Quilting Books

This exciting book shows uncomplicated rag dolls a child can make and sophisticated dolls that will challenge experienced dollmakers -- and everything in between. Complete doll patterns including clothing. Tips, embellishments and secrets are shared by well-known dollmakers. Beautiful color photographs as well as clear drawings/black & white sketches. Among the 10 patterns given are Dirk,a flag-bearing American Revolutionary boy doll, the Princess Bride and Anne of Green Gables. If you're going to buy just one book on doll-making, this is the one to purchase. Great comprehensive book!

This book is one of the most complete for cloth doll making that I have found. Covers choosing the cloth, hair, faces, clothing, patterns, you name it. Anyone who loves cloth dollmaking needs to have this book. Excellent!!

Excellent teaching, photography, examples!!

A must for all doll makers of all levels!

Worth every penny and then some!

This is an excellent book for those who would like to learn more about the craft. Ms. Gorley is an excellent writer, teacher and the diretions/drawings are super helpful even for the novice.

She covers the basics and takes it from there. What is nice in additon to the lovely photographs are the drawings and sketches included.

Highly recommend this pulication for your doll making library.

I have to say I did not like this as much as Jane's 1st Applique book, however it is an excellent tutorial on this brand new technique. I am a die hard needle turn applique artist and can't really see myself doing what I personally would call "rainbow" or "gradation" applique. I don't see it as color blending because there is no blending going on. I think of blending as the subtle mixing of color and this technique seems to be just side by side placement of different shades making it look mostly striped in my opinion.
I do feel Jane does an Excellent job of describing and teaching her method and there are TONS of applications where this method would be very applicable such as in landscapes and such. But as far as working this method into most of the reproduction, Baltimore or very traditional patterns I like to work with, I just don't feel the "color-blend" Jane uses is the same as I picture when I think of blending.

Regards

As always, Jane Townswick has created another book of stunning applique designs. She also has a few new hints and tips to share with us. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves applique!

Beautiful. That pretty well sums up what comes to mind when looking at the designs in this book. Author June Townswick discusses using many different fabrics on a single applique shape to get a nice blended effect. She describes the various techniques that she uses and the construction of the design right down to the type of stitch. Using this technique she presents photographs of some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. They simply have to be seen to be believed! This is a very highly recommended book to anyone who would like to do something unique and end up with a true conversation starter. If you have any interest at all in applique you owe it to yourself to pick up this book and examine the possibilities presented here.

I am a quilter but new to hand applique and love this book. It is insightful, helpful and easy to understand. High recommend it.

Dawn Navarro's 1985 topsy-turvey cat block pattern in a quilt classic.
The original quilt was a basic block pattern, years ago. The new updated instruction makes it possible for everyone- all skill levels to follow the easy to read instruction and make a purrfect quilt.
Also, I found the Kitten Quilt to be a good solution for a smaller quilt and
the ultimate quilt for a child's bedroom.
The pillow patterns are excellent for fabulous quick projects.
All the quilts are designed with colorful and creative fabrics shown on full color pages.

I can't wait to make my own CopyCat Quilt and curl up with my cat in it! In fact, I'm going to make the "Kitten" version just for her!
I've never quilted much, but I found the directions really clear and easy to follow... and I love all the photography in it- rich colors and inspiring style!

Dawn's website is also pretty neat- lots of other great ideas! (www.copycatquilts.com) Highly recommended. I hope she produces some more "Copy" Quilts... it's so clever!

Dawn E. Navarro's COPY CAT QUILTS offers easy directions for a popular cat pattern which was first published in the 1980s. Kitties on quilts, pillows and wall hangings embellish pages of step-by-step details including color photos as well as written text, making it quick and easy to produce cat quilts that work well.

I was excited when I found COPY CAT QUILTS. As a cat lover, I couldn't wait to see all the patterns for cat quilts Ms. Navarro put in her book. Alas, I was disappointed. There were really only two patterns. True, there are six different projects but only the two different cat patterns. I don't need a book to tell me that I can take four blocks and make a pillow instead of a quilt or decrease the size of the "cat" to make a smaller quilt.

With that said, I do LOVE the cat pattern that she has designed. It even comes with a stuffed ball at the feet of each cat. I would be "lazy" and stuff a yo-yo rather than go through the trouble of sewing two circles, turning and stuffing. After all, the opening of the yo-yo will be placed faced down and the ball sewn around to attach it to the quilt.

I am glad to see the cat is all pieced, not paper pieced and while there are a lot of pieces to make each cat, he does turn out very cute. Embroidery is used to complete his face so you can make your cats happy, sad or mischievous. The projects all have material and cutting lists and instructions on how to put the blocks together. Ms. Covey has left the quilting pattern to finish the quilt up to you.

The Feline Dolls cat has the template included in the book which is the second pattern I referred to earlier. If you are a quilter that thinks "outside the box", then this book might be a bit disappointing. But if you are the type of quilter that needs detailed instructions to make each and every item you quilt, then this book will give you six wonderful projects to work on.

Having lost my confidence with the needle following a long spell of illness, this book, Crazy Patchwork, a Christmas gift from my husband, first gave me great pleasure just looking through it, and secondly inspiration to pick up my needle again.

Beautiful pictures illustrate the non-patronising instructions to create glorious new items from recycled bits and pieces, many of which most needlewomen will find in their possession.
Some of the projects are easier than others but even the ones which are a little more difficult have simplied options.
The projects are varied, modern without being harsh, and pretty without being old-fashioned.

Have you ever noticed in "how-to" books that there are often irritating ommissions, as if the writer wanted you to how clever they are but are not prepared to share all of their knowledge with you. THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE OF THEM!
Janet Haigh, who is obviiously an expert needlewoman, tells it all.

I LOVE this book.

This book, by an English crazy quilter was a great edition to my growing smorgesborg of Crazy Quilt books. The photos in this book are a delight, full of color and detail. The range of variations in projects is a real inspiration- the many different looks and feels of crazy quilts.

If you've grown a bit bored with conventional quilt blocks as I have, then this book will get your creative juices flowing again!

Of all the books in my growing library of crazy quilt books, this is one of my all time favorites. Great discussions of fabrics, threads, color choices. The photographs are stunning and the quilts inspiring. You won't be disappointed.

As with all of Eleanor Burn's books the instuctions are easy to follow and presented in a logical step by step format. Her books are great for both the visual learner- with great pictures and diagrams as well as those who learn by the written instructions. Eleanor has never disappointed me- - Ive taught several people to quilt by using her books as starting points.

Sue Banholzer

WONDERFUL BOOK , ENJOYING IT VERY MUCH . GREAT TRANSACTION

This book arrived in the condition that was described and in a short amount of time. All that I expected. :-) Thank you

I have always liked Eleanor Burns books because they are so easy to understand. She breaks down the creation of a quilt in easy understandable terms. I also like the fact she discusses the history of this quilt. I find her books very comfortable to read and use. They encourage me to quit dreaming and start quilting!

This is a spectacular collection of beautiful quilts and pillows. It is definitely not for a beginner quilter. There are a lot of pieces for almost every project in the book. I was disappointed that the paper piecing templates did not have color placement guidelines. Painless Paper-Piecing is a new way to paper piece without having to rip off all those pesky foundation papers. Preparation is necessary, but the results amazing.

Jennifer Rounds and Catherine Comyns' A DOZEN ROSES: BEAUTIFUL QUILTS AND PILLOWS offers some eight quilt projects from a sampler and baby quilt to a coverlet, plus four coordinating pillow designs to be used with such quilts. Packed with full-page photos of finished quilts, inspirational roses from real-life, and diagrams and patterns, A DOZEN ROSES comes filled with different ideas and variations perfect for quilters who love flowers.

It is rare to find a quilting book that has more than one or two projects that appeal to me. In "A Dozen Roses," there are six that I'm already buying fabric for! The quilts are beautiful and reflect an artful style that is easy to achieve for quiltmakers who buy this book. There are instructions for coordinating projects - simple but which add just the perfect touch. Knitters will love the knitted pillows. The authors have put together a fantastic book, with great tips and techniques. Love it!

This book is so lovely and it contains a wide variety of quilting and sewing projects for people of all ability levels. The photography is beautiful and the instructions for each project are very detailed and precise.

One great thing about this book is that there is a wide range of projects for everyone. Some of the projects are traditional (such as the Bed of Roses Baby Quilt) and others are more modern and funky (such as the Roses and Ribbons Strips Pillow). There are projects that could take several months to finish and others that could be completed in a matter of an hour or two.

The authors also explain the inspiration behind their projects and give interesting background information. For example, the Rose of Havana Quilt was inspired by Azulejo tiles from the Moorish period in Spanish history. There are also many interesting legends relating to roses scattered throughout the book.

I love this book and enjoy flipping through it to look at the gorgeous projects. I think my first project will be the Rose Petal pillow to add a romantic touch to my bed.

This book has everything you need to begin hand-dyeing fabric to use in quilts. The instructions are complete and understandable. It has a complete list of the equipment and materials needed to begin. Color charts, formulas, dyed fabrics, finished quilts, and quilt patterns are all included. I love this book!

This was a wonderful book. In fact, I wish that I had ordered this one prior to the other books on dyeing that I ordered. It had simple, easy to follow instructions. The color wheels printed in this book were the absolute best! In addition, beautiful color photos illustrated unique designs and colors.

So if you are even remotely thinking about dyeing your own fabrics, please buy this book first; you may not need to buy any additional books.

Thanks,
Libby

This is an excellent manual for anyone wishing to learn how to use fiber reactive dyes with confidence. Presents good color theory and excellent exercises to explore the infinite color possiblities through color mixing, while creating a "library" of color samples for reference.

Comprehensive and easy to use; each chapter is a self-contained workshop. You can do one, or all, or skip through the chapters.

I had used a couple of other fabric dyeing books earlier and wasn't too happy with the process and frustrated by not being able to reliably reproduce colors.
This book is really excellent - it makes dyeing a really simple process. No need for special jars, chem water etc. that others advocate. I kept a log just as suggested and now have lots of colors that I feel confident I can reproduce.
I'd highly recommend it to anyone new to fabric dyeing or anyone who's tried the process and is frustrated. Give it another chance with this book.

This is a wonderful, creative book. I am collecting fabrics as I write this to create an extraordinary quilt with a few angels in it. This author is very creative and I like how her mind works for creating quilts, wallhangings or whatever. Thanks

MARYLOU'S ANGELS ARE ANGELIC. SHE HAS DONE A HEAVENLY JOB TRANSFORMING SIMPLE SHAPES INTO SWEET INTERESTING BEINGS. THE INFORMATION IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND WORTH READING. IT WILL INSPIRE!!!!!!!

I am not a quilter - yet -, as an artist though, this book offers great inspiration. The bright colors, whimsical style and variation in angels are wonderfull to look at. I love both the look of very traditional patterned quilts and free wheeling apliqued peices Weidman uses. This book gives ideas, insperation and easy to modify patterns to allow your imagination to run free! My stitching and painting work has really changed based on this book and the reminder that you can have fun in your art.

Mary Lou is not only a fine and beautiful quilter she is an inspiration ! Her book grants us all permission to fly and soar on newly sprung quilt wings !

Ms. Horton has put together one of the most inspirational and attractive quilting books that I've ever seen. I was a beginning quilter and a long-time artist, and this book helped "set me free" in this medium of fabric. It's packed with diverse examples, both culturally and stylistically. The compositions transcend their more traditional counterparts with a jaw-dropping alchemy of colour, texture, design and the spirit of creation. A must for any quilter with a rogue spirit and/or an interest in personalizing the quilt art form for certain visions!

This is my absolute favorite quilt book! If you are interested in learning to move forward with your quiltmaking to make your quilts unique, this is the book for you. Roberta will show you how to use fabrics in ways you never thought of, and the results are awesome. This is a must have book for any non-traditional quilter's library!

This is a wonderful book that helps you become more creative in your color choices and fabric choices, and thus in designing a quilt. These are not traditional quilts, with organized patches. These are inspirational groupings of fabrics which tell a story, capture an emotion, or remind one of a particular place. Horton's fabrics come from all over the world, and from every style from calico to decorator to specialty. Includes discussions about using fabric and color techniques to reach your goals in quiltmaking.

This is the way a fine artist quilts! No little squares and boxes and even steven ness allowed. This book is worth it's price by illustrating how to turn a pictoral element into a Hogarth curve. (the rooster on page 50 and the dancer on page 69.) If you are interested in bringing creativity to ethnic designs--this is the book for you. Roberta gives some timely tips on machine applique and constructing unique applique patterns that are helpful when you beginning planning your own unique quilt.

As a beginning quilter who wanted ideas on how to make nice-looking quilts quickly for the kids at the women's shelter and infants at a nearby clinic, I found this book to be just the right thing! It was simple with step-by-step instructions and great pictures. I feel much more confident with my pieces of fabric now. Thanks Anita and Betsy!

This is a great book for new or experienced sewers, for review. Many different ideas. I had borrowed this from a friend and pleased to have my own copy. Unable to locate one in the quilt stores anymore.

Are you interested in quilting, but don't think you have the time? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a special child, or find some way to give back to your community? Then this is the book you are looking for.

Fast Patch Kids Quilts shows you how to use fast strip piecing techniques to make cozy quilts in very little time. The authors give lots of hints for how to make durable quilts that will last through years of kid-love, and special suggestions for making quilts that are durable enough to provide warmth to homeless children or victims of natural disaster. With the quick piecing techniques described here, you can make several quilts to donate to the needy in just a few weekends.

A special feature of the book is the Smiling Patch icon, which indicates projects where your favorite little person can help out. The authors also have plenty of projects that kids can do themselves!

If there is a minus at all to this book, it is that some of the representative patches didn't really catch my fancy--but maybe they will catch yours, or that of your little person. This book is a must for any quilter who loves children and wants to make them something they will remember forever.

This book is almost good enough to make me have another child. I love the step-by-step instructions. Not child's play, but well worth the effort. Many are fairly simple even for a beginner like me.