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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Paper Piece a Flower Garden: Blocks and Projects to Mix and Match [Paperback] Review

I absolutely love this book. The patterns are beautiful and very unique. I am a beginner and I never thought that I could make quilts like these as my first projects! Jodie describes everything you need to know to make a quilt, in her delightful easygoing way, with words and drawings. This makes it very easy to follow the instructions. There are over 36 patterns of flowers, butterflies, birds and more.The patterns are very beautiful and the colors are fantastic. I love the pictures ofthe patterns and the quilts they really motivated me!I am sure that both beginners and advanced Quilters will enjoy this book as much as I have and have fun making the quilts. It may even inspire you to design your own quilt with these patterns.What a wonderful book, thank you Jodie!

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Product Description:
Paper Piece a Flower GardenBlocks and Projects to Mix and MatchJodie Davis
Create a picture-perfect garden that you can enjoy all year long with paper piecing! Thirty-six garden-inspired blocks and eight step-by-step quilt plans feature beautiful roses, tulips, daffodils, and daisies, just to name a few favorites. Simply choose the blocks you like best, paper piece them in a snap, and watch your indoor garden come to life.
· Delightful block designs include more than a dozen different flowers, as well as bees, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs
· A comprehensive paper-piecing primer is provided for beginners, along with full-size patterns and piecing keys for each block
· BONUS--Learn Jodie Davis's signature technique for paper piecing curves--it will add a new dimension to all of your blocks and quilts
From a cheerful garden sampler to a quilted picture window complete with lace curtains and a garden view, you'll love making these charming quilts.

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Ruth B. McDowell's Piecing Workshop: Step-by-Step Visual Guide Indispensable Reference for Quilters Bonus Projects [Paperback] Review

Unfortunately I missed out on a live workshop with Ruth and sent my best buddy in my place instead. She LOVED it!!! Even though I tried to practice her techniques in her other books, I never quite 'got it'. I guess I'm just more of a 'show me what you do' kind of person.
This book changed all that and I made her sugar maple quilt quickly and easily and I'm thrilled with the outcome! Also, with her guidance on inset seams, I finished a difficult navajo quilt that had had me stumped because I couldn't get the seams set in just right. But with her latest book, it was like having this amazingly talented and wonderful lady right there with me! She is such inspiration, her quilts are outstanding and absolutely fabulous! Thanks Ruth, -can't wait for the next one!!!

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Product Description:
This step-by-step visual guide teaches 5 of Ruth's unique piecing techniques that virtually guarantee the ability to piece almost anything!

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Designing Tessellations : The Secrets of Interlocking Patterns [Hardcover] Review

I'm a ceramic tile maker and have been trying to figure out Escher's designs, with only limited success.I have also had some unexpected mishaps with other types of tessellating tiles.So, I am really happy to have this book.It has helped me through the "gotchas" of makingtessellating designs, and has given me many other design ideas.
This bookis beautiful, well laid out, with excellent illustrations and pleny ofideas.The math employed is usually the minimal amount needed to get thejob done, although sometimes she does try to really explain the geometry.(That's where she loses me, but that's OK.I've had LOTS of successwithout understanding at that level). She explains concepts liketranslation, mid-point and corner rotation, glides, and mirroring in a waythat anyone (even the math challenged, like me!) can understand and workwith them.She also covers tessellations made from angles other than 90degrees (for example, from shapes like triangles, hexagons, kite shapes,etc.) for the adventurous spirited.
She includes exercises in case youwant to use the book as a textbook for yourself or a class. It doesn'tmatter whether you are making quilts, tiles or something else.Theconcepts and directions apply no matter what the medium.
Highlyrecommended for anyone who loves tessellations!

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Product Description:
Designing Tessellations opens the door for quilters to thousands of new and exciting patterns by showing them how to create tessellations--designs made up of the repeated use of seemingly complex but deceptively simple shapes that interlock perfectly to flow across a quilt. Inspired by artist M. C. Escher, Jinny Beyer introduces quilters to the fascinating world of symmetry and then clearly shows how to experiment with shapes and images to create sensational, tessellating designs. Quilters will not only learn how to produce interlocking geometric patterns, but also will learn how easy it is to create true-to-life images of birds, fish, butterflies, and more in the style of Escher.Features include:- More than 125 color photographs and 2,000 step-by-step color drawings- Dozens of quilts featuring tessellated designs

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Paper Piece the Quick-Strip Way: 12 Complete Projects Create Your Own Designs Paper Piece Faster! [Paperback] Review

People paper piece because of the desire for accuracy.People who have tried to paper piece and don't like it have their reasons but I'm not going to explore those.This book has many advantages for people who already enjoy paper piecing with lots of tips how to improve patterns, your sewing, accuracy, and the speed of production.The bold color choices make the piecing decisions more obvious and also allow the quilter to choose to use these patterns for borders as well as blocks.There is an assembly line production demonstrated using strips that is what really tempts you into choosing this method as well.

This is NOT a baby blanket beginner book, you will have to have some quilting experience under your belt to get the most out of your first projects.

This is a very enjoyable book to add to your library.

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Product Description:
Simple, fun, and easy techniques plus full-size patterns let you create paper-piecing designs that reflect your unique style!

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Quiltmaker's Color Workshop: The FunQuilts' Guide to Understanding Color and Choosing Fabrics [Paperback] Review

Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr, authors and quilt makers, have published two books on color.I enjoyed the first one, COLOR HARMONY, so I ordered the second, QUILTMAKERS COLOR WORKSHOP.I'm sorry to say the second is identical to the first except for some patterns, instructions, and templates.I would have appreciated a more complete description so that I wouldn't be returning the book.

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Product Description:
Whether you're a beginning or experienced quiltmaker, Quiltmaker's Color Workshop will help you use color more creatively in your designs. Through a showcase of more than 35 great quilts, ranging from contemporary to traditional styles, the authors show how colors work together to support a "big idea." Learn to go beyond simple, formulaic color concepts, and instead, have fun exploring color through individual and group activities that will help you see color in a completely new way.

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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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Color Harmony for Quilts: A Quiltmaker's Guide to Exploring Color [Paperback] Review

Read the book through once, then go back and really read it!
Not only do the authors show us their own quilts, they have showcased some of the best known, and unknown quilters intenationally. Every quilt is broken down as to which colors, values and proportions were chosen by the quilter...even the amount of black used in each quilt is represented on a scale. If youdon't like the colors the quilter chose, they give you at least 3-4 other colorways and designs to choose from for every quilt shown! I only wish I had this information when I began quilting.Now I know I can break out of the box and create quilts that are really mine.
Thank you Weeks and Bill.

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Product Description:
The key element in putting a quilt design together is colour, yet many people do not have a good grasp of colour theory - from what colours best complement others to what type of mood each colour evokes. Quilting expert Barbara Albright leads readers through a clear explanation of colour theory and how it relates to quilting, complete with tips on how to combine the right colours to get the look you want. From there, she presents 15 colour adjectives chosen to represent different moods - whether dynamic, romantic or natural - and illustrates each with two actual quilt patterns that best illustrate each colour concept, along with 8 colour variations for each quilt. Covering the historical relevance as well as the patterns and techniques used for each quilt, Wright illustrates how variations in colour, size and placement affect the mood of the finished piece.

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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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Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O'Cake Designs: No Rules-No Ruler (Piece O Cake Designs) [Paperback] Review

An unconventional approach to quilting, "No Rules, No Ruler".Love it!There are eight different projects included and each are simply stunning.Once again Becky and Linda have assembled an eye catching array of fabrics and so perfectly arranged them into beautiful quilts, what fabulouse inspiration.I'm hooked on Piece O' Cake Designs!As with their other books, instructions are very clear and all templates are provided for the quilts included in the book. They also include discussions on fabric choices and hints along the way.Bird on a Branch is my first project from the book.I have all my fabrics and can't wait to get started!

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Product Description:
Put down your ruler and create beautiful, freeform quilts with Piece O' Cake's new improvisational applique and piecing techniques.

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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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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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French Braid Obsession: New Ideas for the Imaginative Quilter [Paperback] Review

I have the first book by this author and have made two quilts from it. They are fun and impressive in their construction. I was hoping for many more new ideas with her second book and was disappointed to find that the first 37 pages repeat methods from the first book. So if you don't own the first book, you really can get away with buying just this second book. And if you already own the first book, just be forewarned that the second one repeats a LOT of the first one!

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Take your French braid quilts in dramatic new directions with bold new shapes and sizes, techniques, and colors. 8 projects.

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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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A New Light on Storm at Sea Quilts: One Block-An Ocean of Design Possibilities [Paperback] Review

Storm at Sea patterns are never easy because there's so much bias involved, but this book and the ruler that goes with it reduce the margin of error by about 90%.The photos in the book are beautiful and will spark your imagination.Don't just buy the book, get the rulers that go with it.Worth every penny!Probably not for beginners unless they have some guidance.fast2cut Quilters' TRIMplates

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Product Description:
Take the traditional Storm at Sea block in bold new directions with innovative design and construction techniques. 6 quilt projects.

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Shadow Quilts: Easy-to-Design Multiple Image Quilts [Paperback] Review

It is no surprise to discover that Patricia is a methodical, organized designer while Donna is a "what if" sort of person.They have blended these two approaches perfectly in Shadow Quilts. The concept is that you begin with a traditional block and layer it over a shadow version of itself (or even another block).The shadow is formed by making the block appear in the background in a different fabric. The first half of the book is devoted to exploring the possibilities and explaining the concept so that you can go out and create your own Shadow Quilt.The second half contains 9 projects so you can have your hand held until you are ready to fly on your own. Their writing style is entertaining and easy to read.There are numerous sections with detailed instructions for techniques such as adding a sleeve or hand painting your fabric.If you are looking for a way to be more inventive and want a little guidance, this is a good place to start.

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Dramatic multi-layer images and sleight-of-handtechniques are shown in this truly original quilting book in whichnine inventive projects progress from easier to more complex patterns,featuring lively shadow effects in both small and large scale.

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Celtic Geometric Quilts [Paperback] Review

The author has taken the traditional Celtic knot, and combined the angular lines with fabric bias strips, to create a new art form.The technique creates frames and borders that are elegant.Quilters will enjoy the ease and speed with which these go together, and Celtic artists may also be inspired.I even put them on sweatshirts and pillows!

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Designer, teacher, lecturer Camille Remme has translated Celtic designs into quilts using simple pieced repetitive geometric blocks and lively colors. Follow straightforward, step-by-step instructions for cutting fabric into strips and machine sewing the repeat blocks or units to create overall Celtic quilt designs. Color illustrations and gallery of quilts are included.

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Casting Shadows: Creating Visual Dimension in Your Quilts [Paperback] Review

Casting Shadows is a well-written, user-friendly book that I thoroughly enjoyed!Colleen has a comfortable style of writing that kept me interested in learning more about her fascinating ideas of adding dimension to quilts.The illustrations and directions are clear, and the photographs are amazing.I was fortunate enough to see many of the quilts at one of her trunk shows, and she is truly an incredible quilt artist.I am looking forward to another book from her in the future!

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Product Description:
- Step-by-step directions for different types of surface design
- Use familiar techniques to create all-new effects
Shadows make quilts pop! Five projects and six design techniques let quilters creat blocks and motifs that seem to float above the surface or recede into the background, using familiar methods such as color, value, piecing, and applique. Quilters of the world, stop hiding in the shadows and learn to love them!

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Storm at Sea New Quilts from an Old Favorite [Paperback] Review

Each year the Museum of the American Quilter's Society issues a challenge to quilters with a new contest: the 1999 theme was the 'Storm at Sea' quilting block, and five winning quilts and 13 finalists are featured inthis presentation of both quilters and patterns.

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Each year, the Museum of the American Quilter's Society challenges and inspires quilters with an international contest, called NEW QUILTS FROM AN OLD FAVORITE. The theme for 1999 was the Storm at Sea block. The five winning quilts and 13 finalists are featured in this colorful and informative book. Meet the quilts and the quiltmakers, and discover patterns, tips, and techniques for making or designing your own Storm at Sea masterpiece. REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review says, "Each year the Museum of the American Quilter's Society issues a challenge to quilters with a new contest: the 1999 theme was the 'Storm at Sea' block, and five winning quilts and 13 finalists are featured in this presentation of both quilters and patterns.

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Portraits from Nature: 35 Studies for Dimensional Quilts [Paperback] Review

I have enjoyed most of Jean's quilting books, especially her garden inspired ones. This book is no exception. I love the idea of these little quils to make bigger wall hangings, and wall art. Her directions are wonderful as always. These little art quilts make wonderful great gifts. I am finishing one for a wedding present. Can't wait to make the tree quilt for my home. I could not put this book down from the moment it arrived!!

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Product Description:
* Thirty-five full-size patterns for home-grown garden quilts
* Combines two favorite hobbies: gardening and quilting
* Create suitable-for-framing portraits of beloved plants and flowers

Portraits from the Garden combines two of today's favorite pastimes--gardening and quilting--into one stunning, practical book. Now quilters can select a favorite blossom or plant and create a beautiful stitched "portrait," using 25 convenient full-size patterns. Complete instructions for easy fusible applique, plus decorative machine techniques, make this the easiest way to keep blossoms fresh forever.

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Make Your Own Contemporary Quilts (Hachette General Reference) [Paperback] Review

This book is absolutely amazing I was looking for something like this for years. It has enough information if you are a beginner, as well as very advanced techniques which could be used anywhere not just in making quilts. It gives you so much more ideas for contemporary quilts if you don't want your house looking country style all over.
I never rated any book before, but this book really shocked me, in a good way, I wanted to email the editor (Karen Hemingway) to thank her, but I couldn't find her email anywhere. Well I guess this is the next best thing.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

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Product Description:
In the past 25 years, quilting has undergone a major revival-and it has now been elevated to a personal and decorative statement in the contemporary home. This user-friendly and thorough reference contains all the information needed to join the movement and create a beautiful quilt. For newcomers, it covers the basic skills and essential techniques (sewing skills, stitches, making patchwork and templates, preparing the fabric), while it gives more seasoned quiltmakers plenty of original ideas...and an endless supply of inspiration to fashion a quilt for every room in the house. Internationally renowned designers have contributed 20 stylish and innovative patterns-all exclusive to this guide.

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