Freestyle color collage quilting A unique method for creating bold designs with fabric

In this vibrant debut manual, Mul, founder of the quilt retailer Webfabrics, shows how to design quilted collages without using written patterns. She recommends using cotton fabric scraps, explaining that other materials may create uneven thickness across the finished piece. Noting that it takes approximately 600 to 700 scraps to make a 42-inch collage quilt, Mul encourages readers to organize pieces into six categories that will determine how they're used. For instance, fabrics featuring ready-to-cut shapes like floral patterns or geometric formations should be grouped together as "leaders" and will serve as focal points, while tonal fabrics with less distinct visual elements should be collected as "followers" that primarily highlight the impact of "leader" pieces. Mul outlines principles for arranging the scraps, suggesting readers might create "paths" that guide where viewers look by placing two leader pieces as anchors and filling in the space between them with scraps that gradually transition from the first piece's color to the second piece's. When transitioning between colors, Mul advises readers to employ "connector" fabric pieces that feature both hues. Photos of Mul's impressive quilts illustrate the myriad possibilities of this free-form take on the craft. Experienced quilters will appreciate the opportunity to flex their creative muscles. (Feb.)