Quilting Books

I first checked this book out at the library. Finding that I loved the concept and the templates she offers, I knew I had to buy it. The actual quilt may take forever, but I love the thought of slowly making each block. Good alternative color ideas also included.

This is definitely a must-have for Appliquéers in the quilting world. Judy has given great instructions for recessed (reverse) appliqué with clear and concise pictures to go by. The little blocks are wonderful. Some of the blocks can be a challenge but oh so rewarding when finished. You won't regret purchasing this book.

The entire book is beautiful! The instructions are easy to understand and the blocks come out easily. This quilt can be done in other colors and it also shows how to make smaller quilts. It is truely a great buy.

This is a wonderful book for any quilter that loves applique or would like to learn the art of hand work! The instructions are very easy to follow and the patterns are fantastic! Anyone who purchases this book will find themselves addicted to these little blocks! Don't let the 4" size scare you off.....the blocks can be resized to suit your comfort zone.

I once thought I hated applique - but after trying the newer techniques I love to applique. The designs in this book are a treasure and varied. You can use your favorite colors and easily do it your way. i can see a future of a great number of varied Dutch Treat quilts being made. there is even a Email group of quilters doing these blocks.

This book gives a glimpse into fabric artist Ruth McDowell's process that is just amazing!

This is such a well illustrated book, I am so pleased wiht it. I have been doing challenge quilts for several years, and this adds so much knowledge to my brain for different approaches to the projects. Wonderful pictures, and side notes. Would reccommend it to anyone interested in stepping out of the box in thier quilting.
Sharon

Fabric Journey: An Inside Look at the Quilts of Ruth B. McDowell is a splendid example of the evolution of a quilt and quilting process of a talented artist. It is not a book that contains patterns for quilters to make themselves.

Ruth B. McDowell is one artist who is emphatic that her designs are not to be copied or reproduced in any form without permission. And there are no patterns provided. So if you want to look at her work and make a similar quilt, this book is not for you.

But if you want to study an artist's work and the evolution of her art, you will find McDowell's book interesting. If you are a quilt designer, you will learn some valuable lessons about expression through fabrics and the visual impact of choices. McDowell shares some valuable techniques that will certainly make specific processes easier for quilters.

McDowell's quilts are stunning and her journey to the finished art piece is fascinating. Reading her book is an inspirational experience that can be translated to your own work by releasing your individual creativity.

Armchair Interviews says: The artist's journey, as well as the beautiful quilts, should help you mature as an artist if you thoughtfully study McDowell's work and processes.

This book challenged my ideas of fabric pattern and colour use, and had me go out to the garden with a digital camera to capture flowers and then enlarge the result to examine them towards designing my own quilt. The ideas presented by Ruth appear to be adaptable towards any type of pictorial or emotional art quilt, a truly valuable acquisition.

She is a master! The explanations are clear and the art works lovely even if you never make one. But you can try some great new techniques under her care with this book.

WOULD DO BUSINESS WITH THIS SELLER AGAIN. IF A ONE-STAR REVIEW POPS UP, PLEASE IGNORE IT. I GOOFED IN MY HURRY TO FINISH. Haste makes waste is still true.

Bonnie's book has many georgous pictures and ample directions for this technique that goes beyond the norm. In addition to uses in making art quilts, I'll be using the techniques with church banners. I'm seeing endless possibilities with this technique. WELL worth the cost.

These exquisite quilts made of fabric and silk flowers, and embellished with glistening threads and beads, are a delight to the eye, a focal point in decor, and a conversation piece! If you like fabric and flowers, here's the way to combine them, using your sewing skills, deft hands, and an eye for design. The abundant, beautifully photographed quilt designs in the book will certainly get you started, whether to copy one, or to use as inspiration for creating your own designs. The author's experience with teaching classes on this technique comes through in the thorough, yet easy to understand instructions. There are some supplies the author mentions that I had never heard of, so the list of resources, including some web addresses, is helpful. The price of the book seems a little high, but if you make only one of these fabric masterpieces, it will be worth it!

You know all those silk flowers you couldn't resist in those shops that you dragged your husband and kids to on your last vacaton? Then when you got home they were carefully tucked away until inspiration came to arrange and diplay them in your home. Well, grab your prettiest ones and those relagated to the bottom of the drawer and open to any page of Bonnie McCaffery's latest book, "Fantasy Floral Quilts". That's just what I did. Fun ideas came tumbling at me faster than I could dissect those delphiniums and run to the nearest fabric store for a selection of tulle to compliment those lillies languishing in my growing cache of faux blossoms. You won't believe how many kinds of new flowers you can invent with your newly educated eye and what you have on hand or what you can find in craft shops. Then all the ways you can use your innovations with Ms McCaffery's help. This book stands alone as one aspect of modern quilt "technology". You should see this book for yourself, it's a new look on the quilt horizon that you won't want to miss.

You never knew how EASY a technique could be, and what a
beautiful piece you could create! Bonnie McCaffery's book
gives you step-by-step instructions, VERY clearly written,
to guide just about anyone to completion of a wall hanging
she can be justifiably proud of! At the Mid-Appalachian
Quilters workshop, I saw folks who were somewhat tentative
and a bit scared at first create the MOST beautiful works
you can imagine. . . and, you can too!

I've read the entire series. Loved them all.

The Goose in the Pond is my favorite of the Benni Harper series. I love Earlene Fowler's characters they are so interesting, fun and real. When Benni discovers a storyteller in the water who is dressed up as Mother Goose, this starts a marvelous mystery. I am so happy that I rediscovered this mystery series. I have also have enjoyed reading Kansas Troubles, Dove in the Window and Mariner's Compass. I love quilts and mysteries so this series have been so wonderful!

In this book, Benni Harper, who is recently married to the Chief of Police, Gabe Ortiz, finds the dead body of one of the storytellers from the museum. Since she knows the victim and the suspects she tries to stay out of the investigation, but everyone thinks she knows more than she does.
I found the ending quite unsatisfying -- not because of who is revealed as the murderer, but the way in which this is discovered.
I also found Gabe's self-righteous macho posturing too much to take. He is at least as much to blame for the problems between him and his son, Sam, as Sam is. How could Sam not be troubled with a father who can't find anything good about him?

I have read 5 of the 8 Benni Harper mysteries. Being a serious quilter, and an avid reader I find books fairly predictable. Ms. Fowler keeps you guessing until the very end!! Ofter the title of the book which relates to a specific quilt block is not revealed until late in the book. She has so captured me that when I was telling my small quilt group about the books they thought I was talking about a real family!! I have ordered all of the remaining books that I have not read, and wish Ms. Fowler could produce one a week to keep me entertained when I am not quilting. Books are ment to help you be part of the story and these do an excellent job at that! It is nice that the characters in the books remain the same and it doesn't seem to matter if you read them out of sequence as she renews the past in a way to refamilirize you and not make you lost, guessing where who all of the people in San Celina or how they are related. Keep up the good work Ms. Fowler and HURRY with another book!

This is the fourth book in the Earlene Fowler quilting mystery series.

Benni Harper and her husband Gabe Ortiz become involved in a police investigation after Benni discovers a woman's body floating in a lake next to their jogging path. The dead woman is dressed in a Mother Goose costume and Benni immediately recognizes her as Nora Cooper, a local storyteller.

Because of Benni's job as curator of the San Celina Folk Art Museum, she was well acquainted with Nora Cooper and they were both working on an upcoming Storytelling and Story Quilt Festival. Benni tries to stay out of the police investigation, but she keeps getting pulled in because she knew the victim and most of the suspects.

Benni and Gabe are newlyweds and still getting adjusted to living together which is difficult because they are both set in their ways. The situation is not helped by the arrival of three different relatives who all come to visit at the same time causing commotion in their small home.

Though Earlene Fowler gives us a patchwork of personalities and several different plots, she still manages to keep the reader interested and entertained.

Granny Quilts: Vintage Quilts of the 30s Made New for Today Beautiful pictures,easy to follow instrutions,this book would appeal to all types of quilters.

If you admire quilts from the past but want to put an updated twist to them, you will enjoy viewing and putting your own touches to these patterns.

The book is excellent and I'm very happy that I was able to purchase it. I have always wanted to quilt a granny quilt and I finally have the pattern to do so.

I never get tired of looking through this quilt book, and that's more than can be said about many others I own. But even beyond that, I have already made one quilt (Peek-a-Boo Baskets) from it, and have expectations that I will go on to make make two of the others as well. There are so many classics in here, you can hardly wait to try them. That's evidence that the book is truly inspirational!-- not only loving the pictures, but going on to actually make something from the book. The patterns and instructions were perfect.

Like all quilters we need a cat's nine lives to do all we imagine inquilting. This book has great patterns for Aunty's, clothsline, feedsacks etc. If you like those prints this book is a must. I have quite a few books on quilting. I collect books like fabrics (not quite). I love my library of books and fabrics but I am fussy. Most of the books I have bought are thoise that have been given 5-4 star ratings when I am looking for specific content.

I purchased this book when it first came out and boy, I was in for a real treat. This book is written with the inexperienced dyer in mind. I teach from this book beginning dying at my local quilt shop. I'm sorry it's no longer in print. I would recomend this book to anyone that wants to learn to hand-dye! Also, using the freezer bags makes it a snap!

I had originally purchased this book in a kit I bought from Dharma Trading. I somehow misplaced the book, and just recently purchased another copy. I have several books on dyeing/painting on fabric and go to this one time and time again. I'm teaching a class in July on dyeing fabric and everyone is going to have to purchase a copy of this book. It is a great book to learn how to dye fabric. It is well written and easy to follow. Need to purchase if you are interested in learning the art of dyeing fabric.

This book is great for beginners, but as a 'non-beginner' I still refer back to it all the time. It is great, as the recipes don't call for urea, which I never seem to have around. It is easier, and safer, for children to use for dyeing as it doesn't use the harsh chemicals some formulas call for.

An all around great book that should be reprinted - I have to say, as good as it is, I certainly wouldn't pay the 'used book' prices that it is going for now. It's only 55 pages, no matter HOW good it is!

This book was descriptive enough as far as actually dyeing the fabrics, but I felt that it lacked a basic tool - which is a color wheel. Just by adding a section pertaining to mixing and creating new colors, it might have made for better reading.

I have MANY books on hand-dyeing fabrics for quilters, but this is the one I take out when it's time to dye. The instructions are simple and clear. The equipment is minimal and easy to use (zip-lock bags, not jars or buckets), and the worksheets are invaluable. The other books are pretty to look at and get ideas from, but this book will actually get you dyeing. Thanks, Adrienne...I should send you pictures of the many quilts I've made with my own hand-dyed fabrics thanks to you.

"One of the great privileges of working with quilters and being part of the quilting industry is seeing first-hand the compassion that surrounds us collectively. Judy Howard's collection of stories is a beautiful example of heartfelt efforts to provide peace and support to those most in need. Quilters have a keen ability to comfort and sooth, but also strengthen, always while creating the patchwork that binds us together." Beth Hayes, Editor McCall's Quilting

This is a wonderfully inspirational book. I think any quilter will enjoy piecing through it. You will laugh and probably cry. It is that heartwarming.

This collection of stories bring us the history of everyday women though the memories of each storyteller. It is books like this that historians of tomorrow will go to for a sense of quilts and quilters of the past.

I'd like to paraphrase a quote from my own book, QUILTING TO SOOTHE THE SOUL, to endorse Judy Howard's wonderful book, HEAVENLY PATCHWORK: " When there is joy or stress in your life, turn to your needle and let the labor of your hands work through the images in your heart." Judy's book exemplifies all the good feelings of acceptance and resolution quilting brings to the quilt maker and receiver. It is a 'must have' addition to any personal library! Linda Carlson, author. www.lindacarlsonquilts.com

"It has always been my hope that each and every quilt be a product of the maker's heart as well as her hands. The quilts featured in these stories are special because they were created with love, gifted with love and received with love, continuing the tradition of quiltmaking in the best possible way." Judy B. Dales, quiltmaker, teacher, author, lecturer www.judydales.com

I highly recommend this wonderful quilt book. The author is a delightful teacher and explains the constuction of her beautiful patterns with ease and enthusiasm. There are a total of 15 patterns from which to choose. Also, Rita is know for her fantastic cooking and she has included many of her favorite receipes. The quilting stories are enjoyable and fun to read. Treat yourself to this book, you will love it, or give it as a love gift to a friend. It is a keeper!

This book is a "2 for the price of 1" item. Where else can you get a helpful "How To" book as well as feeling like you're taking a "one-on-one" class at the same time? I learned new quilting info, was entertained by the author's humor, made to feel like the author was talking specifically to me, and at the end of the day I was able to produce not only a beautiful quilt, but have a delicious dinner on the table, thanks to recipes the author has included. This book is a bargain! It's a great resource, as well as an inspiration that leaves you wanting to take an "in person" course or at the very least make another "Mystery Quilt!" I highly recommend it and don't think you'll be disappointed. It's a "Keeper!"

Wow! What a great book! I have a new passion for quilting. Thank you.

Some may say that this review is biased because Rita is not only my boss, but my friend, however, I have personal knowledge of the power of this book. The previous reviews are right on--one does read this "how to" book like a short story. The shop's famous "mystery classes" are just plain fun from beginning to end. Making a quilt top is only a part of the magic of the day. As employees we have perhaps a better time than the customers who are actually sewing. Rita has captured this feeling within the pages of her book.

For those of you considering buying this book, you'll be able to choose a pattern and then find simple, but detailed instructions, for every step from fabric selection, to cutting, to sewing each step. We keep a copy of the book handy in the shop to use as a reference.

Don't think that this book is only for beginners. Many of us turn to the patterns when we want to create a beautiful quilt in a short amount of time. I personally use these patterns when I want to make gifts for friends. Pick a pattern, stitch it up in flannel, quilt it on fleece, and you have a perfect lap sized quilt for a sick friend who has just had surgery or chemo. Add some borders (instructions included) and you have dandy dorm sized quilts. You won't be sorry when you buy this!!

I have this book for myself and have given it as a gift to an avid, very experienced quilter. When she called to say she was having trouble picking out a quilt to make from her huge array of patterns and books I told her to take a gander at Mystery Quilts. Its not only a how-to about hosting a mystery quilt party (which I have since the book came out and it was wildly successful), but it has beautiful patterns that don't take an advanced math degree to cut out and piece. My friend was extremely pleased with her afternoon undertaking.
The recipes and quilt tales from Rita Fishel remind me of why some of us love quilting. Its not just the creativity, art and function of the process, its the relationships, old and new that make quilting such fun.

The writer of this book makes a serious effort to teach quilters to produce fabulous quilts. It is presented in a clear, concise manner. I recommend it for the beginner as well as the more exoerienced quilter.

This book has gorgeous quilts in it, especially the quilt interrupted. I would recommend this book.

I just started quilting 10 months ago, I had never sewn or quilted before that. I have now made 2 quilts from this book and am going to make more. I love this book! The directions are very clear and easy to understand and follow. There are smaller quilts and large quilts. You really can't go wrong with this book!

I have been dying to take a class on M'Liss Hawley quilts but don't like paying the price for the classes. I bought this book for the Quilt Interrupted pattern. Wow!!! All the projects are beautiful and its great the there are two or three versions of each quilt to spark every quilter's imagination.

Phenomenal Fat Quarter Quilts (c 2004) by M'liss Rae Hawley has a string of 5 star reviews. While this book has some traditional quilts, it focuses more on more contemporary artistic designs. Color choice varies accordingly. Looking to go beyond the tried and true? This book's for you! Designs and color choices are reminiscent of art displayed in a modern museum. This book stretches the creativity of the reader.

Step-by-step, detailed instructions with outstanding photos that demonstrate each step. By using this method, a beginner could produce results formerly achieved only by an experienced quilter.

The most informative and inspirational book for a long time.
Very good detailed pictures and wonderful instructions. Pure drool
material looking at what Sharon has made. She is a master!
If you want to make an amazing quilt buy this book!!!

The instructions are great, step by step color photos, catering for the beginner up to the advanced quilter, there are good tips and ideas, and the quilt on the front is the pattern inside.

Loved the ideas, and will try this technique as soon as I can gather my supplies. However, I fell in love with the quilt, and she doesn't discuss her unusual corded border. The quilt is wonderful, but the border makes it stunning.

This is everything the reviews said it was, I bought 2 and gave one to a friend.She has not done applique at this point, now she is excited,I am a needle turn person and this is the first time I have seen machine applique that I will try.Sharon is a great talent and this will make you want to seek out her work and if you are very lucky take a class from her.
This is a must have to anyone who loves quilting!