Quilt Mavens: Perfect Paper Piecing [Illustrated] [Paperback] Review

i ordered this book based on the cover photo and the subtitle, 'perfect paper piecing.' i expected techniques for using, creating, or adapting patterns for paper foundation piecing--how to determine the order of piecing when creating your own foundations, what changes to make in traditional blocks, if any, for foundation piecing, that sort of thing.

instead, this is a book of quilt patterns designed by the authors that are paper pieced. there is a short introductory section on the authors' method of paper piecing, along with very brief suggestions about color, threads and quilting. no quilting patterns are included. although the paper piecers i know or i have read recommend smaller needles for piercing the paper, the authors of this book list larger needles in the one paragraph that mentions them. their instructions for removing the foundations seem to suggest doing so before fully assembling the quilt top, another departure from most of what i have read or been told. they do not suggest removing paper from one side of a seam to cut down on layers, or dampening the paper for easier removal.

the patterns are contemporary, lively, and mostly attractive. there are a couple of patterns i would consider making, so i will probably keep the book, though i am still debating that. the quilts i really like, however, are in the gallery section and i haven't checked the cd-rom to see if the patterns for those quilts are included because the cd is in a sealed envelope that would have to be removed for use and i doubt amazon would refund the purchase price if i opened the envelope.

at least one of the projects shows a lack of precision in matching points and seams that is surprising in a paper pieced design--one of the purposes of paper piecing is precision in matching points.

i would not recommend this book to someone who has not already done foundation piecing, since it contains a limited amount of advice. i would recommend any of carol doak's books on paper piecing, since they address the technique more thoroughly.

this is a book to buy if you want to make the authors' quilts. it is not an instruction or reference book.

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Product Description:
For anyone who has admired quilt patterns with long, narrow, sharp spikes, but thought they were beyond reach, this book and pattern CD is for you. Now, even beginner quilters can perfect paper piece with pizzazz. The days of awkward pieces of paper held up to the light are over. With the paper-folding method, that's no longer necessary, and with paper foundations, the accuracy of those sharp points is assured. The instructions for Perfect Paper Piecing are given in detail and generously illustrated in photos. Plus, the accompanying pattern CD contains all patterns at full size, allowing you to print as many as you need, without worrying about distortion from the copy machine. Quilters can begin by making a pillowcase or playful placemat. Once they experience this easy and fast method, they can, with confidence, try one of the quilt patterns taught by the QuiltMavens in their beginning classes - pieces such as Aaron's quilt, Day at the Beach, or Whirligig. Raspberry Sorbet is the most playful of the group. These quilts look complex but go together very quickly. Then comes what the authors call 'Extreme Spiking.' These are blocks that have been skewed into new shapes. Because paper foundation piecing is so accurate, these unusual blocks go together nearly as easily as more traditional blocks. Compatible with Windows and Mac.

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