Showing posts with label piecing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label piecing. Show all posts

3/30/2011

Asian Elegance: Quilting With Japanese Fabrics and More (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Asian Elegance: Quilting With Japanese Fabrics and More [Paperback]Kitty Pippen broke new ground with her first book, Quilting with Japanese Fabrics, and I consider it a "must have book" for anyone with more than a passing interest in Japanese fabrics.Ms. Pippen and her daughter, Sylvia, have pushed the boundaries further with this book, Asian Elegance, which incorporates polynesian and Japanese fabrics, design elements and ideas.Well done Pippens!

Since her first book, many of the Japanese fabrics that were so readily available are rare. Many traditional Japanese fabric makers are no longer manufacturing, or have modernized or moved to other countries.The quilts in the new book reflect some of these changes.Fabrics are more contemporary, embrace polynesian elements, and generallyare available at most quilt and fabric stores or from resources listed in the book.All in all, this is a book to inspire, and grow your ideas.The elements of graceful design are timeless.It's worth the investment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asian Elegance: Quilting With Japanese Fabrics and More (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Got a passion for exotic fabrics? Feature the fabrics of Japan, Polynesia, and Hawaii in your next quilt! This talented mother-daughter team shares their love of unusual fabrics in one-of-a-kind designs.
-Learn the best ways to use beautiful, bold fabrics in nine step-by-step projects
-Break the traditional rules of design by playing with asymmetry, space, and movement
-Get creative by combining several fabric styles, from elegant kimono silks to colorful tropical prints

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3/16/2011

That Patchwork Place Quilt Collection [Paperback] Review

That Patchwork Place Quilt Collection [Paperback]That Patchwork Place's QUILT COLLECTION provides 19 special quilts from favorite designers: major quilt artists from Jo Parrott to Cyndi Hershey and Nancy J. Martin. Each comes with step-by-step instructions for a range of quilting projects appealing to beginners and advanced quilters alike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: That Patchwork Place Quilt Collection [Paperback]

Product Description:
"That Patchwork Place Quilt Collection" features 19 designs, from some of the world's top quilters that are sure to inspire creativity and fun all-year-round. Whether you like traditional, fun, or trendy, this volume has something for everyone. Quilmakers featured include: Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson; Jodi Cromwell; Joanna Figueroa; Cyndi Walker; Nancy J. Martin; Cyndi Hershey; and, many more. This title is packed with 19 stunning projects from some of the world's best-loved quilters.

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2/28/2011

A Quilter's Diary: Written in Stitches (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

A Quilter's Diary: Written in Stitches [Paperback]As with all of Mimi Dietrich's books, 'A Quilter's Diary' is an attractive and well presented volume. The central concept of the book is the idea of making a 'quilt diary' about yourself or someone else - choosing quilt blocks whose names or patterns represent important mile stones in your life.There are photos of Mimi's own diary quilt and the quilts of some of her students as well as the patterns for 150 patchwork and applique blocks arranged according to various themes such as childhood, parents, true love, home, career and so on. The only reason I haven't given the book five stars is because 150 blocks don't really provide enough choice for a personal quilt, and readers will have to look further at other quilt block books - to be fair, there is a list of possibilites in the bibliography at the end, but it would have been nice to see more blocks presented as well as they are here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Quilter's Diary: Written in Stitches (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Ever wanted to write the story of your life? With fabric as your paper and a needle as your pen, you can chronicle your most memorable moments. Bestselling author Mimi Dietrich explains how to tell your personal story or the story of someone special to you in extraordinary quilts.

*Construct the pieces of your life in fabric with your choice of 100 pieced and appliqued block patterns

*Let Mimi guide your designs with inspiring questions and themes 24 categories include family, friends, holidays, hobbies, and more

*A gallery of quilts, plus Mimi s unique setting tips, will help you launch your own ideas

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1/25/2011

Bound for Glory: Five Patriotic Quilts [Paperback] Review

Bound for Glory: Five Patriotic Quilts [Paperback]As an American, I love red, white and blue quilts that show a patriotic theme.BOUND FOR GLORY provides five such patterns:Paper Pinwheels, Carrie Nation, Sergeant's Chevron, Union and Liberty Star.

The Pinwheel has been a favorite pattern of mine and this one is done in mostly red.I would "flip" the red and the blue positions but the pattern is gorgeous.Simple squares and triangles and you have it!

Carrie Nation is all squares while Sergeant's Chevron is simple triangles and strips even though it looks more complicated.It has a star appliqué to complete the chevron.Union is triangles and squares and strips and the Liberty start has a square in a square along with squares and strips.None of the five are extremely complicated but all have the look of being that way.

There are three pages of quiltmaking techniques that include diagrams which make following the instructions very easy.Each quilt is shown on a full page in the colors the author chose.Remember, you can always flip the colors to suite your own room or tastes just like I will do in the Pinwheel.Which one will you make first?

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Product Description:
Display your American pride with patriotic quilts from one of America's best-loved quilt designers! Nancy J. Martin salutes the Stars and Stripes in her trademark scrappy style with quilts that celebrate the American spirit.
* Use your favorite red, white, and blue fabrics in five lap quilts
* Hang quilts to celebrate President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day, and other patriotic tributes
* Three quilts are so simple, they can be made in a weekend

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1/09/2011

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

A New Light on Storm at Sea Quilts: One Block-An Ocean of Design Possibilities [Paperback]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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1/06/2011

Quick Star Quilts & Beyond: 20 Dazzling Projects Classroom-Tested Techniques Galaxy of Inspiration [Paperback] Review

Quick Star Quilts & Beyond: 20 Dazzling Projects  Classroom-Tested Techniques  Galaxy of Inspiration [Paperback]I am a novice at creating stars so I needed very clear, basic steps I could use to create the stars using diamond shapes. Quick Star Quilts has
great variations on an old shape.The directions are very clear and the
photos are especially appropriate to the steps taken to create the product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Quick Star Quilts & Beyond: 20 Dazzling Projects Classroom-Tested Techniques Galaxy of Inspiration [Paperback]

Product Description:
20 simply spectacular star quilts feature 10 different types of pieced stars, in large, easy-to-assemble sizes.

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12/31/2010

Piecing the Piece O' Cake Way: 15 Skill-Building Projects / 27 Quilts Today's Guide to Quilting Basics Color Choices Made Easy (Piece O'cake) [Paperback] Review

Piecing the Piece O' Cake Way: 15 Skill-Building Projects / 27 Quilts  Today's Guide to Quilting Basics  Color Choices Made Easy [Paperback]I am a tried and true fan of Piece O Cake designs.I have been quilting for seven years and I have almost all of their books.Although they generally concentrate on applique designs, this book is a very useful guide for piecing. (Piecing is when you sew patches together to make blocks.Applique is when you sew one fabric on top of another, often to make a pictorial design like a flower.-- I hope that makes sense.)
If you don't already have a good general knowledge book on piecing, get this one. They walk you through all of the general techniques quilters should know and in a way that is very easy to understand and is not intimidating.I lent this book to a beginning quilter friend of mine and she read the whole thing and now owns it, too.
If you are interested in applique, the Piece O Cake ladies really know their stuff and have several books covering a wide variety of different applique projects.They have such a positive and engaging teaching style which I have always found encouraging and stimulating.I have completed several of their projects that, if I'd stopped and thought about it for a minute before jumping headlong into them, I might have abandoned because they were beyond what I thought was my skill level.But, these ladies helped me find the confidence in myself to tackle and complete the projects and they break everything down in such a way that you won't feel lost and in over your head.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piecing the Piece O' Cake Way: 15 Skill-Building Projects / 27 Quilts Today's Guide to Quilting Basics Color Choices Made Easy (Piece O'cake) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Learn the Piece O' Cake style of piecing from the popular design duo, with 15 lively quilts to make.

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11/15/2010

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

Storm at Sea New Quilts from an Old Favorite [Paperback]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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Product Description:
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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10/14/2010

Baby Wraps: Quick, Cuddly Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Baby Wraps: Quick, Cuddly Quilts [Paperback]Our guild, One Stitch at a Time, is always looking for quick, cuddly baby quilts as we make them for Love and Hugs (seriously ill children 0 - 18 years of age).BABY WRAPS is just such book.

There are eight quilts patterns, each quick and easy to make.The smallest is 34 x 37 inches (approximately) and the largest 43 x 52 inches.The most difficult thing about making these quilts is the appliqué.Otherwise, they are made with square, strips and triangle blocks.If you are not a quilter that likes/does appliqué, then look for fabric that already has the pattern on it.

Each project has a full color photo of the finished quilt plus its finished size and finished block size.A sentence or two is written about the quilt and then a paragraph is provided about how to choose the fabric.A materials and cutting list are found next and then the directions for making the blocks.All is written in a clear, easy to understand fashion.Assembling the quilt top, adding borders and finishing the quilt directions are also provided.All appliqué templates are included at full size so there is no need to run out to the copier shop before beginning your quilt.

The final page provides a bit of information about the author which I always love to read and find out how the got to be a published author/quilt maker.If you are looking for a quilt for your next child/grandchild, BABY WRAPS is a great book to have.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Baby Wraps: Quick, Cuddly Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
The best-selling author of the Stack the Deck series is back with a new generation of quilts especially for babies! From bright and fun to soft and sweet, Karla's signature style shines through in these delightful designs for little ones. * Get eight adorable quilt patterns featuring Karla's easy-as-pie piecing techniques
* Choose from motifs including moons, butterflies, and spaceships
* Whip up quick designs for shower gifts, nursery decor, or even toddler birthdays

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10/04/2010

Better Together: Two-Block Designs for Dynamic Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Better Together: Two-Block Designs for Dynamic Quilts [Paperback]As one would expect from Martingale, Better Together is a wonderfully produced and well-written book that will inspire both beginning and advanced quilters.In the first few pages, the award-winning author provides insight on fabric selection and preparation and quiltmaking basics, including many of her useful "insider" tips for piecing and quilting that will also be useful to advanced quilters.The cover photo is an appropriate representation of the book's contents - the quilts are striking and beautifully photographed in full-page format.

Through the 10 main chapters of the book, the author shows how to make dynamic, visually-intricate quilts by combining only two separate block designs in each quilt.The author's choice of colors and value take advantage of the alternate patterns that emerge as the different blocks are joined.Included are examples of how different color choices can dramatically alter the look of a quilt, as well as patterns that would be suitable for large-patterned themed fabrics.

The blocks are all rotary cut and constructed with squares, rectangles, and half or quarter square triangles.Instructions for each quilt, including fabric requirements, cutting measurements and construction steps, are complete and clearly and concisely written.Full-color illustrations matching the photographed quilt accompany each step, and quilting suggestions are also provided.

The author's personable writing style makes you feel as though you had a good friend sitting with you as you are sewing.This is a lovely book from beginning to end.The author's knowledge, passion for quilting and warm writing style are an inspiration - Quilters and this book are truly "Better Together."We hope to see another book from this author soon!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Better Together: Two-Block Designs for Dynamic Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Create a few quilt blocks, put them together, and stand back for exciting results! The individual blocks are striking, but it's the quilt settings that create sheer magic. Easier than they look, each of these 10 projects features either one repeating block or two alternating blocks. Where the blocks intersect, the lines blur from one block to the next, creating gorgeous and unexpected designs. * Projects are primarily lap-sized, requiring a smaller investment of time and fabric
* Quilters of all skill levels can create eye-catching projects
* Styles are traditional and elegant, great for gift giving and home decor

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9/28/2010

Bears Paw: New Quilts from an Old Favorite [Paperback] Review

Bears Paw: New Quilts from an Old Favorite [Paperback]To find out about the origin of the book please read the Editorial review.
As a hobbyist quilter I love quilting books! I love to flip through the pages for new ideas and inspirations. I purchased every book from this series and find them extremely helpful when creating quilts. In this book the quilters transform an ordinary traditional pattern into extraordinary pieces of art. From one page to another you will go "Wow, I didn't know THIS could be done with such a simple block!"
The imagination of the winners and finalists is definitely wild! I loved every quilt in the book and the patterns are given for each one of them!
If you want to go a bit beyond your favorite block, flip through the pages of this book and I have no doubt you will be filled with new ideas!

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Product Description:
Each year a contest sponsored by the Museum of the American Quilter's Society (MAQS) encourages quiltmakers to develop innovative quilts from a traditional pattern. Bear's Paw was the theme of the 8th annual contest. Learn helpful tips about the well loved Bear's Paw from the 18 contest winners and finalists featured in this book. Easy enough for a beginner, the block is made of simple squares and half-square triangles. Sashing strips added between paws give three dimensional effects and innovations in design, color, and form. Winning quilts in the MAQS contest become part of an exhibit touring the United States - look for it in your area. AUTHORBIO: Museum of the American Quilter's Society holds a themed contest each year. This book honors the finalists. REVIEW: A reviewer says, "Barbara Smith edits Bear's Paw, which uses the theme of a quilting contest to explore innovations in design and color which participants presented. The Bear's Paw block is displayed to maximum potential in this fine book blending color photos of completed projects with instructions quilters can easily duplicate."

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9/01/2010

Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas [Paperback]Ms. Hickey has written a quilt book for quilters of all levels.While I consider myself an experienced quilter, I enjoyed her tips on how-to pick fabrics and why to pre-wash them.She takes you through all the steps on how to make q quilt right up o adding the label.

The first section has all kinds of helpful sewing and cutting tips which is a great place for a beginner to start.And, like me, even the more experienced can learn/refresh their knowledge with a tip or trick such as using a battery operated mustache trimmer to rip seams FAST!

The next section has 14 patterns from quilts to table toppers to wall hangings to table runners.Each project comes with a materials list and cutting directions.How to assemble the blocks, the quilts and finishing suggestions are given.There are plenty of graphics to go with the directions and, of course a color photo of the finished project.The projects range from simple piecing, simple appliqué, fusible appliqué and finally 3 D appliqué.A final page tells a bit about the author.

COMFORT AND JOY is a book that will be used to make wonderful Christmas presents for many years to come.I will use it when I teach my granddaughter to quilt her first quilt because the instructions are written in simple, straight forward language.With these time-honored patterns, it will be a book to keep and hand down for generations to come.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Make Christmas come alive in these festive quilts! Bestselling author Mary Hickey shares her signature style in designs that will instantly fill your home with the holiday spirit.
*Find a world of Christmas joy in pieced and appliqued delights featuring angels, snowmen, and sparkling stars
*Choose from 14 projects in various sizes, including lap quilts, table runners, and a unique banner
*Find bright colors mixed with traditional designs, all sure to be cherished each time the calendar turns to the holidays

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7/07/2010

Quick Diamond Quilts & Beyond: 12 Sparkling Projects; Beginner-Friendly Techniques [Paperback] Review

Quick Diamond Quilts & Beyond: 12 Sparkling Projects; Beginner-Friendly Techniques [Paperback]This is sew easy, but looks so complicated. You'll be the star of your quilt guild.

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Product Description:
Have you ever stared at a beautiful diamond quilt and thought, I wish I could make that? Well now you can! Thanks to Jan's clever techniques and new designs, you can create these gems with ease. Using the fast2cutr rulers makes it even easier! Twelve new diamond quilt patterns-without inset seams!

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6/27/2010

Color Shuffle: New Quilts from Karla Alexander (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Color Shuffle: New Quilts from Karla Alexander [Paperback]This book is more of Karla's great ideas. Even if you struggle to be creative (as I do), her methods can make everyone (including yourself) believe you really are creative! And if you are already creative, you will go crazy using her patterns and methods. It is great fun - once you make one of Karla's patterns, you'll have to do more. They are easy, beautiful, and open ended for adaptations. Don't miss out!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Color Shuffle: New Quilts from Karla Alexander (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Discover the secret of making complicated-looking quilts quickly and simply with Karla's stacking and shuffling method. Discover how you too can broaden your quilting repertoire by combining Karla Alexander's popular stacking and shuffling methods with a variety of different techniques. Choose from 15 projects in a wide range of styles that make the most of today's vibrant fabrics to create stunning designs that look far more complicated than they actually are.

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6/14/2010

501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks [Paperback]This is actually all three of Judy Hopkins previous books combined for the cost of only one!!! (Around the Block, Around the Block Again, & Once More Around the Block)This is NOT a how to book.You need to KNOW how to SEW and have basic quilting background. These patterns are meant to be ROTARY cut! Here you will find a color example of the block and then you will have a diagram that shows the basic construction in MINIMAL detail but the most excellent part is that you are given VARIOUS size blocks.You need 6" blocks fine, 12" blocks no problem.There is a HUGE reason why the original books are all sold out and selling for greater than the cover, it is because the patterns are solid.You need this book, use it for centers, swaps, borders, and you won't be disappointed!

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Product Description:
Welcome to the ultimate quilt-block book! Best-selling author Judy Hopkins combines blocks from her popular Around the Block series into one handy volume.

*Features 501 pieced blocks, each with cutting and construction directions

*Each of the blocks is offered in six different sizes, resulting in more than 3,000 different block possibilities

*Get the master compilation of the successful books Around the Block, Around the Block Again, and Once More around the Block

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