Simply Modern Christmas Book Review and My Version of "Joy"

Cindy Lammon has a beautiful new book "Simply Modern Christmas" full of lovely and cheerful projects. She asked me to review her book and how could I refuse. I am a big fan of hers and her blog Hyacinth Quilt Designs.

I chose to make her quilt properly named "Joy." The instructions were very clear and the cutting requirements are specifically for using fat quarters making it easy to plan a quilt from fat quarter bundles.

Prepare for a little picture overload...

This quilt is a good size finishing at 68" by 82". The pattern uses a large print for the border and large blocks in the center. For my large print, I chose the fabric Paint by Number Birds in Sky from the collection Lush Uptown by Erin Michael for Moda.

Along with an assortment of other fabrics, some of which are from the Lush Uptown collection.

I used the Paint By Number Birds in Unpainted for a portion of the back along with Robert Kaufman Kona cotton in Snow.

Just a few more pictures of the blocks...

Deciding on the arrangement of fabrics is the hardest part. It takes me forever to make up my mind... I keep arranging and rearranging. It is hard to know when to stop.

Another one of my favorite quilts in her book is "Garden Lattice." I almost made this one. It was such a tough call. I love how she made this quilt with non-Christmas fabrics and used unconventional Christmas colors. Most of the fabrics are Amy Butler prints. You could use it any time of the year, but it would also be a beautiful addition to your holiday decorations.

I love the idea of a holiday quilt that can be used all year long. That way it doesn't spend any time stuffed in a box waiting for the next holiday to come around.

Most of the projects in her book are very versatile and can be made as Christmas or every day quilts. There are also a few projects specifically for Christmas such as a very modern Christmas tree skirt and Christmas stockings.
Cindy has made various versions of many of the quilts from her book and shares them on her blog, Hyacinth Quilt Designs. Stop by and check them out.

Just a few more details on my version...

The binding is Sewing Guide from the Mama Said Sew collection by Moda. I LOVE this fabric for the binding! I think it fits the paint by number scheme perfectly. I think I may have squealed a time or two when choosing the fabric for the binding, when I was sewing the binding on, and when the quilt was finished.

I was going for a "quilt to snuggle up with while reading a book" look. I think I achieved it.

I love this pattern! Last look of the overall front and back...

Cindy is offering you the chance to win a Simply Modern Christmas ebook. The giveaway is now closed.
All you have to do is leave a comment. If you are a noreply blogger, you will not be elegible because I will have no way to reach you. Feel free to leave any comment, but for fun, tell me if you prefer a Christmas quilt that is strictly made with Christmas fabrics or one that is a little more unconventional. The giveaway will close at noon (Central Time) on Monday, Sept. 30th. Be sure to enter to win!
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Thank you for all the entries! Using the random number generator, the winner of the Simply Modern Christmas ebook is...
~Kelie~September 28, 2013 at 7:55 AM I definitely prefer unconventional fabrics and color schemes! Ur quilt is gorgeous!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Congratulations Kelie! Cindy will be contacting you with your copy. Thank you Cindy for the great giveaway!
Have a great day! Candace