I really like how the black gives it pop. Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteThis is a timely post! I have been thinking about using neutrals more. The wedding gift quilt in neutral tones is especially inspiring. I have some projects in mind I was going to gift and have been debating what colors, themes to make them in. Thank you for the post and the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteNeutralizing is hard for me as a beginning quilter, and person who has no color sense. Need all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteI generally stay away from neutrals as much as possible so this book would be wonderful in helping me get out of my box. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI love neutrals and made one with a touch of blue as a wedding gift a few years ago, but I would love to make one for myself.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful book. I like neutrals and now I have some ideas on how to use them more. I'd love to have that book.
ReplyDeleteI literally had that book in my hands three days ago but that nasty budget made me put it back so it would be awesome to win this book. I like the idea of neutrals because I think they can tell a great story just as much as the vibrant colors so prevalent today do!
ReplyDeleteScrappy Nines is beautiful. I just bought a few yards of black fabric and now know where I will use it. Thanks for sharing this book!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - love the snowflakes! The first quilt I ever made reads as neutrals, and I still love it as much as the day I finished it.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of doing a complete quilt in neutrals but I have to agree they are calming and soothing to look at.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful book! I would love a chance to win a copy. Thank you for the review and the chance to own this great book.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Hall
Quiltingathome@earthlink.net
I've only ever thought of neutrals as background fabric, never as the focal fabric. But these quilts look fabulous and I'd love to try quilting with just neutrals. Thanks for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in seeing how Pat decides on the combination of colors to use in an all neutral quilt. Thanks for the review on this book and the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI have been convetting this book from afar! I too like all colors, but find myself drawn to the neutrals and earthy color as of late. I follow Pats blog too, there are quite a few quilts in her book that would go on my list of to do's. This year I am focussing on finishing up and using up some of my stash. That said I am sure I could pull enough from my stash to make one if not two of the quilts in Pats book. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteNeutrals are fabulous because they are often timeless.
ReplyDeleteFashions change,times and tastes change but when all those hours have gone into making a quilt isn't it lovely when it never dates and is a timeless item that looks just as perfect in a room today as it will in another room a few generations later.
I think that neutrals will always be under rated, but they will have the last laugh, they will be around, used and loved long after some of their more flamboyant counterparts have gone out of fashion and are being stored in the attic.
Thanks for making a give-a-way, congratulations to whoever the lucky winner is :)
I agree with Carla G.... neutrals can be more than just background fabrics. The designs shown are stunning! I would love to win this book! Thanks, Kelly for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carla G.... neutrals can be more than just background fabrics. The designs shown are stunning! I would love to win this book! Thanks, Kelly for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite sure this would be a book that I would use over and over. I love neutrals, but have a difficult time making them blend well. They always seem too blah. Your peek into the inside of Pat Wys' book has piqued my interest. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKathlene
kprescott68@yahoo.com
I have collected neutrals for a long time & love them this's book sounds awesome
ReplyDeletethanks sew much for the info
I enjoy making a neutral quilt from time to time...it seems to clear my head and let me start fresh after doing colorful projects. I would love the chance to have a book with beautiful neutral quilt inspirations! The snowflake quilt is definitely a want this year....not much snow making it to Mansfield, Pa this year!
ReplyDeleteAcquaintances think of me as a hand-dyer (i.e., bright colors) and are surprised by how often I make neutral quilts.
ReplyDeleteThis book would be perfect for me. I have been collecting neautrals of all shades for a quilt. Thank you for the chance to win this great book. Take care and God bless, Cory
ReplyDeletePat's book sounds like it is a great resource as well as inspiration. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI don't see neutral quilts that much anymore. I think a lot of people don't traditionally make them for brides anymore. I always admired the handwork that went into the neutral quilts. I loved this one at the Tri-Cities, WA quilt show, it was a beautiful neutral quilt made out of satins/silks/etc. with neutral machine embroidery centers. It was magnificent!
ReplyDeleteI must say that I have had my on this book for awhile. I really like the quilt with the snowflakes.
ReplyDeleteI have a bureau-full of neutrals that I have been collecting-this book is definitely an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice giveaway! This book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
ReplyDeletePat is such a sweet funny lady. Makes you want to have a pajama party with her ;-) I've never made a neutral quilt, but the one on her cover is very striking.
ReplyDeleteJocelyn
I like the snowflake quilt, a very interesting neutral. Might have too be my next quilt. Used to live in Atlanta and took a few classes with Pat, what a hoot!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks lovely. I'm finding myself more drawn to neutrals lately.
ReplyDeleteJust what I need! I am more comfortable dressing in neutrals so why not a quilt in neutrals?
ReplyDeletecloosl@ptd.net
Looks like a fab book.
ReplyDeletePat is my idol and a signed copy of her book would be the best birthday present!! (I might be having a birthday on Friday!)
ReplyDeleteI love colour and I've never made a neutral quilt. I use neutrals in my quilts but always as an accent. But the quilts in your photos are lovely, so I think I should read this book and learn a thing or three. Thanks for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have Pat's book. I haven't used neutrals much, I'm a color kind of gal, but would love to try it. Always ready to try something new.
ReplyDelete