
The latest issue of the Fat Quarterly is out now and for the last few weeks I've been wanting to find the time to sit down and write a post about how much I love this quilting eZine.
The brain child of Katy, Brioni, Tacha, John and Nova, The Fat Quartely is an eZine that is published 4 times a year (hence the clever name). Written by modern sewists for modern sewists, each issue features a mix of patterns and articles that focus on a clean, fresh, vibrant use of fabrics. The sewing projects range from quilts to cushions, but are all linked by the use of modern colourways.

Issue 4 focuses on working with solids and includes more than 15 projects and a number of articles that explore the exciting ways that solids can be used in quilting.
I'm particularly interested in this, because my love of sewing began when I discovered quilting and in particular the quilts of Gees Bend and the Amish. I was particularly drawn to both of their uses of block colours and the resulting simple yet stunning quilts.

These days I tend to lean towards heavily patterned fabrics, but when I see beautiful designs like this sewing machine cover, I realise just how much I miss working with solid colours. And just how much I want to give it a go again.
That's not to say that prints aren't also used in some of the patterns. This quilt pattern shows just how successfully prints and solids can be combined.

The Fat Quarterly is exactly what I've always looked for in a quilting magazine, but have sadly rarely found. It manages to take traditional techniques and give them a fresh new twist and has consistently good features and patterns throughout, without falling in to the trap of filling the pages with the boring colourways and styles that so many people still associate with quilting.
This eZine manages to be both a good read and great inspiration from beginning to end. And if you have any interest in pathwork at all, in all it's forms, then the chances are you will love The Fat Quarterly as much as I do.
The Fat Quarterly can be bought and downloaded from here, where you can also flick through a preview.
I'm really pleased to say though that I'm able to offer a free copy to three readers. All you have to do is leave a comment and on Tuesday 15th the Random Number Generator will pick 3 names, who will all receive a download of issue 4.