Fantastic Fabric Folding: Innovative Quilting Projects [Paperback] Review

Compared to many quilting books, this one is easy to use and offers fresh ideas.It provides detailed step-by-step instructions with photographs.There are photos on almost every page--this makes the book more stimulatingthan many quilting books that rely on black and white diagrams anddrawings.In addition to the table of contents, the book offers a usefulindex and bibliography. With this book, even people who have never doneorigami (or used folding techniques) can add this method to their quilting.However, this may not be the book for those who want to make quilts thatlook traditionally Japanese.The book's kimono designs are very Japaneselooking, but the quilting arrangements are not typically Japanese. Forthose interested in making authentically Japanese looking quilts, I wouldrecommend "Honoring the Seasons" (1996) by Takako Onoyama. Still,"Fantastic Fabric Folding" is a great book for those who wouldlike to add some Japanese flavor and new designs to their quilts.

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Product Description:
This fanciful application of clever origami techniques totraditional quilt patterns can add spice to every needleworker'srepertoire. Twenty-two projects for quilts, vests, pillows, and otheritems include templates and folding instructions for easy star,diamond, pinwheel, and other designs.

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The Art of Manipulating Fabric [Paperback] Review

In the author's words, "this is a book of ideas about sewing cloth" but what it really is, is an awesome collection of information from a thousand different sources on the techniques sewers have used sincefabric was invented, to change the surface of an initially flat textile.Wolff brings little techniques of fabric manipulation from the backgroundto the spotlight by isolating each technique, cataloging its uniquefeatures, separating the technique from end product associations, andexploring the sculptural possibilities without regard to where applicationwill be. For any home or professional sewers who currently (orhypothetically) maintain folders of "pleating ideas,""interesting darts," or "photos of ruffles" get thisbook, and fast. Save yourself the chore of assimilating all the diagramsand photos and captions because Wolff has done it so thoroughly you willfind yourself engrossed just reading about the humble little fabric tuck.Granted, no technique by itself makes wearable art or couture clothing, butthese are the manipulations that make up the experimental stuff on therunways and in the exclusive boutiques. Learn what they do to a plaintextile and you're primed to exploit fabric, for whatever purposes yourlittle heart desires. Wolff's chapters cover: controlled crushing(gathering, shirring), supplementary fullness (making ruffles, makingflounces, making godets), systematic folding (pleating, smocking, tucking),filled reliefs (cording, quilting, stuffing), structured surfaces (darts),and mixed manipulations (combinations). If you're a collector of books ondyeing or embroidery or exquisite cut, you really owe it to yourself to addthis viewpoint to your library. Until the magical moment when I picked upthis volume at a fabric trade show, I had no idea someone had catalogued sofanatically the world of playing with fabric. Thank goodness she has, or Imight have attempted it. And as if a jam-packed reference guide isn't causeenough for celebration among fabric junkies, she's included a modestglossary, for clarity, a very helpful bibliography of books and articles,and a really thorough index that makes textbooks look carelessly written.This isn't just for garment-makers either; I can easily see applications inquilting, weaving, home decorating, wearable art, and costuming. Sewingmachine recommended for most of these techniques but they could all be doneby hand-sewers. I think it would most benefit the home sewer looking tospice up their wardrobe with more sophistication and interest in the fabrichandling, but could also be very useful to the professional, especially inthe design fields. After each time I pick up this book I find ideasbubbling to the surface on how to make my next fabric creation really pop.It's inspired several experiments and I see no end in sight.

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Product Description:
This volume demonstrates the techniques for the three-dimensional manipulation of fabric. It categorizes the techniques showing how they are related, giving examples of both modern and traditional variations. The techniques show how to reconstruct a flat piece of cloth using only a threaded needle.

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Making History -- Quilts & Fabric from 1: 9 Reproduction Quilt Projects Historic Notes & Photographs Dating Your Quilts [Paperback] Review

If you want to learn to date fabrics found in quilts and cotton clothing, then this book is a must have.MAKING HISTORY Quilts and Fabrics covers the topics in the same detail and stylistic manner of America's Printed Fabrics, for the years 1890 to 1970. With this book, Barbara Brackman essentially finishes her update of Clues in the Calico, (1989).

If I were to use one word to describe the book's text, it is concise.She gives us a great deal of meaty information by combining period fabrics used for clothing, interiors furnishings, and quilts with interior and architectural design schools and wraps them into a synopses of their influence on patterned fabric's scale, color, weave and print.

Large swatches of original fabrics and reproduction prints are featured in exacting color photographs. Smaller quilt pictures show vintage ones. What is great, especially for someone new to dating fabrics, is that she goes back to the beginning dye history of a color and brings it forward to the focus of the years the chapter covers.

Barbara writes that her personal mission when doing research for this book was the discovery of why the look of quilts changed so much in the early 20th century, compared to the years before it. This book is a very interesting read as it draws from the greater field of textiles and interior design, with a wider focus than reproduction and antique fabrics and quilts.

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Product Description:
The comprehensive guide to fabrics and their influence on American quilts from 1890-1970.Includes 9 quilt projects.

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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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The Modern Quilt Workshop: Patterns, Techniques, and Designs from the Funquilts Studio [Paperback] Review

If you think quilting is for fuddy-duddys, get hold of this book and change your mind!This book has by far the best layout and design of any quilt book I've seen (and I own hundreds).

The quilts look complicated but they really aren't - and if you're nervous, start with one of the "easy" ones at the front of the book.Each quilt pattern is given in multiple sizes (Wall through to Queen) with a beautiful photo and clear illustrations and text, as well as clear cutting intructions and a table which makes it easy to see how many pieces to cut.

The authors encourage you to experiment, and show how each quilt could look in other colour choices.There's evenhints on catching any potential design disasters before they happen.

This is my new favourite quilt book and I would recommend it for ANYONE - even advanced quilters will find new and challenging design opportunities sparked by this book.

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Product Description:
Think contemporary quilts are beautiful but too difficult for a novice to tackle? Think again. This book makes modern, graphic quilts accessible, both in technical and design terms, to novice and experienced hobby quilters. This is more than just a pattern book. Through detailed step-by-step text and illustrations, even the reader with no prior knowledge of quilt making or design will be able to complete a beautiful and sophisticated quilt. This book is a wonderful primer for new quilters, and a unique, inspirational design and pattern book for quilters with previous experience.
Readers will be treated to both design theory and technical diagrams detailing every stage of the process. An introduction to design topics such as color, scale, fabric selection, and composition accompanies 15 original patterns for contemporary, functional quilts that can be used and machine-washed and dried. These quilts can be made in a variety of sizes from baby quilts to bed quilts. Illustrations will show how you can customize each of the quilts to a variety of color palettes.
Beautiful color photographs make creating the quilt even easier and each pattern includes the fabric requirements and the technical and design skills that will be learned by making the quilt. The book also includes a reference guide for basic techniques used in each of the patterns, including cutting, piecing, aligning seams, thread color selection, and much more.

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Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects [Paperback] Review

I am a long-time quilter who loves modern patterns and innovative design; I was so excited to see this book.When it arrived I knew after flipping through it once that I would be returning it--and I never return quilt books. Be aware that hardly any of the patterns are for quilts--most are for household objects. And what's frustrating about those patterns for things like slippers is that they don't seem as though they would produce results that are going to hold up well.Oh well.I'd recommend that non-beginners skip this and get two great Kerr/Ringle books: Color Harmony for Quilters and The Modern Quilt Workshop instead.

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Product Description:
In Denyse Schmidt Quilts, the ultimate resource for the home quilter, Schmidt reveals the secrets behind her most popular designs. Thirty projects range from the simple to the challenging, from patchwork slippers and aprons to tote bags and pillows to her beloved quilt patterns, offering something for every level of quilter. Schmidt reviews the fundamentals of quilting and provides easy-to-follow instructions, patterns, sewing tips, and an artful approach to design basics. With engaging wisdom and beautiful step-by-step color photography throughout, Denyse Schmidt Quilts will inspire beginning and skilled crafters alike to embrace this age-old tradition with a new and modern twist.

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