Quilting Books

I have been a quilter for a long time and this book gave me information I had not seen. It is a great help and I am still using it to help me make better quilts.

The latest in the Basics & Beyond series by Landauer Books once again shows why they have become staples in every quilter's library. Before you read the first word - and believe me, you will read every single one - you will appreciate the attention to detail incorporated into each book.

It is a hardback with a hidden-spiral so the pages will lay flat next to your sewing machine. And, there are over 200 pictures and illustrations so you can visually view the process - every step of the way. Whether you would like to machine quilt a small project - or a queen size quilt - Lynn will walk you through the process, step by step. She has been quilting and teaching her techniques for years so she's incorporated her no-fail techniques into each and every page. Lynn Witzenburg is truly an expert!

Let's face it, many of us love to applique and piece projects but when it comes to actually finishing them, we turn them over to the experts - and send them out to a machine quilter. But, what if YOU were the expert? That means you would no longer have to wait in line to complete your quilts. In our area, many of the machine quilters are booked six months in advance! And, the money that you would spend on quilting could be used to finance the materials for your next project.

Think about it. You could buy everything Lynn recommends to get started - including her book - for the price of sending out one quilt! So, why not give it a try?

The Tricks of the Trade

Lynn includes tips and helpful hints on almost every page. And, frankly, I looked at the pictures and read the tips during my first sitting. But, she drew me in. In the middle of a blizzard, I got a cup of coffee, snuggled in a quilt, and sat down to savor every word.

I have always been intimidated by machine quilting. I've even tried it a few times - but with less than stellar results. But Lynn went into such detail that she gave me solutions to the problems I encountered - and instructions and tips that stopped me from trying anything bigger than a placemat!

And Then Move on to the "Beyond"

After you have mastered the basics, Lynn explores more advanced techniques such as trapunto, bobbin-quilting, and free-form feathers. She even explains how to design original borders. So this book is a must have for all machine quilters - even those of you who are more experienced.

Lynn has also included several projects with the machine quilting designs included. If you are a shop owner, why not consider teaching a series of classes using the same book. Start them off with the basics and move on to the more advanced techniques. Trapunto, bobbin-quilting and free-form feathers could all be demonstrated with white on white fabrics to make an assortment of pillows.

Your students will be able to finish it in class - and will learn how to adjust the bobbin tension (without shuddering); use water soluble thread; and quilt larger projects.

This book covers it all - and explains it in such simple terms that you will refer to it again and again. I shared it with all of my favorite machine quilters - and they gave it a five star "must read". But, don't stop here. Check out the other books in the series - Applique the Basics and Beyond: The Complete Guide to Successful Machine and Hand Techniques with Dozens of Designs to Mix and Match and Knit Book: The Basics & Beyond. You'll be glad you did.

Lynn's knowledge about quilting and her ability to explain and share this knowledge to a wantabe quilter is superior. This book will become your quilting bible.

The machine as a labor saving device is never so perfectly illustrated as the advent of the sewing machine and the making of a quilt. A hardcover, hidden-spiral bound, 'user friendly' instruction manual, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" by quilting expert Lynn Witzenburg offers the novice machine stitch quilter with a complete, step-by-step, visually illustrated guide to successfully creating quilts with the assistance of a sewing machine. As fun as it is informative, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" includes twelve do-it-yourself projects complete with full-size patterns, as well as favorite and original quilting designs that even the most novice of needlecrafters can employ to good effect. Such issues as choosing a stencil design, working with quilting paper, adapting motifs to fill spaces, making border designs fit, even the creation of 'feathers' in round, square, triangular, and free form. From the needed equipment and supplies, preparing to machine quilt, to free-motion stitching techniques, and so much more, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" will prove to be an invaluable reference and a popular addition to personal and community library Needlecraft reference collections.

This book is great for everyone from those who have never tried quilting to experienced quilters. In addition to the very-easy-to-follow directions for eleven easy (and beautiful) quilts pictured in the book, there is a very nice index with the pattern sources for most of the pictured quilts. There are photographs of quilts used in a variety of settings, themes, and decors with many easy-to-duplicate design ideas. This inspiring book is great for your library or for a quilter or designer--either aspiring or professional. If you have quilts at home that you would love to display but don't have any ideas on the best way, try this book. This is a great coffee-table book as well as a reference book. In addition to the quilts, the photography is superb.

This is a beautiful book and will give many hours of pleasure. It contains colour photographs of many beautiful quilts, where to find the patterns for them, ways to display quilts by using them as decorating items in a home; the instructions/patterns for making seven of hundreds of featured quilts and general instructions on making/storing quilts. It is an ideal "coffee table" book because it is a pleasure to pick up and browse through.

This is a wonderful book to see quilts decorations room by room ... to see how quilts blends in with home decors. For those who don't like quilts in general, this book would change their minds. Most quilts shown are not loud, but beautifully color-coordinated, very contemporary. It is nice to see traditional quilts can fit into modern interior decorations with carefully planned color scheme.

This book is beautiful and well organized. Make Room for Quilts will inspire any quilter whether they are making quilts or decorating. The book contains an extensive index of where to find quilt patterns shown and has diagrams for some of the quilts in the index. This is a book you will review many times.

Carol's books are always excellent, and this one doesn't disappoint. These beautiful paper pieced blocks are easy to construct but look like they took you a long time and a lot of hard work. Carol's instructions are easy to follow so even if you haven't tried the techniques yet you will still be able to create them. There are templates to copy for each block but she also provides you with a CD in the back where you can print your own. You can even change the sizes to create either larger or smaller blocks. Definately an added benefit.

This is a great book for paper-piecing. I am fairly new at paper piecing and have done only one of the patterns in this book. It uses 8 triangle pieces instead of 4 small squares to do the block, I have found this to be easier. All the pieces went together well. The book is nicely illustrated and the directions are easy to comprehend. If you like star patterns as I do this is a must have book.

This book makes a mariner compass as easy as you will ever have it. With simple easy to follow instructions and, it's all paper piecing, you will be able to make the most out of this beautiful book. Please enjoy it as much as I do.

with carol doak--i will never be able to make all the quilts her books inspire.

this newest offering is wonderful. her stars appear complex, but are easy to make with paper piecing. there are 24 blocks (too few! too few!), each named after a country, and nine quilt designs ranging from 25" square to 63" square.

the book includes thorough instructions for paper piecing, so even the quilter who hasn't tried this technique will have no trouble. there are excellent photos of the process. the author includes a short explanation of her design process, which will help the quilters who want to create their own designs.

there is also a section on designing settings which could apply to any type quilting. the instructions for the finished quilts include detailed instuctions, diagrams, and cutting charts, and a feature i haven't seen before--circles with the pertinent fabric next to the yardage requirements. now, no more guessing which is the 'light green' and which 'the medium green' the pattern calls for. there is also what seems to be the compulsory very short, useless section on making a quilt, covering (more or less) in three pages topics entire books have been written about.

the blocks are shown straight and on point, very useful. the finished quilts have charts showing alternate color ways, also very useful.

an added feature is the wonderful machine quilting by Kathryn Blais, that shows very clearly in the photos. lots of inspiration for the 'quilt as desired' part of the process.

a cd of 'the foundation factory' is included. i have made only one quilt using print outs from the 'foundation factory' included in a previous book, and there was a serious discrepancy in length between two sections that were to fit together. i had not had this problem when i photocopied the patterns for yet another project, using the same photocopier. i haven't printed out any other patterns, so i can't say if this is an peculiar occurance or a basic problem.

the cd aside, this is definitely another winner from doak.

Mary Schafer is inspirational. Loved every minute of this book. Loved her attitude towards quilts and quilt blocks and her beautiful quilting patterns. Could have read on and on. Excellent book for those who love reading about prolific quilters, how and why they create so much and the love they bring to their works.

For those of you who love both the beauty of quilts and the process, here is a wonderful book. There are pictures of Mary Schafer's quilts and a great descriptive narrative of how she designed and executed her own designs as well as reproductions of old quilts. I love the fact that she made all her quilts by hand as they were done by our ancestors. There are even a few patterns of her quilts in the back of the book. For me, this is a "must have" for my quilting library.
Helen Cooke Eggleston

Of all the books on quilting that I have collected over the past ten years - this book is my favorite. It not only incorporates the history of quilting during the mid twentieth centure, (when it was languishing - and before the recent popularity starting with the bicentennial). But, it takes you back with Mary and her friends as they studied the quilts made during the beginnings of this country, and during colonial times. Often hunting through old attics and / or taking photos of quilts made by some of our most famous historical women as well as examples of rare and unusual patterns by those not so famous.

It's filled with sweet stories of when Gwen and Mary were getting to know each other - getting together to "talk about quilts." Also, included are dozens of colored photographs of Mary's quilts with templates for her favorites in the back of the book, a catalog of all of Mary's quilts - which number in the hundred(s), Mary's personal biography, and an account of her own personal method of quilting - - - EVERYTHING BY HAND. Examples of complicated, and also not so complicated patterns. In a word, something for everyone.

You will finish this book wishing that you knew Mary personally, and feeling like you already do. It is a story of a very humble, generous woman who has devoted most of her adult life to the pure joy of quilting and sharing that joy with others.

I've read it over and over again, and it never fails to inspire and motivate as well as feeling blessed that I own such a treasure. Mary's love of quilting is contageous - Gwen's writing is, as always - one of the quilting world's best . . . And-this is definitely a book that every quilter should have in their library.

I have the hardcover version and it is beautiful, both story and photos. The text is wonderfully written. It is a great tribute to a lady that deserves a special place in American quilt history.
Highly recommend

This is a good book to sit down with when you need a break. Grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, (have some post-it notes at your side so you can mark some pages) and look through the memories. I always get some great ideas for some little thing to make up really quickly, and what a great way to put to use some of the Mum fabric stash that you just hate to cut into, but know you have to someday.

Great book by Debbie. She is so good with designs and directions. I just love her work.

The book has many ideas to those love patchwork. I liked the colors and I have others books of the same author.
Thank you for all.
Themis Abdo - Brasil

Memories And Milestones by Debbie Mumm is a remarkable collection of quality quilting and sewing projects, each of which would create a memorable keepsake in its own right. Providing a complete do-it-yourself" instructions for each individual project, Memories And Milestones showcases the Paint Box Wall Quilt; Coffee and Conversation Wall Quilt; Handmade Cards; Bead-dazzled Planter, and so many more. Memories And Milestones is very strongly recommended to needlecrafters as an informative and fun compendium representing the timeless art of quilting plans and accessory sewing projects.

I gave Minnesota Quilts to my sister, who was born and raised in Minnesota, but moved to Australia when she married, and lived there ever since. She has become an excellent quilter, and is also interested in historical information about quilting. She loved this book about Minnesota quilters, which includes pictures of the women and their quilts,as well as historical context for their work. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves quilting.

Greg Winter's Minnesota Quilts: Creating Connections With Our Past is a remarkable treasury of one-of-a-kind quilts and the stories of the quilters who made them. Lee Sandberg's full-color photography throughout reveals each quilt's unique features, from a quilt incorporating pages from an alphabet book to Irish Chain Quilts to cross-stitch quilts and more. The text explores the connections that quilts and quilting brought among individuals, families, and friends, as well as the histories of individual quilts and fascinating vignettes of those who owned the quilts destined to become museum pieces. A beautiful collection and the perfect giftbook for quilters of all skill and experience levels, whether as a source for inspiration or just a breathtaking assembly of style and originality that is most enjoyable to simply page through.

What a great book. It was well organized. My only sorrow was that I wish some of the quilts had patterns included because I loved them so much! The photos are wonderful, the history is even better. I definitely give this book a 5-star rating.

From the breathtaking cover to the final page, "Minnesota Quilts" is simply marvelous. Many books have been written about state quilt searches; I worked on several of the searches as a photographer and really appreciate the beautiful way the quilts are depicted and displayed.

Oxmoor House Publishing has compiled a beautiful book, with gorgeous full color photographs and complete pattern instructions for 28 celebrated Mountain Mist designs. Travel through the 1930's and 40's, when life was simple and quilting was a national pastime. See part of the Mountain Mist Historical Quilt Collection and make these traditional designs using updated techniques for quicker, easier quilt making. Mountain Mist Quilt Favorites is a lovely, long awaited quilt book to add to your collection.

As an employee of Mountain Mist and as a quilt maker, it was a pleasure to work with Oxmoor House Publishing to create this book. With more than 150 quilts in our corporate collection, the question has been asked repeatedly when a color book would be available. Now it is! Mountain Mist is known for the beautiful applique floral designs. They devote half the book to applique and the other half are pieced quilt patterns. The quilt admirer will enjoy leafing through Mountain Mist Quilt Favorites. It offers designs for quilters of all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced.

I purchased this book a few months ago. I find myself looking through it often--not being able to choose which pattern I want to start with!! There is a nice selection of pieced and appliqued quilts in varying degrees of difficulty. It is well worth the price and a great addition to any quilter's library.

This book has everything. Beautiful colors, great instructions geared to modern day quilters. Everyone should want a copy!

This book is a must for fans of 1930's (and later) American quilts. I hope the publisher is planning to put out a second volume!

I gave this quilt-block-a-day calendar to a friend who is an experienced quilter and she was delighted to get it. A quick flip through the pages gave her new ideas.

I was so impressed with my copy that I bought another for my cousin for Christmas, who encouraged me to begin quilting by swapping quilting squares monthly. This will make a fantastic addition for her quilting library as well. The index allows for quilt square sizes, the beautiful diagrams and the measurements for cutting make this such a wonderfully simplistic way to learn or expand your quilting knowledge. I have also used it to make quilt squares for swaps at my local quilt club. Since it is a perpetual calendar, you use it every year. Five stars just isn't enough!

This perpetual calendar with a majority of pieced patterns for rotary cutting will delight any quilter. Inspiration for new projects, Block of the Month, and just a lovely place to rest your eyes. The paper and spiral are good quality and should last many years.

I looked all over for this calendar and finally found it shopping at home . Great for any quilter.

As a quiltmaker, the log cabin block has long been my favorite. This books takes the block to new and creative appllications, that will astound you. Not exactly for beginners, but for the experienced quiltmaker, the instructions are easy to follow, and allows for personal creativity in your quilt. Buy it and create a WORK OF ART!

This is a wonderful book for the quilters out there that love the log cabin square. You can make so many unique quilts using this book. You'll love them all!

When my copy of this book became due again at the library, I had to go out and buy it. This book is beautiful and inspiring -- Glover takes a traditional quilting style and completely transforms it. The pictures are great, the background text is interesting, and the patterns are definitely executable (though they're low on details and expect quilting experience). One word of caution -- this is not an intro to quilting or to piecing Log Cabin squares or to color theory, though she is obviously masterful in all three. Use it as inspiration, not as a project blueprint, especially if you are new to quilting.

Log Cabin blocks are so versatile. This book introduces the reader to exciting ways of thinking outside the square. Production of animals, scenes and paletes of colour are examined and open the mind to so many possibilities. The block does not constrict you to sqaures, rather explores the sizes and shapes of the block, and the fabric strips along with the internal arrangement of colour to produce amazing effects. The magic of illusion and secondary patterns is evoked by the careful placement of blocks.

Great information with step by step instructions. Sue makes it so easy to understand the different types of paints available on the market and which brands are the easiest to work with. The instruction is detailed and even a beginner can do it. I'm looking forward to making more of my own hand painted fabrics!!

Great book, too bad its out of print. Seller did everything they said they would and book was in the condition seller said

This is a delight. The recipes for different effects are so clear, and the demonstration pieces show exactly what will (should) happen if you have more or less paint, do it in a different order, etc. I can't wait to make some sample pieces. It could have been even better with photos of the jobs being done, or stages and tools in the process. Very inspirational.

Expand your fabric "stash" and create your own beautiful, easy to do hand painted delights. Sue Beevers's recipes are easy to follow & all the paints & suppiles are easy to find around your home & the local craft store. As a quilter I found this book to not only get my "juices flowing" painting delicious fabrics, but to also nudge me back to the design wall! This is an excellent addition to any fabric artist's library. Even if your time is limited, you can create beautiful fabrics very easily. Once you do one recipe you'll want to do them all! Wonderful book!