Quilting Books

I have owned the original version for several years and have used it many times. It is a very helpful book and gives my quilts a beautiful finishing touch. The information with regard to size and length of borders, and how to make them fit your quilt is extremely helpful. Frankly, my book is getting dogeared which is an indication of how much it has been used.

If you've ever noticed that the most interesting quilt patterns are the ones with beautiful borders, then this book is a must have. Lots of ideas. Good clear information and all the information you need to adapt borders to any size quilt.

This book is well written and has wonderful photographs to aid in learning the techniques. It's full of great ideas for different borders. It should definitely be a book in a quilter's library.

Janet Kime's THE BORDER WORKBOOK: EASY-SPEED PIECED AND FOUNDATION-PIECED BORDERS appears in its 10th anniversary edition to pack in nearly thirty border designs in different sizes, along with instructions for calculating sizes. From different designs to rotary cutting, this book's been substantially updated and is a 'must' for quilters who would put together eye-catching borders with a minimum of effort.

This is an excellent book for border construction. There are lots of color photographs and the directions are easy to follow. The techniques simplify border construction even for the faint of heart. I would highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderful book with clear explanations as to how to do catherdral quilting. Will be put to good use.

JB

Great book. Easy to read and follow instructions. recommend for most quilters.

Love this book. Can't wait to get started on some of the quilts. Book was in great condition and I received it quickly.

I loved the wonderful use of fabrics that were used in creating the quilts in the book. Makes me want to make one now. I haven't tried any of the patterns yet but I am going to as soon as I get some other projects finished.
This book seems well written, many photos of how to make the blocks as well as finished projects for inspiration.

This book is truly beautiful. The quilts are breathtaking! I found the directions almost too complete in that they are quite wordy, but if you take each step very carefully, you'll have a perfect cathedral window. You won't be disappointed.

This is not simply a pattern book,it encourages & guides you to create a unique quilt that will show off your most treasured fabrics to their best effect.The book demonstrates through photographs of examples, how different overall looks can be achieved using simple circles.A great book for intermediate quilters or any quilter who wishes to take part in the design process and make an individual quilt.

If you have a stash of fabric with strong patterns and colors, be they batik, Asian, reproduction, op-art, no matter, you too can create wonderful quilts with movement and balance. This book shows how to make absolutely fabulous quilts that bring out the very best in those small pieces of killer fabric you just had to have, but didn't have a clue what you would do with when you bought them. Clear instructions, great examples, wonderful graphics: great book.

Reynola Pakusich is a long time quilter, teacher and author who has written for a number of quilting publications. I bought this book as a result of an article she wrote that appeared in "Quilters Newsletter Magazine." She has produced a very informative and beautiful book that uses a simple design medium (circles) along with backgrounds to show off unusual and collectable fabrics, including both yardage and bits and pieces of kimono and obi fabrics. Her wildly eclectic fabric collection includes wax prints from Africa, yukata and traditional kimono and obi fabrics from Japan, traditional and contemporary batiks, madras plaids and printed fabrics incorporating animal skins, florals and leaves and graphic prints. The quilts (some by her and a number by her students) are very beautiful and surprisingly complex considering their simple block design. If you do not already collect beautiful fabric, I can assure you that this book will inspire you to do so. The instructions are easy to follow and will help you produce that masterwork you have wanted to make for so long.

This is a wonderful technique book that will spark your creativity if you love to play with fabrics! The author has a good grasp of color, value, and design and focuses on their use in quilts to create texture, movement, and light. The bonus for me was the detail of finishing techniques including welting, piping, and "pillowcase turn" edges. Needs to be on the shelf of any artistic quilter!

Well written and informative. All steps explained well. Takes the mystery out of circles.

I saw this book at a quilt store a couple months ago, and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with it. I'm not a big quilter (I also cross-stitch) but I like applique and now I'm doing a queen size one with fifteen of the patterns in this book! It's great!

I accidentally found this book in a quilt shop. I could hardly wait to get started. The photos are awesome, the workmanship is unparalleled and the use of fabrics is inspirational. The book is well written and the instructions are clear.

There are no instructions for Kumiko's method of binding these quilts.

This is a great quilt book with wonderful pictures and great instructions..it arrived in plenty of time and in good shape

To say that Kumiko Sudo's Circles of the East is inspirational is an understatement. It is a beautiful book to read, even if you never make one quilt block from it's pages. The whole history of Japanese Crest designs is entertaining enough, but the fact that I could actually replicate Kumiko's art is incredible. I made the Gingko design using my machine with great results although all Kumiko's work is done by hand. Her templates are exact, but she does not include full size placement diagrams. I dreaded getting to the placement part of sewing my block, but it was way easier than I thought...The most interesting aspect of her work to me is her seemingly complete disregard of grainline and total obsession with placement of fabric motifs...it gives her blocks stunning symmetry that I haven't seen anywhere else...really exotic!

This book is full of beautiful ideas. Most of the projects are small so the "fear of applique" is tempered by the fact that you can make one crest, frame it with beautiful fabric borders and you have a terrific piece of art without having to commit to a huge applique project. But the journey is well worth it - everything I've made with Ms. Sudo's inspirational direction has turned out perfectly. I'm anxious to get started on more!

A terrific book, chock full of ideas for using up all your scraps using simple 9 patch designs! Great for beginners and wonderful for all of us who have been quiltmaking for years. This book makes you want to run to the fabric store and buy even more fat quarters to add to your stash.The color photographs are wonderful, as are the directions. You will keep this book handy at all times for inspiration!

Based on a simple split 9-patch, Karen's designs serve only to whet your appetite for more. The book includes pictures and instructions for 18 projects, plus a literally endless source of inspiration for future quilts. If you have been a conservative quilter, using three fabrics and a background, this is a great way to break into the world of multi-fabric quilts. You will learn to judge your fabrics by their value (light or dark) and it will improve your quiltmaking skills for other kinds of designs, too. This book is completely different from Karen's Optical Illusions for Quilters but every bit as enjoyable.

Here are some excerpts from my review of this book. You can see the complete review (and many other reviews of quilting books and quilting products) on the Quilter's Review website.

"...Karen Combs' new book...shows you how to use your scraps to make quick and easy quilts.... Karen has reworked some standard block patterns in a larger format to create designs that are traditional, yet have a contemporary feel. Using only four different versions of a nine-patch block, Karen presents many different looks from which to choose.

"Since all the nine-patch blocks use just one or two easy shapes, a quilter of any skill level can make all 17 quilts shown in the book.

"...Once you have the blocks made, Karen encourages you to play with the layout of the blocks. The blocks can go together in endless combinations, so you never have to make the same quilt twice, even though you are making the same blocks again and again....

"But you don't need to use scraps for these striking quilts. The projects in Karen's book work well with fat quarters, charm packs or fabrics you swap at your quilt guild.

"And these wonderful scrap quilts are perfect for using that fabric you bought because you liked it at the time but, on re-examination, can't imagine why. Everything works in Karen's quilts.

"In addition to her "combing" techniques, Karen also covers fabric values, rotary cutting, piecing, and block layout.... 'Combing Through Your Scraps' is a great book for beginners as well as for scrap-rich experts."

Something I have struggled with from the beginning is color. I will procrastinate the beginning of a quilt forever, just because I get stumped on the color. This book actually lets you take a break from color and focus on value. If you can sort light and dark value, you've got it! Great for all those scraps we tend to collect and perfect for the "uglies" as you're only looking for value. Anything works as long as you stay true light and dark value. I highly recommend this book.

This book not only stirs the imagination for scrap quilters, but also is refreshingly informative in a way to benefit the beginner and aid the intermediate with helpful technique and designing hints. I highly reccommend this book for the quilter and for those buying gifts for quilters!

Contemporary Quilt Art is a big, erudite, and beautifully produced book in the style done so well by university presses. In Part I, it provides us the 30,000-foot view of the development of the art quilt, drawing in the social milieu and economic factors, the role of quilting organizations and adventurous museums in promoting the craft, the place that textile art takes for itself in contemporary art, and the hardships the medium has had to overcome to be accepted by the larger art community. We've heard many of these before -- quilting's origins in folk and domestic arts, its long association with women artists, its populist serialization in newspapers and magazines. This recounting of the trials and tribulations of quilting to find its true place in art is no doubt accurate, but it has a curious defensive quality that underscores the inferiority complex that quilters have had for so long with regard to acceptance as a "true" art form.

If anything belies the need for another apologetic for art quilts, it is Part II of this book, "Artists." This section features, with biographies, aesthetic musings, and lush photography, the work of 19 prominent quilt artists from around the world. Well-known names such as Nancy Crow and Michael James are mixed in with lesser-known talents such as Marilyn Henrion of New York, Korean Kyoung Ae Cho, and Britain's Pauline Burbidge. You will want to linger over these brilliantly original works of art and steal ideas and styles shamelessly in the great visual art tradition. The variety of approaches, media, and style are a stunning testament to the power of the individual vision as it melds a profusion of influences into a unique expression of self and the world. It is clear that the art quilt movement has come to a rich maturity.

After this riveting survey of the current scene, Contemporary Quilt Art succumbs to what seems to be the inevitable need for quilt books to be useful as well as beautiful. In its final third section, "A Guide for Buyers and Collectors," there is much valuable information about how to evaluate quilts, insure them, hang, store and preserve them. Aimed at educating a collecting public and thus encouraging the growth of the high-end quilt art market, this excursion will no doubt assist the struggling quilt artist in getting a better price. Somehow, though, it seems once again unnecessarily to validate the second-class citizenship of quilts in the world of art. Which is too bad.

Nevertheless, this book is a must for any private or guild quilt library. The inspiration to be gained from the hundreds of quilts represented here is invaluable, and should encourage many a young would-be quilter to follow her eye and mind to creations which lead contemporary art into new territory.

Another significant publication regarding the art of the quilt, but much more educational and in depth than the new Lark Masters: Art Quilts publication. An excellent restrospective of the field, including historical references as well as information for the non-quilter regarding collecting fiber. Each artist is profiled, with education, background and working styles, along with photography of their work, including new and old work. I would like to have seen more new work, and in a few cases, the photographs are poor quality. This an inspirational book, certainly not a how to for quiltmakers. The artists selected are certainly the best in the field, and include many personal favorites. Definitely a good addition to any library.

If you've been talking to your friends and family about art quilts and getting a lot of blank looks, you need this book. It's divided into three sections with full color images throughout. The first section gives a history of art quilting, the second section profiles 19 important artists, and the third section gives advice about all aspects of collecting art quilts. Profiled artists' careers are described in detail with at least five images of their work in glorious color. Artists included are: Liz Axford, Susan Brandeis, Rachel Brumer, Pauline Burbidge, Elizabeth Busch, Jean Williams Cacicedo, Dorothy Caldwell, Kyoung Ae Cho, Nancy Crow, Nancy Erickson, Carole Harris, Ana Lisa Hedstrom, Marilyn Henrion, Michael James, Jan Myers-Newbury, Rise Nagin, Joy Saville, Joan Schulze and Julie John Upshaw. The third section on buying and collecting is very helpful as this type of information is not readily available. It includes information about some well-known collectors, tips on working with an art consultant or commissioning a piece, as well as advice on where to see and buy art quilts, display and storage issues, and insurance. A beautiful coffee table book that is also an important resource handbook.

This book is a must have for the art collector as well as the art quilter. Indepth surveys of some of the most important art quilters. Wonderful section on collecting art quilts as well. This book will make you wanting to start your own art quilt collection and will have you searching for more quilts and art quilters on the Internet.

Contemporary Quilt Art: An Introduction and Guide
This spectacular addition to the quilting world provides an in-depth look at the world of the art quilt. Those of us who appreciate both antique quilts and the creative, innovative design of the art quilt will find this book essential. Well researched and photographed, the book provides some long awaited insight into contemporary quiltmaking.

A lot of information is packed in this compact, spiral-bound book. Its smaller size makes it ideal to pack in a tote. Marsha knows her medium well. Lots of eye-candy, good instructions, lots of useful instruction.

I am a dedicated crazy-quilter, too. Of all the books available on the craft, I would highly recommend this new book. Hers, plus Carole Samples' "Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches" are the two must-have books for any serious reference.

I recieved my book promptly and in more than excellent condition. It was securely wrapped and sealed. What more could you ask for? Thank-you so very much for your top notch customer service.

This book is the BEST that I have found on crazy quilting! I have quite a collection of books on this subject and if I could keep only one, this would be it! Beautiful, well illustrated, great explanations. It has all the answers. And to make it even better, it is ring-bound so that it lies flat which makes it so easy to use. This book gets an A+ (from a strict grader)!

THIS BOOK HAS GONE IMMEDIATELY INTO MY TRAVEL-TIME CRAFT BAG!
IT'S A TERRIFIC RESOURCE AND THE SIZE AND BINDING MAKE IT IDEAL FOR USE ON TRIPS.

THE AUTHOR IS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPLAINS THINGS SO WELL THAT I'VE COME TO ADMIRE HER WORK AND USE HER BOOKS FOR REFERENCES WHEN I CRAZY-QUILT, WHICH I LOVE TO DO AT HOME BY MACHINE OR ON THE ROAD BY HAND. THIS IS IDEAL FOR PEOPLE AT EITHER BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

Excellent book with clear instructions and drawings. I like that the book can lay flat so that one can follow the instructions easily. The size is also great as one can travel with it easily. A great buy, I highly recommend it.

I think this is an excellent book! The blocks were SO much fun to put together. After reading this book and trying out a few easy designs, my confidence in sewing curves has increased immensely! Ms. Bowles guides you thru her techniques in the first 25 or so pages and then devotes the rest of the book to creative designs. She shows you how to make a traditional log cabin design, among other designs, and give it a very contemporary feel and look! If you're very anxious about trying curves, give this book a try and see where it takes you!

If I could only have one quilting book this would be it!! I love this book!! I am one of those compulsive quilters and fabric collectors. I have numerous quilting books and take many out of the library. I have been making quilts for almost 30 years.

I signed up to take 2 workshops from the author and this book was included on the materials list. The book's instructions are so clear that I am not sure that I need to take the classes. I plan to take them anyway since I really want to meet Debbie Bowles.

I couldn't wait to make a curved quilt block. I completed two pagoda blocks in less than one hour and then spent the next hour praising myself.

Debbie Bowles really encourages you to experiment with color and patterns and provides excellent guidence and encouragement. I am pretty talented and adventurous with color but was astonished at the terrific results I have achieved from these techniques even with mediocre fabrics.

I also purchased her other book, Dancing Quilts from Straight Pieces and am looking forward to trying this technique as well. (but I like Cutting Curves better).

I'm a quilting-book-hound. If I could own only two quilting books, one would be Cutting Curves from Straight Lines by Debbie Bowles, the other would be Colorplay by Joen Wolfrom. These two books cut all the frustration, when trying to accomplish those eye popping wonderful pieces, that we see in these books. They are beautifully illustrated with great color on glossy paper. Debbie's book is the clearest and simplest book I have read on the dreaded curve in quilting. There is no time consuming pinning and I got instant success with my first block. I have little patients with written instruction and found this book really cut to the chase with step-by-step instruction. If you like traditional patterns with a contemporary twist this is it!

Learn new, innovative methods of curved cutting and stitching with the help of Cutting Curves From Straight Pieces, a highly recommended guide which provides instructions and illustrations on making single and multiple cuts and arcs for quilts. Quilters will enjoy trying out the 16 projects which utilize curved cutting techniques and illustrative color photos.

The author and her technique were featured on an episode of Simply Quilts. I ordered the book immediately and have already made the double pagoda wall hanging and lap quilt. They were both so easy to make and the result was more than I hoped for. I'm already planning on making a queen sized double pagoda for my bed. The book takes you through each step, provides clear instruction and I feel it is one of the easiest and definitely most fun and enjoyable quilts that I've ever made. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a quilt or wallhanging that stands out from the rest! Happy Quilting!

Carol makes it so easy to make detailed miniature quilts that will stun even your quilting friends. Instructions are clear, the patterns fit together perfectly. You can enlarge the blocks for a larger quilt. I recommend Carol's foundation piecing paper to go with this.

P.S. - Won the blue ribbon for small wall hangings at the 1999 WV State Fair with her "Mariner's Compass." (Thanks, Carol!)

Easy to follow directions. Great set up instruction as far as cutting, yardage etc. Really had a ball making these little gems!

Of the 7 or so books on this topic I've bought on this topic, this is the best. The technique taught here - of trimming the edges before matching pieces - works better than what I'd tried to do from previous books. Furthermore, the designs are just down-right PRETTIER than those in most of the others. Patterns are a bit too small for my skill level, so I cheated by using a copy machine to "enlarge" slightly (125%). I'm absolutely delighted with the finished product.

I am new to quilting. For my second project I made the Log Cabin Garden, which is an absolutely stunning design. Then I made two more Log Cabin Garden mini's for the quilting practice. Now I am hooked on Mini's. As a beginner, I found Carol Doak's instructions thorough and easy to understand. Carol Doak takes the reader step-by-step from the beginning of the quilting process to the end. Her paper pieced foundation technique makes the impossible looking mini quilt a cinch to make. Guaranteed to be an idiot-proof project.

This book really helped stretch my abilities to make a unique and one of a kind wall hanging and quilt for my collection.
I really recommend it for the directions are easy to follow to help you create your romantic scene.

You'll want to start this project right after you read. This is the same quality as LANDSCAPE QUILTS with Nancy Zieman & co-author- the Best Quilts on earth.

Most beautiful reverse applique gated gardens, clear instructions with pictures, and paper TEMPLATES to help you get started. How to arrange colors for a garden, even mountain-scapes and stain-glass like designs included, and you don't have to include the gates if you don't wish to.
There are pictures to inspire as well as a couple projects to start with. I am keeping this one next to my bedside!

The ideas and techniques in this book are so unusual and make you want to start cutting up fabric straight away. However, although not too difficult, you'll need to be a little experienced to achieve what Dilys has done in this gem.

Strong graphics and clear instructions make this one of my favorite quilt books. The gates are lovely, and give you the idea that you really are wandering into a secret garden once you have one of these hanging on your wall. I am researching the gates and rails of New Orleans, looking for the perfect one to use for a special piece of fabric I want to use to make one of these lovely quilts. What fun!

Window views and garden scenes may be created with fabric and thread using Enchanted Views, Dilys Fronks' "user friendly" guide which demonstrates examples of appliqued garden gates, windows, grilles and more. Projects include patterns and instructions for a range of projects and skills levels, and are loaded with photo examples.