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carolyn friedlander

carolyn friedlander

fabric and pattern designer

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Natalie Barnes Blog Tour + a giveaway

March 8, 2015 by carolyn friedlander 97 Comments

To be honest, I’m not totally sure when I met Natalie Barnes, but it was sometime within the last few years at Quilt Market. Natalie has such an easy-going and sincere personality that it’s very easy to feel like you’ve known her forever. So when she asked me to participate in her blog tour for her new book, A Modern Twist: Create Quilts with a Colorful Spin, I happily agreed. This is Natalie’s first book, and it’s an honor to have been asked to celebrate that with her. As part of the tour, Natalie invited us to pick a category from her book (color, contrast or composition) to talk about, and I happily chose COLOR.

Color is so fun.
kona cotton color play_carolyn friedlander
I play with it often with my fabric…
carolyn friedlander fabric
And also in my quilts…
focal and stripes quilts_carolyn friedlander
We play with it in my classes.
Aerial Grove at Road to California_carolyn friedlander
And so, I eagerly picked that.
True to Natalie’s own personality, she explores working with color in her book with comfort, sincerity, and enthusiasm. I like that the guidance she offers her readers is constructive but not intimidating.
A Modern Twist_Natalie Barnes
photo by Brent Kane
The quote that she chose to introduce her color section is perfect. It’s from Henri Matisse–“A thimble of red is redder than a bucketful.” This is a thoughtful way to get you thinking about not only the color itself but how you use it. I really liked how Natalie interprets that quote and source of inspiration in this project.
A Modern Twist_2_Natalie Barnes
photo by Brent Kane
Her other projects explore color in the same, fun and approachable way as well. (Plus you can drool over the stunning quilting by Angela Walters…who also wrote a fantastic introduction in the book.)
A Modern Twist_3_Natalie Barnes
photo by Brent Kane
A Modern Twist_4_Natalie Barnes
photo by Brent Kane
Congratulations to Natalie on your lovely new book!
Visit these other folks participating in the tour.
..
02 March – Victoria Findlay Wolfe + CONTRAST
Victoria Findlay Wolfe
..
03 March – Teri Lucas + COLOR
Generation Q Magazine
..
04 March – Julie Herman + COMPOSITION
Jaybird Quilts
..
05 March – Jenny Wilding Cardon + COLOR
Martingale
..
06 March – Rose Hughes + COLOR
Rose Hughes
..
07 March – Amy Smart  + CONTRAST
Amy Smart
..
08 March – Carolyn Friedlander + COLOR
Carolyn Friedlander
..
09 March – Latifah Saafir + COMPOSITION
Latifah Saafir Studios
..
Leave a comment to be entered to win either a signed hard copy of her book (if you are in the US) or an ebook (if you are International). A winner will be randomly selected on March 15, 2015.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marie says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:26 am

    What a lovely site you have.

    Reply
  2. Betsy says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:55 am

    I love the variety of patterns in this book. Not only do they look modern but scrap friendly too!

    Reply
  3. Rosalind Gutierrez says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:57 am

    Luv the circle quilt pattern and color scheme.

    Reply
  4. Ann D says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:00 am

    I’ve been reading the other blogs for this hop and I have enjoyed the advise given. Thanks for participating. I’m glad I have a chance to win the book.

    Reply
  5. Camille says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I love that this quilting book teaches about the important aspects of color, composition, scale, etc. These are all areas I could use help in as I’m choosing fabrics for my projects. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Patricia Cash says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:13 am

    I would love to win this book!

    Reply
  7. Lindsay says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Fun! I find myself playing with color in my quilts as well.

    Reply
  8. Joanne says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:34 am

    I am a huge fan of auditioning my colors and patterns.
    Thank you for the inspiring photos…love the stitch details!

    Reply
  9. Kathryn says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:51 am

    I’ve seen this book mentioned in other blogs and I’m really looking forward to thumbing through it….hope I win 🙂

    Reply
  10. Joan says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:58 am

    The book looks awesome!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Lila says

    March 8, 2015 at 11:19 am

    the three c’s make a quilt sing.

    Reply
  12. Susan K says

    March 8, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    I love the quote about red. I feel the same about orange. Just a little can speak volumes when used right.

    Reply
  13. Michele says

    March 8, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I truly love the inspiring people that share their love of quilting.

    Reply
  14. Anita says

    March 8, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    This book looks awesome, so many good looking quilts for inspiration!

    Reply
  15. Dionne Matthies-Buban says

    March 8, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    Congratulations to Natalie!

    Reply
  16. Cheryl says

    March 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Lovely book!

    Reply
  17. Nancy Angerer says

    March 8, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    The books like it would be a good book to have. I have been enjoying seeing the pictures.

    Reply
  18. Karen says

    March 8, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    What a great book and a great quote by Matisse! I had never heard that before!

    Reply
  19. Gina says

    March 8, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    A great book

    Reply
  20. Julie in GA says

    March 8, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    I love that Matisse quote–so true! I would love to win this book and learn Natalie’s quilt design secrets. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  21. Sequana says

    March 8, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    Win it or not, I must get my hands on this book. Just your small samples are enough to make me realize that.

    Reply
  22. Carrie P. says

    March 8, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    I am lovin’ all those quilts. thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  23. Lisa E says

    March 8, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I really love the bed quilt. I think it would look great in my daughter’s bedroom.

    Reply
  24. LINDA says

    March 8, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    HELLO, Thank You for sharing THIS NEAT BOOK!
    WOULD LOVE TO OWN A COPY!

    Reply
  25. Janey says

    March 8, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    At first glance I thought the Circles design was my first pick. Now I think I like all of them. Would love a copy of this book so I can harass my stash!

    Reply
  26. Shawna says

    March 8, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    I am ready to start. love the color, contrast and composition

    Reply
  27. Cecilia says

    March 8, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    This book looks like a great resource for color and I love the circle quilt. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    Reply
  28. Susan says

    March 8, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    I love the way you and Natalie use color. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  29. Anna Lutz-Brown says

    March 8, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    ty for your ideas ….You can learn alot from blog hops at least i have tytyty again for sharing….

    Reply
  30. kim schorer says

    March 8, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    How fortunate we are to be able to follow this book blog tour celebrating Natalie’s book! I have so enjoyed it. I love all the artists participating, so much creativity! I definitely will purchase her book if I don’t win it! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  31. Kathie L says

    March 8, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    There are a ton of great ideas in this book. a real winner.

    Reply
  32. sandy coggins says

    March 8, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    love all the colors and ideas.. what a great book to have

    Reply
  33. Michelle says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    Thanks Carolyn. I found these pictures and your advice inspiring – tons of ideas already!

    Reply
  34. Annette W. says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Beginner quilter here and this book looks absolutely amazing!

    Reply
  35. Diane says

    March 8, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    Would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  36. ana conceicao says

    March 9, 2015 at 12:18 am

    Love the concept behind this book!!

    Reply
  37. Sandra says

    March 9, 2015 at 12:49 am

    This looks like a great book. I mean, look at the cover. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  38. Laura Tawney says

    March 9, 2015 at 1:26 am

    I love color as well. I really love the way you used color in the Bartow quilt and then also in the reversible couch cushions. BTW did you use a batting in between the layers when you made the fabric for the cushions? I would love the book by Natalie – I’m especially drawn to the table runner on the front cover!
    Thanks, LauraT

    Reply
  39. Amber says

    March 9, 2015 at 1:56 am

    Oh yes please! This book looks amazing! I just got yours Carolyn and I am loving it!

    Reply
  40. Judith Poore says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Fantastic and inspiring ideas! I would love to use this book. Thank you.

    Reply
  41. Meg Tison says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Love all the beautiful colors!

    Reply
  42. Dianne says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Color. Probably one of the hardest things for me to understand. Looks like a really nice book.

    Dianne

    Reply
  43. Donna Joy says

    March 9, 2015 at 10:31 am

    This looks like an amazing book to have. It is like she is giving us permission to use color, textures, and contrast in ways we never thought we were allowed to.
    Thanks for giveaway.

    Reply
  44. kathy pfaltzgraff says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:10 am

    thanks for your comments on color, and how a thimbleful may be just enough, but in a monochromatic challenge I don’t know where to put the thimbleful!! Thanks for the good work, Kathy in Colo

    Reply
  45. Lori Morton says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:54 am

    Your review is so nice…and helpful too! I would LOOOVE to win her Book! Thanks for the chance! 🙂

    Reply
  46. Karen says

    March 9, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    As a beginner, I’m really hesitant to try bright colors. Carolyn, thanks so much for some very encouraging ideas!

    Reply
  47. Tamie says

    March 9, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    Love the quote about the thimble full of red!

    Reply
  48. Andee McKenica says

    March 9, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Agreed – color is everything. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

    Reply
  49. Gill says

    March 9, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I love the circles quilt!

    Reply
  50. Sarah J. says

    March 9, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    I can’t wait to get this book in my hands- I have so much to learn!

    Reply
  51. Carol Womack says

    March 9, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    I look forward to reading what Natalie has to say about color. I love when a really bright green is toned down by a patterned fabric that has a similar green.

    Reply
  52. Kat Scott says

    March 9, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Always love to explore new ideas! Thanks for participating.

    Reply
  53. Leandra Grigsby says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Hello Carolyn!!!!

    I’d LOVE to have this book — so many of my favs in there!! Hope to see ya in Lakeland sometime!

    Leandra

    Reply
  54. Mary Ann says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    Love the projects and the quilting in this book.

    Reply
  55. Carol says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    I think I really need this book.

    Reply
  56. Jocelyn says

    March 9, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    This book looks so exciting! Love all the flash of color. Thanks!

    Reply
  57. Annette S says

    March 9, 2015 at 10:14 pm

    Like the topics this book addresses. I can use some insight when starting another quilt. Thanks for a chance.

    Reply
  58. Nancy says

    March 9, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    What a great variety of quilts in this book. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  59. Beth T. says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:50 pm

    What a lovely review of a beautiful book, one that is already giving me a lot to think about and inspiring me to get busy creating.

    Reply
  60. Susan Stanton says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:24 am

    The quilts that you showed us are lovely and colorful. Natalie’s book looks like a winner!

    Reply
  61. Dottie says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:52 am

    Love the use of color in the quilts.

    Reply
  62. Jayne Willis says

    March 10, 2015 at 8:27 am

    What an amazing book! Beautiful color and each is a standout!

    Reply
  63. mary ellen peterson says

    March 10, 2015 at 8:32 am

    i love all color combos, the brighter the better. i struggle understanding the color wheel, it’s like math to me, my brain freezes!!! i do love that bight pink, purchased a few yards yesterday. along with bright greens, turquoises, and oranges! i’m stepping into the modern quilt world, one toe at a time.

    Reply
  64. Sophie says

    March 10, 2015 at 8:54 am

    All the supporters of this new book make it feel like something to definitely check out.

    Reply
  65. Sandra says

    March 10, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Thank you for the wonderful review of this book. I definitely want to pick up this book.

    Reply
  66. Lisa Marie says

    March 10, 2015 at 9:21 am

    This looks like a great book, thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  67. Karen in Breezy Point says

    March 10, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Looks like such a fun book–I love that the quilting is featured too!

    Reply
  68. Donna Murdock says

    March 10, 2015 at 10:26 am

    Thank you for this give away. The book looks wonderful. I love what I have seen so far.

    Reply
  69. Hilary Florence says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Looks like an instructive and inspiring book

    Reply
  70. sallee says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    On a color high when I read your review!

    Reply
  71. Tracy in SW WA says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    The Matisse quote is perfect. I don’t know that I’ve heard it before, but it reflects my approach perfectly!

    Reply
  72. nancie b says

    March 10, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Love the vibrant colors on the the book’s cover, so warm and exciting. (can you tell I’m tired of looking at piles of snow?) My favorite photo was the one sorting cut squares. I could play for hours!! Would love to see how they turned out.

    Reply
  73. Allison CB says

    March 10, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    Love the photos – so inspiring!!!

    Reply
  74. janet moilanen says

    March 10, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    So much to learn! Love the quote!

    Reply
  75. Jan Briggs says

    March 10, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    The selection of pictures used in your post is phenomenal. I appreciate how you related the Matisse quote to your readers,I had not thought of color in that way, but it is very true. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  76. apple blossom says

    March 10, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    I love color thanks for sharing today

    Reply
  77. Paula Coleman says

    March 10, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    I love all colors – Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

    Reply
  78. Diane B says

    March 10, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    Carolyn, I enjoy Beyond the Reef Blog so I know I’d love the book too. Bright colors are me and the Henri Matisse quote holds so true in quilting. Thank you for sharing your insight.

    Reply
  79. Karen O. says

    March 10, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    Love the circle quilt! Thanks for sharing the book and the opportunity to win a copy!

    Reply
  80. Pamela R says

    March 11, 2015 at 12:17 am

    Yes color is really the fun part! Thks.

    Reply
  81. charlotte m. says

    March 11, 2015 at 5:01 am

    Wonderful post. This looks like a great new book, and we can’t learn enough about color in our quilts.

    Reply
  82. Maureen says

    March 11, 2015 at 5:49 am

    would love the book

    Reply
  83. Deb says

    March 11, 2015 at 8:34 am

    I love the thimble full of red quote. Very interesting and I agree. Plus, I love the color red and I love all the quilts I’ve seen from her book. Would love to win!

    Reply
  84. QuiltSue says

    March 11, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    i need this book to be on my bookshelf, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

    Reply
  85. Sarah says

    March 11, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    This book sounds as amazing as the quilts in it! Thanks for the review.

    Reply
  86. jackie carpenter says

    March 11, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    The endless possibilities of color can make quilting both a thrill and a daunting task! Sometimes I will choose a color that I don’t care for AT ALL and challenge myself to make-it-work; I’ve actually found some new favorites this way.

    Reply
  87. Gene Black says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:24 am

    I love the circle quilt.

    Reply
  88. Shiloh says

    March 12, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I love that quote by Matisse. This book sounds delightful and I am intrigued by her perspective on color and quilts.

    Reply
  89. LYNn says

    March 12, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Love reading the reviews – think I am about ready to break out of my “traditional” shell and try something modern.

    Reply
  90. Susan S says

    March 12, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    How lucky am I that I found this blog hop book review. I love the comment about red. Thank you!

    Reply
  91. Kylie says

    March 13, 2015 at 12:16 am

    I love that Matisse quote. I also love your fabrics. Here’s a fun pattern I’m working on with your Botanics line: http://www.quiltitbaby.com/2015/02/wip-wednesday-diamond-color-blocks.html

    Reply
  92. Veronika says

    March 13, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    This book looks so great! Fingers crossed ***

    Reply
  93. laura says

    March 13, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    would love to win this!

    Reply
  94. Nicole Sender says

    March 13, 2015 at 10:14 pm

    Modern Twist looks like a fun book to use for inspiration!

    Reply
  95. Aunt Marti says

    March 14, 2015 at 8:43 am

    Such a fun book — color! more color! (and BTW, Casablanca is in B/W)

    Reply
  96. Rachel D says

    March 14, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I bet your classes are a lot of fun playing with color! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

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