Thomas Knauer 'Modern Quilt Perspectives' Blog Tour... And Giveaway!

*** GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED ***

Sum of Interrelations

Ages ago, Thomas had asked for volunteers to make a little applique block each. I'm not the biggest fan of applique -- not because I don't fancy it, but because I think I'm quite shit at it -- but I immediately raised my hand and offered my services. Why? Because it was Thomas. Mr Thomas Knauer.

Split Personality

Thomas is... different. And I mean that in the very nicest way possible. In a world of sameness, he's refreshing. He puts so much thought into something that's so seemingly simple, and emerges with things that just makes you wonder what his brain must be like. He eventually contacted me directly and asked if I'd piece some quilts for him. Umm, DUH. Thomas has challenged me with the quilts he's asked me to piece, and I really love that. They're by no means difficult to the point that they make you homicidal. No. They're just different. And different is good.

Cinderblock

I finally met Thomas in person in Utah at Sewing Summit in 2012. I was carrying the top for Cinderblock (as seen above), and when I spotted him through a crowd, I tapped him on the shoulder, introduced myself, and handed him his quilt top. Then he fell to his knees and thanked me. Oh, Thomas, I knew then we'd get along just fine :)

So, let's talk about this brilliant book this brilliant man wrote. I received an advanced copy of Modern Quilt Perspectives weeks ago, and it hasn't left my desk. It's been at the top of my pile of paperwork because I keep flicking through it in utter awe. And there's a fair bit of mumbling to myself because HOW DID HE DO THIS?!?

I gave Thomas an early review of his book, and I stand by it. I still wish to punch him. A lot. Now more than ever.

In Defense of Handmade

Excess

Quilt after quilt, after quilt, there's meaning behind each one. THAT'S why you write a quilt book. I design a quilt and I can't explain why it exists farther than I thought it'd look cool. Idiot. Thomas gives his quilts meaning because each of them are borne of an ideology or are meant to provoke thought about something bigger than your little corner of the world. I thoroughly enjoy that about him and his work.

Ampersand

But aside from the social commentary, this book is filled with gorgeous quilts. I've already got Ampersand (as seen above) earmarked for when I have the time to do some selfish sewing because the ampersand has special meaning for the hubs and I :)

I'm so proud I got to be a part of this, and I'm always thankful that Thomas trusted me with his babies. But more than that, I'm thankful I get to call this man a friend, because there's really no one like him. Please get yourself a copy, read it from cover to cover, and then repeat. You won't be sorry, I promise. (And if you are, then you've got problems, my friend.)

Here's the complete list of everyone on this epic blog tour:

March 14: Thomas Knauer

March 15: Lisa Sipes 

March 16: Robert Kaufman 

March 17: Victoria Findlay Wolfe 

March 18: Katy Jones 

March 19: Bill Volkening 

March 20: Kelly Biscopink 

March 21: Audrie Bidwell 

March 22: Mary Rachel Kolb 

March 23: Rachael Gander 

March 24: Sew, Mama, Sew 

March 25: Cloth Paper Scissors

March 26: Cheryl Arkinson 

March 27: Quilting Daily 

March 28: Fat Quarterly 

March 29: Pellon/Erin Sampson 

March 30: Sew Modern 

March 31: Rachel May 

April 1: Quilty 

April 2: Amy Smart 

April 3: Quilter's Connection 

April 4: Teresa Coates 

April 5: Generation Q 

April 6: Cloth Paper Scissors

April 7: Sara Lawson 

April 8: Kim Niedzwiecki 

April 9: Rashida Coleman Hale 

April 10: Thomas Knauer 

A copy of Modern Quilt Perspectives is up for grabs, so please leave a comment below (make sure you provide an email with your entry or your entry doesn't count!). The giveaway will run till Monday March 31st. And be sure to visit everyone else on the blog tour so you can enter their giveaways too. Good luck!