Knockout Neutrals: 12 Showstopping Neutral Quilts and Giveaway

Welcome to the "Knockout Neutrals" blog hop to celebrate the release of a new book by Pat Wys.

I hope you enjoy this bog hop, where you'll find insights about this wonderful new book, that SewCalGal recommends as  a "must have" book.  SewCalGal has certainly loves this new book, as well as all things "neutral"...thanks to Pat Wys.

Pat's new book has 12 spectacular designs, each with easy to follow instructions and great visuals. Project sizes range from a 21" 1/2" x 106" 1/2" table runner, a 36" x 18" pillow to a 85" x 103" quilt. 

While all of the designs are such that they'd work great in many color palettes, Pat certainly inspires you to create with neutral fabrics.  There is a special chapter where she shares insights on Value.  And, with every design Pat provides easy to follow instructions for selecting the right yardage and values (medium, darks, lights) to be able to make your own version of the spectacular designs shared in this book.

I've always thought I was a color challenged quilter, but this book helped me realize I had just overlooked the understanding of "values".   I'm now convinced that many of us could pull fabrics from our stash or  buy fabrics, with the insights Pat shares in this book,  to make spectacular quilts or even cute pillows!

But as I love shopping, I did go out and search several online quilting sites, as well as physical stores,  to see what they had for fabric "bundles" as well as yardage using designs from this wonderful new book.   The exercise made me realize how I (and others) have been so caught up in brights, batiks and what I think of as vibrant prints. While I still love bright colors, there is something very soothing in Pat's approach to neutrals.   But, I think many quilt shops (including online stores) could benefit from creating more fabric bundles of neutrals, even bundles that include a copy of "Knockout Neutrals".  While I've loved brights for many years, something tells me soothing neutrals will be what the fabric choices for quilters that want to make projects that will be treasured through many generations.

Neutrals are welcoming, they are enduring, they are beautiful.  And, they are colors that last for generations.  So, why is it I found difficulty finding pre-cut fabric bundles for neutrals?  Hint - this is an opportunity for quilt stores to create some spectacular fabric bundles of neutrals using insights that Pat shares in this new book. Even better, create some kits and bundle with this new book!    After all, who wouldn't want to create projecs using designs shared in this book with "Pat Wys" approved fabric bundles.....and matching threads too!   I'd be one of the first to sign up to order such fabric bundles and ideally neutral thread bundles too!

But, I'm not worried if quilt shops are not currently bundling fabrics to work with quilter that want to create quilts with neutral colors.   Pat shares insights in her book that will help you fnd fabrics in your stash,or local quilt shop or favorite fabric shop.  And she shares insights on yardage requirements that you'll need for all of her project.  SewCalGal just seens an opportunity for quilt shops to bundle neutral fabrics that could also be useful for creating the wonderful projects in this book, as well as many other projects.  After all, don't we all deserve a neutral environment where we can relax and enjoy ? 

Pat Wys is hosting a blog hop to celebrate the launch of her new book "Knockout Neutrals".  At each stop in this hop you'll have a chance to win a copy of this "must have" new book plus a bonus prize that includes a spool of Aurifil Thread and "Knockout Bundle" of 15 fat quarters (5 dark value, 5 medium value and 5 light value).  Here is the lineup:

Monday November 4: Kathy Brown/The Teachers Pet

Tuesday November 5: Sew Cal Gal

Wednesday November 6: Pat Sloan/ The Voice of Quilting

Thursday November 7: Gail Pan/Gail Pan Designs

Friday November 8: Jackie Kunkel/Canton Village Quilt Works

Did I Mention A Giveaway ?

To celebrate the release of this new book, Pat Wys is sponsoring an amazing giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of "Knockout Neutrals", signed by Pat Wys, a spool of Aurifil thread (neutral of course) and a “Knockout Bundle” of 15 fat quarters ( 5 dark value, 5 medium value and 5 light value) to help kick start you make any project in this wonderful new book.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post to share insights on your experience or interest in making quilts, or other projects, using neutrals!

SewCaGal will randomly select a winner on November 11th and send them an email to let them know they are a winner. This post will also be updated, when the email is set out to announce the winner.

And, I also want to heighten awareness that Pat is also "sweeting the pot" with a surprise giveaway on her blog.  Simply visit her blog and comment on her daily posts, during this blog hop for a daily entry to her special giveaway.  She'll randomly select an announce that winner on her blog next week.


Update on Winner:



The magical random number generator selected "Fiesta".  


Congratulations to Fiesta. I've sent her an email, but if she doesn't want this prize I'll draw another winner.  LOL!