37 Sketches by Gwen Marston: A Review and a Giveaway

After seeing my Liberated Habitat quilt, Gwen sent me a copy of her newest book, 37 Sketches to review and give away to one of you. Now that I’ve read it, I’m so jealous you get a chance to win this beautiful and inspiring book!

The first thing I noticed about this book is the beautiful cloth covered binding and the embossed title. Inside, the quilts, or sketches as Gwen calls them, come alive against a crisp white backdrop. It is a celebration of bold color combinations, inventive piecing and intriguing compositions.

It's no wonder that it won an award in the 2012 New York Book Show! It is truly a beautiful book.

37 Sketches by Gwen Marston

37 Sketches begins with a foreword by Gwen's long time friend, Jean Wells, setting the tone for an creative and intimate glimpse behind Gwen's quilt making process. There is also a section that explains Gwen’s philosophy behind 37 Sketches. It's a journey of exploration where one experiment leads to the next.

This is not a pattern book, there is not a template or cutting diagram in sight. Instead, it is a beautiful, high quality, art book, featuring many, many, small “sketches” by Gwen Marston. 

“ I specifically made the pieces featured in this book as experimental sketches with the intent of exploring and playing with technique, abstract design, and composition.  Making these small studies is just the place to risk an adventure.” p. 16

Risk an adventure. I just love that. Each piece is accompanied by a short explanation of what Gwen was working on, or what her goal was, either set in curved piecing, a different color palette, or pushing the familiar liberated log cabin. As an admirer of her other books, I really appreciated this glimpse behind Gwen's process.

As you look through 37 Sketches, it feels like you’re walking through an art gallery with your good friend Gwen as she shares insights into her process. It’s wonderful!!!

"All along the way, one purpose in making these small studies was to explore color use. Working with neutrals and limiting the design to thin horizontal lines interrupted by little (squares) was the idea for this piece." p. 49

I am a big admirer of Gwen’s work and her books, and this one does not disappoint. Her voice and her projects excite me to create, to push myself, and to be playful. She is such an inspiration.

"As I was just saying, I'm still working with the liberated log cabin format."

You can read more about Gwen on her website, www.gwenmarston.com. Her books can be ordered directly through her. She travels throughout the year speaking and teaching. Maybe traveling near you? Gwen also hosts an annual retreat in Elk Rapids, MI. Someday I would love to go.

*** This giveaway is now closed ***

GIVEAWAY: Gwen graciously sent me a signed copy of 37 Sketches as well as Liberated Quiltmaking II to give to one lucky reader. Due to the cost of shipping these books, this giveaway is limited to the US & Canada.  One winner will be chosen randomly on April 27th, 2012 and contacted via email.

**Please make sure your email address is either in your profile, or added to your comment.

TO ENTER:
1) Leave a comment below.  It can be anything!

• Are you a fellow fan of Gwen?
• Are you a liberated quilt maker?
• Are you inspired by the glimpse of these sketches?
• Have you ever taken a class from Gwen?
• What quilting book is on your wishlist right now?

2) Leave a second comment if you follow Little Bluebell. I always take care of my readers. : )

Ready, set, go!  Good luck everyone!!! 
xx Adrianne