Feathered Friends: 18 Paper-Pieced Blocks for Bird Lovers [Paperback] Review

Paper piecing is not my favorite type of quilting mostly due to my dislike of the fabric waste.However, this book has excellent patterns / projects for birds that I think those who don't like to applique or want a faster way to achieve these designs will truly enjoy.Directions are easily understood and implemented.TIPS:(1) If you are new to paper piecing, try using BATIK fabrics that have no right or wrong side.This helps you to avoid using "Mr. Ripper" when you place your fabric the wrong way against the paper piecing pattern. (2) Use a two-ply thread like Aurifil Mako 50 wt (Aurifil 50 wt Taupe is my color preference for all piecing) and a thinner needle 75/11 or 70/10 sharps.These help eliminate bulk especially with the very small pieces.

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Product Description:
18 beautiful paper-pieced blocks for bird lovers feature chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, swallows, swans, puffins, gulls, and many others.

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Simply Amazing Quilted Photography [Paperback] Review

Simply Amazing Quilted Photography by fashion industry expert and quilting authority Tammie Bowser is a detailed and thoroughly "user friendly" instructional manual for transforming fabric into photographs, and creating wonders and satisfying projects that will bring joy and amazement. Grids, step-by-step instructions, illustrations both in black-and-white and in color, and the occasional quotable quote help make this informative "how-to" guide as easy to follow as possible and is especially recommended for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in quilting and the do-it-yourself craft of making quilted photos.

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Product Description:
In my book you will learn how to transform ordinary fabric scraps in to unbelievably beautiful photographic quilts! The quilts look intricate and difficult to make, but it's easy to do even if you are a beginning sewer. Each quilted photo takes only a few hours to make and you'll learn a simple sewing technique that will reduce your sewing time by 85%. Your friends will gasp in amazement when they realize your quilt is really a photograph! As seen on HGTV's "Simply Quilts"

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Garden-Inspired Quilts: Design Journals for 12 Quilt Projects [Paperback] Review

I anticipated receiving this book because I was drawn to the photo on the cover - a flower represented in half photo, half quilt. I expected the quilts inside to be replicas of nature.Instead there are one or two like this and the rest are not "garden-inspired" at all, as far as I can tell.The first quilt is a basic log cabin quilt.The second is a folk heart type quilt.I was really hoping for more artistic, realistic quilts.The photos are so lovely...I wish the quilts compared!

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Product Description:
Mother-and-daughter team Jean and Valori Wells share beautiful garden photography, quilt patterns, and creative inspiration with these 12 quilt projects and a pillow. Quilters' journals take you step by step through the process of turning photos, memories, and ideas into finished quilts. Readers will also see how to design their own garden-inspired quilts with Jean and Valori right by their side!

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Design Explorations for the Creative Qui: Easy-to-Follow Lessons for Dynamic Art Quilts [Paperback] Review

I take classes from Katie, buy all her books and her dvd, love her work and can tell you this book is the best yet.Chock full of detailed information on how she creates not one, but all methods of her art quilts.Katie takes you from the first step, how to find an idea, to the finished product in detailed explanations and pictures.She explains how to create different type ofart quilts from your own photos,paintings, or sketches.From start to finish she shows, in easyto follow photos, how to design and actually construct the quilt in several methods.A must have primer for the beginning quilter who is ready to branch out, as well as the experienced art quilter who wants to try different techniques.I highly recommend this book as a reference tool that will have you re-reading it over and over for techniques as well as inspiration.

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Product Description:
Bring out your inner artist-explore 10 approaches to designing art quilts. Techniques work for everyone, beginner or advanced.

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The Nursery Rhyme Quilt [Paperback] Review

I received the book very quickly and it was in wonderful condition.The pattern had been removed (which was stated up front) but was all there and in good shape.

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Product Description:
Stitch up a delightful storybook quilt with appliqued nursery-rhyme scenes to share! Choose to make a decorative wall hanging for the nursery or a cuddly blanket for a special child. Create a small one-block quilt featuring a favorite rhyme--or relive childhood memories by making a full-size quilt to keep! The book includes:
* Nine charming blocks, featuring characters such as Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, and Little Bo Peep
* A center block with a merry Mother Goose presiding over her nursery-rhyme stories
* Step-by-step instructions and full-size applique templates for each block

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Picture Play Quilts [Paperback] Review

If you're looking for a simple quilt to give as a gift, this is the book for you. The best part is picking out all the fabrics to make all the "I Spy" squares. Once you cut them into the squares, you just need to arrange them. My daughter (age 8) and I have put together two quilts. She really loves doing the arranging while I do the sewing and ironing.
The book has full color photos so you can get ideas about how to finish the quilt. The instructions are well written.

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Product Description:
Stitch picture fabric into cuddly teaching quilts for thespecial children in your life. Then play and learn together.
Inside are easy patterns for 15 terrific quilts, step-by-stepinstructions, plus 10 FREE plastic templates. Save time and money withcutting and piecing shortcuts. Say good-bye to fabric waste with OTFPatchwork. Discover Doodle Quilting and finish fast. Move patchesaround with the world's first interchangeable quilt. Includes twodozen games that teach language skills, encourage creativity, andbuild self-esteem. This could be the most rewarding quilt you evermake!

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Quilts from Nature [Paperback] Review

I was thrilled to find Joan Colvin's book, Quilts from Nature, through Amazon.com. It really is a one of a kind book that is no longer being published done by an amazing artist who is now deceased. Joan takes you step by step through her thought processes as well as the construction of these amazing works of art, allowing you to either follow in her footsteps or veer off on your own path.

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Bold and Beautiful: Artful Quilts from Just One Fabric (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Have you ever picked up a piece of hand dyed fabric or a batik and seen shapes in the way the color flows? Well, that is the key step in creating the projects in Judi Dains new book "Bold and Beautiful Artful Quilts From Just One Fabric". Judi's quilts, and the techniques she uses to create them, will captivate your imagination. The book covers everything you need to know about what to look for when purchasing the fabric, to marking out what designs you see in the fabric. After the piece is marked, you will need to quilt it and there is a terrific chapter on choosing thread. You will need several types of thread for outlining the design elements, quilting the design elements and quilting the background. My favorite lesson on machine quilting the elements was quilting inside the flowers and leaves. The results are stunning and the quilt patterns are well worth the price of the book. After this you will color the quilt using either fabric paints or inks. Just add a little bling with embellishments like rhinestones, beads, buttons and yoyo's and your project is finished. You will soon master Judi's techniques by working your way through the five projects included in the book.
Patti Ives
editor The Applique Society Newsletter

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Product Description:
Learn how to create stunning art quilts in just 3 easy steps - quilt, paint, embellish! Anyone can create these amazing quilts - all you need is a little imagination! In "Bold and Beautiful", award-winning quilter Judi Dains reveals the secrets for creating wonderful quilts from just one piece of fabric, and in just 3 easy steps - quilt, paint, and embellish. Featuring 5 contemporary projects and a colourful gallery, this is a must-have for anyone wanting to create beautiful art quilts.

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Adventures In Circles: Quilt Designs from Start to Finish (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Circles means curved piecing----not one of my favorite things to do.But if you want to tackle curved piecing, this book provides you with 23 pages of how-to's on the subject.Tools, fabric, techniques for cutting, appliqué methods and embellishments are all covered in this section.

The patterns, of which there are eight, each have a skill level, a finished quilt and block size plus the photo of the finished item.Materials and cutting lists re clearly written and there are graphics to help explain the written words.

Making, assembling, adding borders and finishing the quilt are written in an easy to follow manner.Tips are provide throughout the book in a green block so they are easy to find.An 11 page gallery will help give you ideas for your own quilts.The section on quilting ideas provides a dozen quilting designs so you can always find the one that will fit just perfectly with your quilt.

As with most quilt books, there is a 5 page basic quilting section in case you need to review a certain technique.The final pages are a resource page and a 3 paragraph bio of the author.

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Product Description:
Circles made easy! Discover the excitement of working with curves in this color-splashed book.

* Learn the latest tricks for cutting and sewing circles; then apply your new skills in eight creative projects

* Choose from small wall hangings to twin-size quilts in both contemporary and traditional designs; a gallery of quilts provides even more inspiration

* Find essential tips on machine appliquéing circles and fun ways to embellish with threads, decorative fabrics, and beads

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Fun, Fast Fusies - Love to Quilt [Illustrated] [Paperback] Review

I ordered this book after attending a lecture/demo by the author, Frieda Anderson.The book pertains to the art of fusible quilting and the directions are very concise.I would (have) recommended this book to others.

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Product Description:
Fused applique is fun, it's fast, and it's opening the door to a whole new generation of quilters. The fusing techniques are so easy, a beginner does not even need a sewing machine to enjoy creating these appealing wall-sized quilts! Experienced quilters will delight in the bright, colorful projects. The full-sized applique patterns are color-coded to make it easy for quilters to match the pattern pieces to their fabrics. The designs are just the right combination of structure and serendipity: you can trace and reproduce a pattern line for line, or you can trace some pieces, cut some pieces freehand, then use the pattern as a layout guide. The quilting could not be easier: no more basting or shifting layers, and no more stopping, starting, or tying off threads at every turn. The backing, batting, and quilt top are fused together, and the applique pieces are fused and outline-quilted in layers from the bottom up.

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Quilt-O-Grams: 8 Creative Keepsakes to Stitch & Send [Paperback] Review

I was hoping for more simplicity...a start...maybe I'll go back to it when I know more about quilting.

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Product Description:
Send an unforgettable greeting with fun little fused quilts that fit in an envelope for easy mailing.

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Ricky Tims' Rhapsody Quilts: Inspiring, Amazing-Create Your Own! [Paperback] Review

These Quilts are indeed beautiful. But a beginner should beware. This is not a quick or easy quilt. Indeed a masterpiece. It is assumed that you have artist and color skills that are quite advanced. If you build as you go, as Ricky suggests a less experienced person might find himself mired in uncertainty. It is excellent for more experienced quilters looking for a challenge, or a very ambitious beginner. I found it facinating to see the steps involved and colors used. Ricky has amazing skills!

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Product Description:
Ricky Tims teaches you to design and make these fabulous, one-of-a-kind contemporary art quilts. Inspiring quilt gallery!

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Fuse-and-Tell Journal Quilts: Create Your Story in Cloth [Paperback] Review

Let me tell you everything this book is about, in just one sentence:Instead of sewing art quilts with a needle and thread, you can use fast2fuse or WonderUnder to hot fuse dyed fabric cut-outs onto your base cloth.There, that's it.That is really all this book has to say!

It is very product specific (she uses brand names only, not general temrs) and it's also very short at 63 pages.The author also invents her own cutesey terms like "shape shifting" and "random acts of fusing" when a more explanatory, technical term would have made her instructions much more clear.Since the one and only technique in this book (as I stated in the paragraph above) is quite short and uncomplicated, the rest of the book is full of the author's own fused art quilts and the stories behind them.She also tells you, step by step, how she made them.To me, this is unnessecary because it's obvious how she made them.She cut some shapes out of cloth and fused them onto her base fabric with fusible web...and that's it!That's the only technique explained in this book, and in my opinion you really don't need a book to tell you how to do that.

There isn't even any good info on composition or colors in this book.I'm afraid it was quite disappointing to me.

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Product Description:
Turn your favorite life moments into charming little art quilts.6 quick projects use easy fusing techniques.

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Bella Bella Quilts: Stunning Designs from Italian Mosaics [Bargain Price] [Paperback] Review

Firstly, this book is probably not for the novice quilter--there are some easier designs, and suggestions for simplifying patterns, but the directions do assume a general knowledge of the craft.

However, there's a lot that any quilter can learn from this book; it's filled with beautiful quilts with interesting designs taken from Italian mosaics.In fact, it's also loaded with pictures of the original mosaics that inspired the quiltds, and a short history lesson on the origin of the mosaic patterns.

Aside from the inspiration of just paging through looking at pretty pictures, I found a lot to admire in the thought Norah McMeeking obviously put into this book.Each section begins with a nice photo of the quilt and then some helpful design suggestions--ways to vary the pattern and make it your own.There's also several line drawings of possible design/color variations to help you visualize your options.Then comes a list of fabric requirements and directions, including illustrations of any special/new techniques and lastly, suggestions for quilting methods that would look good.All the templates and foundations are presented in a pullout section at the end of the book, which is so much handier than trying to trace them off of book pages.

All in all, this a well conceived and well executed quilt book.In all likelihood I won't attempt to recreate one of these quilts, but I do see myself using bits and pieces in my own quilts.It's a good book to add to my reference library.

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Product Description:
-Step-by-step directions make it easy to create stunning, unusual quilts
- Photos of Italy's glories add inspiration
Let the beauty of the Italian Renaissance inspire crafters to create eight magnificent quilts based on classic mosaics. There innovative projects use familiar shapes in new combinations-clearly explained with step-by-step directions, photos, and illustrations-for stunning results. Every quilter will want to travel to Renaissance Italy with Bella Bella Quilts.

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Dream Landscapes: Artful Quilts With Fast-Piece Applique (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

This beautifully illustrated book not only will inspire you to begin your quilt, but it will take you through the steps on how to make your quilt into a fantastic piece of art.The step-by-step instructions are well outlined, and the color photographs are unmatched. This would be a great gift for any of your sewing or quilting friends.

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Product Description:
Stitch up a whimsical world! Fast-Piece Applique makes it easy to sew complex-looking shapes in a jiffy. Whether it s your 1st or your 101st quilt, these imaginative designs will add life
and sparkle to your world.

*Find step-by-step instructions for four colorful wall hangings, plus an inspirational quilt gallery and guidelines for creating your own designs

*Discover the best ways to work with large templates

*Explore fun options for embellishing with fabrics, beads, bangles, and found objects

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Celtic Fantasy-Rhapsody Quilts: Design Companion Vol. 3 to Ricky Tims' Rhapsody Quilts Full-Size Freezer Paper Pattern Bonus Appliqu, Designs & Ideas [Bargain Price] [Paperback] Review

Great book and the full size patterns are really helpful if you want to make this quilt, you definately need the first volume in this series though as it gives all the instructions on how to use his great time saving and professional techniques.I love these quilts so much that this is what I will be using to help me with my next competition quilt.I also recommend Ricky Tims Grand Finale cd to help with finishing your quilt.

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Product Description:
Make an unforgettable heirloom quilt with complete ready-to-use, full-size freezer paper pattern, 9 bonus quilt plans, and 25 Celtic appliqu, designs.

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Photo-Inspired Art Quilts: From Composition to Finished Piece [Paperback] Review

I have been looking, searching and buying all sorts of books on the topic of creative "photos-to-art-quilts", this one hits the high "HIGH" mark on inspiration, clear and thorough directions. The author does a great job in walking the reader through the basics of good design, composition, photo selections and getting your ideas actually done!The included companion DVD is fantastic as it was so much better yet to actaully see and hear how the author achieved such fantastic results!The demonstrations of thread-painted accents and applique really cleared up some questions I had while reading the book.A lot of design and planning is done with the use of a computer which is explained in easy to understand details but the author has also offered simple and clear directions for what some might call "low-tech" alternatives.All the steps of making a "photo-inspired" art quilt are covered in very clear writing and step by step photos. I do both traditional quilts and art quilts, if I could give it 6 stars ****** I would!

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Product Description:
An art quilt is a unique and original work of art done in fabric, layered with batting and backed just like a traditional quilt. Most often they are made to hang on a wall as decoration. In this book, learn how to identify an appropriate photo for an art quilt, how to translate that photo into a fabric collage, and how to accent and/or embellish it using thread painting, raw-edge machine appliqu? and fabric collage. A bonus DVD hosted by Nancy Zieman compliments the instruction featured in the book.

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Paula Nadelstern's Kaleidoscope Quilts: An Artist's Journey Continues [Paperback] Review

Don't get me wrong, this is one of the most amazing and beautiful books on quilting I have ever seen. It is also one of the most unusual. If what you are looking for is an art book that is a feast for the eyes, by all means invest in this one.
However, if you think you are going to produce one of these quilts in your lifetime, think again.
Nadelstern should be teaching pure mathematics at some higher university; the fact that she has devoted herself to making these quilts is a true gift to the world of art because these pieces are high art. A quick look at the diagram on the bottom of p. 21 which, by my count, includes 27 odd (and uniquely)shaped pieces in each triangle with 18 triangles required for the quilt...everyone one of which is a different size, you begin to get an idea of the complexity of what she does.

Having said that, there are some valuable ideas here for any quilter. The first of these is her statement (p. 68) that she STARTS with the fabric rather than starting with the design. This is 180 degrees from the normal quilter's decision-making process...and I think a little more attention to what Nadelstern calls "a collaboration between me and my stash" would vastly improve about 60% of the quilts being made today.
Second, Nadelstern dares to use fabric that most quilters would dismiss as useless. And it not only works, it scintillates.PP. 79-87 (and scattered elsewhere throughout the book) you can find excellent advice on how to look at fabrics with a fresh eye.
Third, if you actually want to try this (and I would warn again that deep and broad experience is going to make this more possible), pp.90 - 121 give you step by step directions and two patterns for simple (well, relatively simple) kaleidoscope quilts.
If you want this book as a "how-to," my strong advice is to take the book out of the library or borrow it from a friend and look through it carefully, being brutally honest about your own skills and interests.
If (on the other hand) you want a book that is an inspiration in the purest sense of that word, and one of the most glorious examples of piecing and quilting that you will ever see, buy it NOW.

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Product Description:
Career retrospective of Paula Nadelstern's amazing work is packed with photos, design insights, and gallery of 19 quilts.

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Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts [Paperback] Review

I received my copy in the mail yesterday.I put it down just long enough to sleep and go to work.My head is still spinning!Rarely do craft books come packed with so much information.I know, because I have lots and lots of them.Rarely are they so detailed and clear. This is not merely a "make this project" kind of book.This is a "here is a new concept and how to use it" book.I love those kind of books!

The book shows you how to make curves using only straight lines.Spirals swirl in, out and around, point to point, and nest inside one another. The quilts in the gazillion and one photos are original works by RaNae and the group of Spiromaniacs who worked alongside her, tested her theories, and put her techniques into practice. All there for you to drool over, then jump up and run to your sewing machine!

The quilts (66 of them!) and their designers/creators truly are Simply Amazing.No pun, no exaggeration.The quilts are individual, inspiring, challenging, and just plain ole' gorgeous.[...]

The book is divided into four sections: Meet the Spirals (20 pgs), Designing with Spirals (52 pgs), Sewing Spirals (26 pgs), and Projects (22 pgs).Each section is lavishly illustrated, making the exciting concepts easier to understand and sink your teeth into.RaNae hands you concepts and tools, then sets you free to express your creative instincts in a totally unexpected and new direction.

There are numerous side-bars of "extra" information that magically answer the question you're just about to ask.The page layout and format is eye-friendly, and sucks you into reading all the juicy bits.My only complaint is that I wanted to read everything all at the same time!My favorite line from a troubleshooting section on p 102 is "Solution: First, scream! Next, take a deep breath." and then calmly walks you through fixing the problem.

Many of the quilts have a very contemporary feel.I personally love very traditional quilts.RaNae has managed to design several that fill my love for traditional and at the same time put me squarely in the 21st century!Some are vibrantly alive with color, a few are calming and comforting.I can't even start to point out my favorites, because I might miss one, there's so many!

To describe this book in just a few words: exciting, innovative, breath-taking, creative, mind-expanding!A must have for the quilter who loves to design and wants to take his or her work to the next level.

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Product Description:
Learn to create six foundation-pieced spiral-based quilts--with no math! This one-of-a-kind technique for spiral quilt design allows you to create fascinating and beautiful art quilts. The bonus CD includes the basic shapes for the spiral patterns and the pattern insert helps you set up the perimeter shape, or draw free-hand irregular shapes without a template.
Choose your technique from any of three methods:

By hand, completely freehand, using only a straight
By hand, precisely, using a ruler to measure increments in each spoke
On the computer -- Electric Quilt works great for all types of spirals

No matter the technique, the results will be simply amazing!

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