The Quilting Arts Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating One-of-a-Kind Quilts [Paperback] Review

I am huge fan and subscriber of Quilting Arts Magazine.I have every issue and re-read them many times which is why I pre-ordered this book when it was announced.After reviewing it last night, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed because the articles and the techniques are the same ones that can be found in the magazine.This book is actually acompilation of all of their best articles and techniques over the past years.I would highly recommend this book if you have not been a subscriber to the magazine.

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Product Description:
Beginners and seasoned crafters alike will find inspiration andinstruction in this definitive quilting resource that combinesfoundational techniques for quilting and fiber art with tips and tricks for creating one-of-a-kind works of art. Showcased here are some of the most popular topics, articles, and artists from past issues of Quilting Arts magazine, as well asnew and freshmethods from today's most respected contemporary quilt artists. Hands-on workshopsintroduce craftersto each facet of theart-quilt trade-from creating abstract, pictorial, and landscape quilts to in-depth techniques on surface design and stitching applications. Each chapter showcases various art-quilting concepts and ends with quick creative exercises and tips guaranteed to get both quilters and mixed-media artists creating with cloth right away.

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Stack-n-Whackipedia 10th Anniversary [Paperback] Review

The 10th anniversary of Stack-N-Whackipedia offers many innovations: brand new designs and 13 mini workshops, along with a dozen projects for full-size quilts covering a range of skills. Lesson plans for teachers and shop owners blend with charts for yardage and cutting to make for an outstanding presentation perfect for quilting libraries.

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Product Description:
Whether you are new to quilting, a veteran quilter ready to try something new, or the 'Stack-n-Whack Queen' of your guild, this one's for you! Bethany returns with 10 years of Stack-n-Whack® under her belt, ready to share innovative designs and updated methods for her fabulous technique. Try one of a dozen projects for full-size quilts using a wide variety of shapes, from simple squares and triangles to diamonds and wedges. With the basics down, you ll be ready to try your hand at your own original design. Charts for calculating yardage are provided and other handy references are included. The originator of the Stack-n-Whack® method, Bethany has been quilting and teaching since 1982. She teaches relaxed and productive workshops at guilds and prestigious quilt festivals across the country and has a knack for finding ways to get great results with less work. Other AQS books by Bethany include Magic Stack-n-Whack Quilts, Stack-n-Whackier Quilts, Stars `a la Carte, and 3 Quilters Celebrate the 4 Seasons with Karen Combs and Joan Shay.

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Passionate Patchwork: Over 20 Original Quilt Designs [Hardcover] Review

If you're a color junkie, if the sight of a newly-opened six-row box of Crayolas leaves you breathless, and if you walk through fabric stores just for the color hit, then "Passionate Patchwork" is a book for you. Without a doubt, the projects in this book are made up in the most sophisticated and exciting palettes ever seen in a quilt book. And the quilts--all of which look eminently doable, even by a rank beginner--are photographed in such lush, visually sumptuous settings that you can happily spend hours simply "reading" the photos. The other thing I like about this book is that these quilts are quite possible. We are not talking about quilts with 75 differently shaped chunks of fabric that must be pieced into each block. These quilts are not exercises in perfectionistic anality, but are made of simple geometric shapes that let the fabric do the talking, and leave the quiltmaker with sanity intact. Admittedly, one of the authors does have a signature line of fabric, and many quilts photographed make extensive use of that line. But any quilter's fabric stash already contains many comparable textiles that could be put to more sophisticated use, in exciting new combinations shown in this book. Several of the quilts in this book make use of "orphan" blocks that are showcased by being re-set with imaginative new uses of color and fabric pattern. This seems a respectful use and transformation of handwork from earlier times: the newly-made quilts look fresh and exciting, even when they used segements of old cliche patterns such as wedding ring and grandmother's flower garden. But you don't have to be a quilter to love this book. Although it has simple, easy-to-follow diagrams and directions for each product, the book could just as well appeal to knitters, painters, weavers, decorators or anyone else with a love of and appetite for color used creatively. I have already picked out my next few quilting projects inspired by this book. (The "rice bowl" and "hatbox" quilts are particularly compelling). That I would use quilts in this book as a model is certainly something I could not say for nine out of every ten other quilting books published. But ``Passionate Patchwork" has sophistication and verve, appealing to both the traditional quilter and and the fans of the cutting-edge contemporary. Bottom line? I love this book.

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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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Kaffe Fassetts Caravan of Quilts (Patchwork & Quilting Book 6) [Paperback] Review

In my experience in using this book, I have never been unhappy with anything that I have quilted. But the this book takes the cake in being disgraceful. I'm talking about the big bang quilt on page 49.None of the directions are checked. The list of what you have to buy to make one of these is wrong and the author has you cutting pieces that you don't need or use in the quilt. I have never been so involved in a quilt before but now that I know that one set of direction is faulty. I should have known. Buyer beware. Quilter beware. I'm usually a great fan of Fasserr's fabric and patterns but this time I'm very disappointed in him.

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Product Description:
More irresistible quilt designs from Kaffe Fassett and other respected designers-including Liza Prior Lucy, Pauline Smith, Roberta Horton, Mary Mashuta, Sandy Donabed, Brandon Mably, Betsy Mennesson, Gill Turley, and Lisa Richardson-are profiled in this book. Quilters with little or no experience will appreciate the full-color photography, as well as the color piecing diagrams found with each of the 20 quilting projects. Complete instructions are accompanied by practical how-to sections.

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Simple Stenciling-Dramatic Quilts: 85 Full-Size Stencil Patterns, 6 Projects [Paperback] Review

I was very pleased with the product and the delivery time. I will continue to shop Amazon.
Thanks.

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Product Description:
Customize the full-size scalable stencil patterns with paints and items from nature for use in simple pieced quilts and wearables - fun for all ages!

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Everyday Angels in Extraordinary Quilts [Paperback] Review

I am not a quilter - yet -, as an artist though, this book offers great inspiration.The bright colors, whimsical style and variation in angels are wonderfull to look at.I love both the look of very traditional patterned quilts and free wheeling apliqued peices Weidman uses.This book gives ideas, insperation and easy to modify patterns to allow your imagination to run free!My stitching and painting work has really changed based on this book and the reminder that you can have fun in your art.

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Product Description:
Could someone you know be an angel in disguise, watching over you from day to day? Now you can thank those special everyday angels in your life by celebrating their good deeds in a heavenly quilt! Create your own everyday angels with:
- Step-by-step guidance for choosing themes and developing stories
- Ideas for using creative embellishments, letters, and borders
- Twenty-five templates, including angel wings, halos, faces, and bodies
- Spectacular photos of more than 50 quilts, along with their makers' stories
Use seasons, cultural themes, family traditions, friends, pets, or simply portray a memory to share with someone you love. Whether your angels are folksy, humble, wild, or spunky, they'll be thankful you captured their kindness in their very own quilt!

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One-Block Wonders Encore!: New Shapes, Multiple Fabrics, Out-of-this-World Quilts [Paperback] Review

Great book, but if you already own the first book of one-block wonders there's not a lot more information. If you were to buy just one then this is the one to get.

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Product Description:
This bold new spin on one-block quilts offers 6 new projects, more fabrics, and dramatic new design effects.

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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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Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in the Sun: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting [Paperback] Review

This one is the nicest of Kaffe's quilting books yet so far.There are 20 quilt designs for all levels of technical ability and they all use Kaffe's fabrics in spectacular ways.

The photography and printing quality of the book allow this to be one of the most functionally usable quilt books I own.I am again inspired to take up my rotary cutting wheel and start piecing.

The graphics and instructions are clear and well diagrammed.I wouldn't have changed a thing.

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Product Description:
Kaffe Fassett is back. Gloriously photographed against the sun-kissed backdrop of Portugal, this sumptuous gallery boasts dazzling quilt creations from not only the world-famous Fassett himself, but also such elite designers as Liza Prior Lucy, Mary Mashuta, and Amy Butler, a contributing editor for Country Living. Crafted from both time-honored classics and exciting new fabrics from the Rowan collection, each of the 20 quilts are accompanied by a sparkling photograph of the finished piece, complete step-by-step instructions, full-color diagrams and templates, plus a flat shot of the quilt. So pack your passport, needles, and thread and join Kaffe Fassett on this first-class excursion to the pleasures of quilting.

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Simply Stunning Woven Quilts: 11 Easy Techniques, Great Results [Paperback] Review

This book is just stunning!I am dying to try some of the woven backgrounds for my next quilted wall hanging. I had ordered the book because it looked so interesting, then I was in my local quilt shop and saw a gorgeous quilt on the wall. When I asked about it I was told there was no pattern, it was an original design based on this book.And the quilter is 15!That gives me hope.My only tiny complaint is there isn't a good explanation on how to determine before you start cutting what the colors of the finished background will look like. This is likely more a failing on my part than the author's, as I'm not particularly good with color. I recommend this book to anyone looking for something different and creative.The author is truly an artist, and just looking through the pictures of her quilts make your fingers itch to start creating!

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Product Description:
Create dazzling quilts with fusible precut fabric strips and 11 amazingly easy weaving techniques. Cutting diagrams for 26 quilts.

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Kaffe Fassett's Country Garden Quilts [Paperback] Review

Although my taste can differ wildly from his, I never tire of looking at Kaffe Fassett's designs and getting a peek at how his mind works.I have all of his books, and this latest strikes me as a return to some of his strongest ideas.His multi-layered wall-of-color quilts are amazing.You think about color differently after seeing them (even if you think about color a lot).Old familiar pieced patterns have the power to surprise, when interpreted by Fassett.

As always, Brandon Mably and Liza Prior Lucy make beautiful contributions to this collection, and there is a beautiful quilt by newcomer (to KF's books) Jane Brocket.Fassett has an excellent eye for others' work, too.

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Product Description:
Kaffe Fassett presents 20 magnificent quilts bursting with floral themes and his trademark color combinations -- all luxuriously photographed against the stunning backdrop of lush English country gardens. Based on Fassett's signature line of Rowan fabrics, the pieces have been designed by some of the world's finest quilters, including Liza Prior-Lucy, Pauline Smith, and Robert Horton. And the gorgeous photography is just the start: Complete instructions for creating each museum-quality quilt are also included. Plus, Fassett draws from his 30 years of experience to offer tips and techniques that every quilter will treasure. This new collection from a master will be eagerly embraced by his fans worldwide.

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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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StrataVarious Quilts: 9 Fabulous Strip Quilts from Fat Quarters [Paperback] Review

A great book.Very different from what I usually see.The quilts look like art quilts when they are compelted, but they are so easy.You create "stratas" by peicing together strips, then cut squares or triangles to create the quilts.A really great concept and presented very well - clear instructions and illustrations.

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Product Description:
Slice and sew fat quarters into 9 fabulous quilts with this beginner-friendly strip technique.

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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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