Pick Four: Final Destination!

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Hello! Well those of you following QuiltSue's blog hop have reached your final destination in Yorkshire, England. We're now just a few miles away from where Sue lives and around 70 miles from Trudi's home in Lincoln. It's appropriate that you've arrived from Lincoln because that's where I lived and where my daughter was born before we moved here! I'm sure Sue will be telling you a few interesting facts about this wonderful county but for now help yourself to a slice of Yorkshire curd tart and a cuppa or 'brew' and let me tell you a little more about how I know Sue.

Sue and I first met at our local quilt group 'Tuesday Quilters'. I find it hard to keep track of dates so can't tell you exactly when that was but I have found one or two photos on my computer which give some clues.

Can you spot her? Although she is trying hard to lurk in the shadows I'm pretty sure it's Sue at the back in the pink jumper. The computer has dated this 2004 when our group was showing off quilts made for Project Linus. Moving forward Sue volunteered for the committee and did a magnificent job organising our exhibition in 2005:

Even then she was designing patterns and had created a mystery quilt which lots of our members made and these were on display. How may fabrics do you think Sue used in this quilt? Here's her quilt in red, gold and cream - only three fabrics!

The mystery quilt was published in a British  quilting magazine. Only the other day someone at the group was remembering a quiz which Sue entertained us with too. She really is a multi-talented lady and very generous. She is largely responsible for getting me into blogging and buying an Accuquilt Go so she has a lot to answer for! It's always good to meet up with Sue  - she is just as funny in real life as in her blog posts.

Now onto Sue's book 'Pick Four' which shows how to make stunning quilts with a maximum of only 4 fabrics. I was so excited when my copy arrived in the post and like other bloggers on this hop flicked through to see all the projects. There are 12 lovely quilt patterns and all are beautifully photographed. 

There really is something for everyone here from complete beginners to more experienced quilters wanting a bit of a challenge. When I read the text I cold hear Sue speaking to me personally with her usual  humour shining through. The section on choosing colours is so helpful and the pattern instructions are very clear and logically set out. 

One thing I look for in a quilt pattern is illustration. Being a visual learner I think pictures really do speak a thousand words and Sue has used diagrams to show exactly how the patches and blocks go together. She also uses arrows on the diagrams to show which way to press the seams which will make a huge difference to accuracy and ease of sewing seams.

Throughout the book Sue uses up to the minute quick piecing techniques. I've seen many quilts made from the split nine patch method of making a block then cutting it into four and rearranging. Sue has done a similar thing with a churn dash block for this Rickrack quilt - I love it!

For each of the quilt projects Sue also provides alternative colourways and also gives suggestions for quilting. I truthfully can't think of anything Sue has missed out! I will definitely be recommending this book to my students.

I'm sure you would love to own a copy of 'Pick Four' and here is how you can win a copy signed by Sue herself: just leave a comment  below to go into the draw - simples!. If you are a follower of this blog or become a follower and mention this in your comment you will get a second chance. I'll draw the winner on Monday morning so you only have the weekend to join in. Remember to visit all the other blog hop venues for more chances to win. If you're unlucky this time 'Pick Four' will be available from quilt stores, online book sellers and Martingale

Good Luck everyone!

This Giveaway is now closed