Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Simply Modern Christmas - book review and giveaway

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*giveaway closed - Mindy was the winner! Congratulations Mindy!*

My favorite thing about blogging, by far, is the window to meeting wonderful new people it has given. One of those ladies, to be added to my ever growing "would love to meet in real life" list is Cindy from Hiyacinth Quilt Designs. I tease her that I want to be her when I "grow up" (which really just means that I love her style and fabric combos, and I'm pretty sure we could happily share stashes). When she asked if I would like to review her new book, Simply Modern Christmas, I was very happy to do so.

Simply Modern Christmas by Cindy Lammon

Pros of the book -
  • The styling is Christmas, but most of the patterns are universal and lend themselves easily to multiple fabric combinations. Cindy uses really fresh and pretty color groupings throughout, and it was easy for me to envision the designs with various combinations. Cindy blogged about all or most of her patterns, if you want to see some other examples!
  • The patterns are thoroughly explained with words AND diagrams (which is nice for multiple learners!)
  • In my opinion, the projects in this book are perfect for gifts -- there are some great, beginning to intermediate designs that are easily customized to your gift-giving needs.
  • Designs lend themselves to using scraps.
  • Some really cute seasonal patterns (stockings, and tree skirt for example).
Con of the book - 
  • This is kind of a forced con, but there are not really any advanced patterns in here... so if you're looking for "advanced" designs, then this isn't really for you.
A few of the patterns that caught my eye in particular:

I am really drawn to this "Peppermint Float" star-in-star-in-frame motif. 

From Simply Modern Christmas

Love this tree skirt, "Skirted" (love it).

from Simply Modern Christmas

And this "Hanging Around" pattern I loved so much, I wanted to stitch one up for myself (and did so last weekend on a retreat).

from Simply Modern Christmas

This is my rainbow version of "Hanging Around."

Rainbow Wreath

This is going to my lovely friend Kelly, because well... she's lovely. Funny too. And she likes rainbows. And she made me a bag (I don't like making bags).
I used black and white background fabrics and the new Joel Dewberry and Anna Maria Horner True Colors fabrics. See what I mean about how the designs look great with non-Christmas combos?

Giveaway!
Leave a comment here letting me know what kind of quilt is next on your to-make list, or a project you need a pattern for and I'll pick a winner Sept. 29 to win an e-book of Simply Modern Christmas. 

Or, you can save yourself the wait and get the book on amazon, Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays, or Martingale.





Good luck!
Linking to Lee's!


110 comments:

Unknown said...

My next quilt will be Suburbs by Cluck Cluck Sew. I can't wait!

Darcy said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I just added the Hanging Around to my list, but next up is a black and white courthouse steps for my bed.

Amy Friend said...

I love the original version of that pattern in the book as well as your rainbow version--both perfect in their own ways!

Lindsey said...

How fun!
My next quilt will be....finishing up one of the many many WIPs I have. =)

JoyceLM said...

Two of my nieces are pregnant. I've finished one baby quilt, so now I have to start another. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sarah Craig said...

My next "personal" quilt will be my oldest granddaughter's annual quilt, a Perfect Ten made out of Sarah Jane's Let's Pretend line. And then maybe one for me, a Kaffe Fassett pattern made with some fabric I was gifted by a friend! Thanks for the chance to win - this looks like a book I must have!!

Joyce said...

Just pulled all my fabric for a cute strawberry quilt...now to start cutting!

Kristy said...

Love, Love, Love your Hanging Around quilt...those birds just perfect.

I already own the book, autographed and all...although that's the benefit of having the fabulous Cindy as a guild member. She's just as perfect in real life :-)

DeborahGun said...

Oh I love your rainbow version of the Hanging Around quilt - it is spectactular :-)

Mom C said...

Either granddaughter's quilt, neighbor farewell quilt, niece wedding quilt or help my DIL finally get her Christmas quilt designed and made. The niece and the neighbor have deadlines, they probably should take priority. Thanks.

Jen said...

My next quilt will be a new couch quilt for our new couch

Lisa E said...

You're right, the quilts in that book would look great as an everyday quilt -- not just for Christmas. I need to make a bed quilt for my daughter. The fabrics are picked out.

Sonia B said...

Gorgeous interpretation. I have a stack of Happy Go Lucky that needs a great pattern. Thanks for the chance.

Sonya said...

I am finishing my infant daughters baby quilt, and next is her stocking (does that count as a quilt?). I also need to do a doll quilt for her older sister for Christmas.

Jenny said...

My next "quilt" will be a single New York beauty block to hang on the wall in my office :) What a great giveaway!

kris said...

My new quilt is Tula pink's anchor quilt and I love your rainbow version!!!

Tamie said...

I'm working on a Swoon, slowly but surely.

Kelli said...

I've got two quilts I really want to start: A triangle quilt for me & a Pow Wow for my oldest. With the holidays nearing, who knows if I'll even get to cut into some fabric for these projects.

Tennjenny said...

I looooove your Hanging Around. Gorgeous! My next project is a lil fall mini quilt for a surprise gift.

Carla G said...

I have a quilt to make for my son - he's already picked the pattern. And I want to make a spider web quilt. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

Debbie said...

What a great quilt! Love the colors on the black & white! I'm working on a "slice and insert" improv quilt...

Sabrina said...

I found a quilt in a book that I'm dying to make! It is a giant star in a star in a star.

Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts said...

I don't know what my next quilt is going to be... I have a pile of ninja fabric to use for my sister's baby quilt and I have no idea what pattern to use!

Vera said...

Beautiful version! I would like to make color wheel quilt. It's on my list for a long time. Thx.

Cille said...

I just finished the Roundhouse top. Next quilt in the works is a new quilt for my oldest son - much needed in his opinion :)

YOur latest rainbow is looking great - what a clever design!

Ella and Nesta said...

I love the Hanging around pattern and the two versions. I have been wanting to make a doll quilt for a while now and have seen a very cute pattern... I'll have to make two though because I have two daughters!

Sue H said...

I'm making a modern Flying Geese next for a baby boy but now I have seen the Hanging Around quilt I have to make one of those, may be for my yoga teacher's baby which is due next month. Thanks for the chance.

Julie in GA said...

I love your rainbow quilt!
Time for me to get going on some Christmas gifts. Up first are some placemats.

Dana Gaffney said...

I'm trying to get two done, one is for the local animal rescue fundraiser, which is fun and cute. The other is a baby quilt request in a hunter's star pattern. Thanks.

Jennifer Boes said...

Love the rainbow version of "Hanging Around" ... particularly the black and white random background ... looks so effortless, random, and casually effective!

My next quilt is for my daughter's 21st birthday - she designed the pattern, and the fabric just came for me to start sewing - a lovely plus quilt in Michael Miller white with citron pluses, and a touch of fabric she printed herself. Can't wait!

Heather B said...

I'm working on my Favorite things of Fall quilt. I need to find a few more patterns. Any chance you know of a hoodie paper pieced pattern?

audrey said...

This quilt is so cute! Love it!

Next on my list...wow. Not sure I've gotten that far. I have another baby quilt to get started. Too many babies! :)

Anonymous said...

Lots of little ones joining the family soon, likely another baby quilt, but the tree skirt is lovely may have to give that a go

Cheryl said...

Those quilts are so cute! I have a bunch of baby quilts to make as I have two sister-in-laws that are pregant.

Gill said...

I'd love my next quilt to be a rainbow version of Hanging Around!!

KristyLou said...

I need to finish quilts! but I would love to do a scrappy postage stamp quilt soon.

Laurel09 said...

My next quilt is a wonky star quilt with stars of three different sizes... it will be my first time assembling a quilt from different sized blocks, so should be a fun challenge!

Nupur said...

The next quilt on my to-make list is a challenge quilt with the theme "Foreign Country". I have the design in my head, now I just have to execute it :)

QuiltingRage said...

Im wanting to make a Christmas tree skirt! I can never find the perfect one at the store.

Unknown said...

Your rainbow Hanging around is gorgeous...will be added to my long list of need to makes. Next on my list is a Swoon Quilt using traditional South African fabrics!

Fran said...

My next quilt will be a pattern by Elizabeth Hartman called Avalon. The original quilt used the Avalon fabric line by JayCyn for Birch Fabrics & I've collected the same prints & will use them in the quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.

Georgi said...

Next quilts up for me are actually Christmas Tree Skirts for my 4 daughters. I LOVE the pattern in Simply Modern Christmas! Thanks for the chance ~ fingers crossed!

Carla said...

My next start will be another bee quilt. My turn soon ; )

Elizabeth said...

I have two quilts to finish - one double wedding ring, and one St. Louis 16 Patch. The quilt I'll start once those are done? A Round and Round quilt for a Christmas Present!

wonderlandbyalyce said...

I'm working on a quilt for my daughter using a wonky 9 patch pattern. Thanks!

Beth said...

I really want to start a strings scrap quilt. Great quilt in those colors.

Beth said...

I really want to start a strings scrap quilt. Great quilt in those colors.

Bemmanator said...

I have a couple of simple patchwork quilts to sew together. I've found that I love the speed that they go together and that they are so classic!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

Have to start working on Christmas quilts if I want to give them this year.

Katie B said...

This book looks like a lot of fun! I LOVE the quilt you made for Kelly!

I'm really wanting to make a Hashtag quilt from Camille Roskelly's pattern!

Yvonne Campbell said...

I love that quilt top! Lucky Kelly! I am going to have to get this book.

Brynn said...

My next quilt is a baby quilt using V & Co's Houndstooth pattern. Somewhere on the to-sew list is your Treasure Box pattern for my family room :)

Pinspot said...

HOly cow, I love your quilt. Love love love the Flight print in the center. Adore it.
My next project is a quilt to donate to Margaret's Hope Chest. And I need a good zipper pouch tutorial. Thanks for the chance.

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna try a swoon quilt in Tule. I love your quilt.

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna try a swoon quilt in Tule. I love your quilt.

Anonymous said...

HELLO,first I want to tell you how adorable the little green+white table topper is>Adorable! I want to make one similar soon! Thank YOU for sharing a neat giveaway!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

Love this book - especially the Argyle quilt!

I'm just getting ready to start Christa's Modern Trees quilt along and then I want to make a SCUBA diving themed quilt.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I have no clue what will be my next project, but I sure love the green hanging around.

Kim said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! I'm going to quilting my daughter's quilt. There are no plans for new quilts until all of my UFOs are don't.

Deb said...

I don't know what I'm going to be doing for my next project. We just had a new bed delivered today, so I'm thinking a new quilt for me and my husband.

Tiffany said...

I love your rainbow version, though the original is terrific also.

Next on my quilty list, I have xplus blocks from a bee I was in that I want to sew up into a flimsy and hopefully bust out so I can cuddle with it soon! :D

barbara woods said...

I am making a christmas quilt for our bed, thanks for the chance

Deb said...

Well, now that tree skirt just got bumped up to near the top of my list! I have a few sets of blocks that need to be made into quilts, so that's next on my list. This book looks great - thanks for the chance!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I saw your version before I received the book in the mail yesterday. I really like the book a lot. I was surprised I hadn't found Cindy somewhere before, but I have already poked around her blog, and started following her at all the usual places. Nice review.

Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...

Currently I am working on a quilt made up of blocks received from my quilt guild's members. Blocks are various stars! The next will be a baseball t-shirt and after that one a quilt basically using yellow fabric. I haven't chosen the pattern yet. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Ire alas love the star quilt. Definitely the fabric makes that quilt sing!

supersara20 said...

My next quit is going to be a postage stamp quilt.

Laura said...

I love that pattern - would love to give that one a go! thanks for the chance.

Emma said...

LOVE your rainbow version, so beautiful. The black & white birds (?) in the middle are so cool. Thanks for reviewing the book, I have a whole stack of Christmas fabric waiting to be made into a family quilt (hopefully this year).

Kathy MacKie said...

After seeing this book I think I need to make Peppermint Float, it's just gorgeous and oh yes, I would need the same fabric too, sigh!

Deb said...

Really like your rainbow version. I'm planning a quilt made out of the midwinter red Minick & Simpson fabric, can't wait to get started!

M.W. said...

My next project is something for the holiday. Hopefully I get it done before the holidays are over
Shawn

Marci Girl said...

My next project that I just started but haven't really gotten into is a One Block Wonder quilt!

Unknown said...

I want to make special Christmas quilts for my granddaughters so each will have their own quilt at Christmas when they stay. It makes the "sleep over" extra special!!!

Hilary said...

My next quilt is Swoon :) I have a FQ bundle of Lizzy House Constellations and I can't wait to put it together!

Carol said...

What could be better than a quick Christmas quilt?

Christine S said...

This book looks great and it's good to know it has patterns for us kinda new to quilting people :) My next quilt is a baby patchwork, along with bumpers, skirt, curtains and an owl softie. Found your blog through this book review link and love it!

Betsy said...

I am getting ready to start a pumpkin mat for fall. Thanks for the chance

Sallie said...

Next up is my round robin quilt. Thanks for the giveaway!

Christine said...

What a lovely give-away. Thanks. My next quilt will be a bed quilt for my soon-to-be 8 yr old grandson, right after I finish the current one for his twin sister.

Cloud CouCou said...

Great book and love your rainbow version, I'm planning on making something to keep me warm when the cold weather starts!

SarahZ said...

I LOVE your rainbow hanging around quilt!!! In fact your Treasure Boxes quilt is next on my to make list...I have the Honey Honey charm packs in hand and all the white squares cut up! Very excited to make it! This book looks great...thanks for the review and the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the opportunity - my next quilt is a really simple Christmas one, but I'd like the one after that to be that beautiful wreath hanging! I love your rainbow version for the rest of the year too!

Paula said...

I think my next quilt is a swoon quilt!

Naomi said...

my next quilt is a baby quilt for my sister's best friend who is due in november.

Linda B said...

Oh, I love the quilts! I'd love the e-book. Thanks for the opportunity. I'd make the quilt with the geese.

Cecilia said...

I want to make a quilt for a young friend, who is a missionary in China. I will be using the Mama Said Sew collection since she lives red, white, and black and text fabrics. I just have to decide on a pattern. I would love some suggestions. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book, the quilts look great,

Emily said...

I love the Hanging Around quilt! It's such a great idea - very modern :)

Jane said...

Love this book. Definitely on my wish list. My next quilt is Christmas at the Lake.

Denise in PA said...

This looks like a great book - thanks for the review and the chance to win! As it's getting to be that time of year, my next quilt is a Christmas gift - making a quilt out of Twelve Days of Christmas embroidery blocks that my cousin made to give to her daughter. I think it's going to be beautiful!

Heather A said...

I especially love that while the books provides Christmas-themed inspiration, the ideas can just as easily be used in non-theme ways.

I'm eager to get started on my first quilt for my grown daughter. It's going to be a granny squares quilt using vintage fabric scraps from clothing made by her grandmother and great grandmothers. I HOPE it looks as fantastic in real life as I imagine in my head.

Violet said...

I'm sloooowly collecting fabrics for a maple leaf quilt. Hopefully I'll have it done by next fall... In the meantime, there's plenty of baby quilts and small Christmas gifts to keep me busy!

Julie S said...

I have a rather lofty goal to make a Christmas quilt for each member of my family (but not for THIS Christmas, oh no...). I love the patterns in this book and I have a large tub of Christmas fabrics just waiting for the right pattern. Meanwhile, I am collecting a bunch of WIPS to work on at two (yes, TWO!) quilt retreats coming up (one in Oct and one in Nov)...can't waith!

Unknown said...

I just did a pearl bracelet quilt done in moda marble swirls and it turned out pretty good but I'm still collecting pearl bracelets I just think it would still be cool to make since I already
have this one on my christmas present list..

Unknown said...

I just did a pearl bracelet quilt done in moda marble swirls and it turned out pretty good but I'm still collecting pearl bracelets I just think it would still be cool to make since I already
have this one on my christmas present list..

Melanie said...

My next quilt is a Mine Craft creeper...definitely cheesy- but my boys want it :). The next one for me is Camille's Hopscotch.

Beth said...

My next quilt is a baby quilt done in soft teal and cream for a co-worker. I have a fondest for the ocean waves pattern so "hanging around" may need to me on the list!!


felice said...

my next quilt is a color fade...inspired by http://www.fromthebluechair.com/2011/08/kona-challenge-pixelated-color-wheel.html

Anonymous said...

In line with the book, I need to make a Christmas tree skirt. Thank you for the chance to win. I can be contacted through my blog at www.missourimel.com.

Ella said...

I'm still trying to make a Marcelle Medallion happen.

Anita said...

My next quilt will be a wall hanging of improv. trees, following Christa's Quilt Along.

Karee said...

LOVE that tree skirt! Need this book, thank you for sharing your favorites.

Joan said...

Lovely quilt! My next quilt will be for the guest room, after I finish my Christmas sewing list. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

Susan said...

I love your rainbow version! My next quilt will be something made from DS fabrics- maybe from this book!!

Mary Ellen said...

I'm finishing a canning jar quilt and my next project is to make an appliqued quilt using some vintage coffin blocks. I've been wanting to learn English paper piecing.

Jo said...

I have many quilts on the go so am trying not to think of the next one! But I would like to make a granny square quilt at some point!

UKMUMINUSA said...

Gosh what a great book, lots of beautiful quilts to choose from, a star quilt is on my to do list. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance to win. I need a pattern for my friends very special birthday.

babiesdoc said...

my in the works project is a pixelated heart
next up hopefully a quilt for me!

Kathryn said...

I'm taking a Nickel Quilt class tomorrow, so that will be my next.

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Your version does look wonderful!

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