"If you've ever thought, for even a moment, that you'd like to explore improvisational piecing techniques, then this is a must-have book for you. And, if you haven't thought about exploring improvisation, then this book is still for you. Why? Because it is so crammed full of eye-candy that you'll wonder why you haven't yet played with this process." - "Malka Dubrawsky, author, Fresh Quilting" "Jacquie and Katie are right up there as two of my favorite quilters and bloggers. This book is absolutely gorgeous, right down to how it feels in your hand (something I find weirdly important!)." - "Ashley Newcomb, FilmintheFridge.com" "What we really like about this book is this duo's deep respect for traditional quiltmaking and their oh-so-true advice to master the foundational techniques for making quilts in order to better manipulate them for your improvisational masterpieces." - "Generation Q magazine" "When it comes to modern quilting, I have a whole lotta opinions! I feel pretty strongly that it's a specifically definable aesthetic movement. I think that modern quilting is waaaay more about design than it is about using a specific a line of fabric or currently on trend color combos. And in my opinion, this book, is really and truly an example of modern quilting. - "Alissa Haight Carlton, author, Modern Minimal and Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee" "Jacquie and Katie are two women who I so greatly admire and am in awe of. Both of them in their own way have sparked a flame in me like only a few others have." - "Monica Solorio-Snow, TheHappyZombie.com" "Page after page of gorgeous quilty goodness." - "Rashida Coleman-Hale, author, I Love Patchwork and Zakka Style" "It's fabulous! Thoughtful and approachable instructions for a variety of improvisationally-pieced quilt projects." - "Elizabeth Hartmann, author Modern Patchwork and The Practical Guide to Patchwork" "I really cannot recommend this book enough... for me it This book, written by two quilters who have embraced the modern quilting movement, looks at how to move beyond the traditional quilting blocks and designs and improvise to modernise them. The Interweave books are very often great value for money, packed with a lot of techniques and projects, and this does not disappoint. There are sections on basic tools and selecting colour and there are comprehensive chapters on all practical aspects of quilt making (from ironing seams to backing, quilting and binding). There are good, clear diagrams in these sections that make the instructions easy to follow. There is a huge amount of information in the book. The main focus is on improvisation and the different techniques (such as piecing, curves and strip piecing) all have a tutorial at the start. Varying numbers of relevant projects follow on, in which the technique is altered and developed. So there might be a few projects with the Log Cabin block but it has been modified in a way that makes it very fresh and contemporary. This is a great book for those wishing to retain the elements of traditional quilting, but break free from its constraints and create graphic contemporary quilts.-Workshop on the Web

Jacquie Gering serves on the executive board of the National Modern Quilt Guild and is founder of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. She is also a board member of the popular online store and community Sew Mama Sew. Her work has been featured on Apartment Therapy and in Stitch magazine. She frequently speaks to quilters and exhibits her quilts. Katie Pedersen is a founder of the Seattle chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild. She teaches quilting locally and is a featured artist for Amy Butler Software.

Introduction: The Improvisational Path 1. Tools and Materials for the Modern Quilter 2. Quilting Basics: Sew, what do I need to know? 3. Beyond the Crayon Box: Color and design 4. Complete Your Quilt: Backing, quilting, and binding 5. Free Piecing: Technique and projects 6. Improvisational Log Cabin: Technique and projects 7. Slice and Insert: Technique and projects 8. Stitch and Flip Triangle Squares: Technique and projects 9. Strip Piecing: Technique and projects 10. Modern Crazy Piecing: Technique and projects 11. Improvisational Curves: Technique and projects Resources Index