Quilting Books

Efficient ways of creating inset squares and triangles and flying geese units. Helpful cutting charts for lap, twin and queen size quilts.

I just got the book last week and made my first project using the gridded fusible interfacing for traditional quilt blocks. I was able to lay out all the blocks, make sure they were in the proper position, iron them down, and sew them together without my usual get-some-in-the-wrong-order problem. (I hate ripping out seams!) Lots of great quilt projects to try...I can hardly wait to do the one with all the Fossil Fern colors.

The instructions are well written and easy to follow. There are accurate materials lists and cutting tables for 3 sizes of each quilt shown. The clear illustrations and the general 'How to quilt' instructions will let even beginning quilters succeed. Experienced quilters can learn a great way to speed up their traditional block piecing. This is a fitting sequel to Dina's two popular Watercolor books.

Taking light-weight interfacing with grids, you iron on your pieces with the raw sides next to one another. Then you iron the pieces down, fold where the grids are, and sew your scant 1/4" seam. Your quilts will look fabulous! Dina explains what to do beautifully. Another reason I really like this book are the details and extra instructions for other blocks. For example, instructions for flying geese (a different approach you don't see too often) is explained, how to make inset-triangle unit pieces, and folded-square unit pieces, which I've never seen explained in any other quilting book. There are charts for how much fabric you need for each project, depending on the size of quilt you're making. There is lots of extra care put into this book, something I don't see too often. Highly recommended.

this is a magnificent collection of quilts. like many other quilters, i have quite a few books devoted to antique quilts--whether museum or state project collections or the quilts of other countries. this is one of the best.

many of the quilts shown are unlke any others i've seen in any source. the range and wealth of design and originality are breathtaking and inspirational.

the sections dealing with women's roles in 19th century america and their relation to botany is well written and very interesting.

the photos and written descriptions of the quilts are very good. it would, of course, have been lovely to have had detailed shots of the quilting, but that is possibly the only criticism i have about this book.

definitely a book for any quilter's library, and also valuable to anyone interested in the lives of 19th century women.

This book presents 53 full color quilts from the Ardis and Robert James collection at the Nebraska State Museum. The quilts are all superb examples of cut-out chintz applique, album style, applique, pieced and some crazy quilts. It examines the influence of gardening and botanizing on 19th century quilt designs. I highly recommend this book to the quilter, or quilt lover. It gives a detailed description of each quilt, and brings out design elements that might otherwise be overlooked. I own many quilt documentation books and have not seen most of the quilts in this book before. Many have never been publicly displayed before. It is absolutly gorgeous. Buy it!!! You will not be disappointed.

Enhanced with 53 color plates, 11 b/w illustrations, five charts and an index, A Flowering Of Quilts is a superbly presented compendium of the quilter's art with selections drawn from the Ardis and Robert James Collection of the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska. A spectrum of quilting styles is presented including cut-out chintz applique quilts, album-style quilts, red-and-green floral applique quilts, pieced quilts, crazy quilts, and more. Each botanically inspired quilt is supported with a detailed description of its applique, piecing, and quilting techniques, as well as historical, horticultural, and botanical background information on the quilt's design and execution. Informative essays explore the nineteenth century women's sustained interest in botany and examine the parallels between their flower garden designs of the era. A Flowering Of Quilts is a strongly recommended addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library needlecraft reference collection.

We have a group of ladies who get together to sew each month. One friend got this book at our local quilting store. We loved so many of the patterns that 4 of us decided to go ahead and get it also. The price was better online. So now we are off and ready to make one of the runners in the book. This was a book that all of us loved most of all the patterns. There are clear and easy instructions, and a great selection.

Absolutely WONDERFUL quilting book using applique! Beautiful use of color and unique applique designs! If you have never done applique before, you will definitely want to after reading this book. Instructions are very clear. Designs can be appliqued using machine applique, needle turn applique, or applique method of your choice! Enjoy!!!

Flowering Quilts: 16 Charming Folk Art Projects To Decorate Your Home by quilting expert Kim Schaefer is a beautifully presented and "user-friendly" needlecraft guide to making sixteen artistic quilting projects. Introducing readers to an easy-to-follow mapping of the construct and design of quilts ranging from Potted Flowers Table Runner, Big Happy Flowers Table Runner, and Checkerboard Tulip Table Runner, to Sunflower Table Runner, Sun Flowers Wall Quilt, Log Cabin Pot Wall Quilt, Raggy Flowers Wall Quilt, A Bloomin' Dozen Wall Quilt, Flowering Quilts provides an extensive and impressive collection of unique and intricate flower-quilts as well as the pattern layout designs for ease in their creation. Flowering Quilts is very highly recommended to all readers searching for a comprehensive and easily read contribution to the flower-design of do-it-yourself quilting projects.

if you have her _best of four blocks_, you will already have most of the best quilts in this book. that title also offers more history of the style.

c a mcpherson has given a very good review of this book, i'm adding my two cents only because i wanted quilters to be aware that most of the quilts in this book have been reprinted in a later book.

anyone interested in more four-block quilts and their history would probably enjoy carlson's earlier book, _roots, feathers and blooms_.

These quilt designs are exactly what I was hoping for! Linda Giesler Carlson has 12 antique designs of 4-block quilts ranging from the popular rose and wreath designs to the famous "centenial 4-block eagle design", which has always been one of my favorites, and I intend to make this quilt!

The colored glossies are wonderfully done to enhance the antique AND replica quilts. Patterns are included. The author is careful to list needed supplies for each quilt, including yardage.

Her "coxcomb crossing" quilt pattern (seen on cover) is featured,(based off of an Audrain County Historical Society Museum quilt in Mexico, MO) though challenging, is one of the lovliest coxcomb patterns I have yet to see.

Although the author gives directions on how to machine applique binding, the book does not, and was not intended to be a "how to" applique or quilt. If you enjoy duplicating, or putting your own "spin" on antique quilt designs, (PARTICULARLY ANTIQUE AMERICAN 4-BLOCK QUILTS), then this is the book for you.

A lot to choose from...much more for the money!!!!

This book was at the top of my list for a long time and now I know why. I first purchased the author's follow-up book "4-Block Quilts, cont." and was so impressed that I made the search for "Roots, Feathers & Blooms". This book is a feast for the 4-block antique quilt lover's eyes!

The author offers 6 patterns for quilters to use to reproduce antique quilts, but the best is the potpourri of colored pictures of the antique quilts, and reproduced quilts. Two of the loveliest quilts I have ever seen are pictured and made by the author; her unusual take on the "Princess Feather" design, and the quilt entitled "Amy's Wedding Quilt", which includes charming urns, flowers, vines and berries.

The author has spent an enormous amount of time on research for 4-block designs and includes information about the makers (States)which produced them.

This may not be a book for beginning quilters insofar as there are not included instructions for how to quilt, applique, etc. Nevertheless, those things can be found in books anywhere. All quilters, however, can be inspired by the historical research and beautiful picture documentation of 4-block quilts. A must for the quilter's library.

I have most of Elizabeth Root's books and I find each of them give me inspiration to stay in my quilting room for days at a time.

I truly enjoy looking at the pictures and sketches done by the artist, what a tremendous talent Elizabeth has!!

This is a great book. I quilt and cross stitch both. I bought it to cross stitch and the patterns are beautiful and easy to follow and do. I look forward to doing many of the patterns for both quilting and cross stitch in this book. Well worth the money and it is agreat price for all the patterns it has to choose from.

Elizabeth Root is definitely at the top of her class in designing these outstanding contemporary quilt designs based on classic Hawaiian applique techniques. Don't let the black cover fool you, inside are patterns for the most gorgeous quilt block patterns I've ever seen. Many of the patterns are based on traditional Hawaiian flower leias. There are also companion cross stitch patterns. If you'd like to see each quilt design offered in the book, they are viewable at the official site for Elizabeth Root at hawaiiquilts.com.

I first acquired this book about 30 years ago and lost it somewhere along the way. What a joy to have it back! The color photographs are beautiful and most show the intricacy of quilting designs and stitches. Some of the colors in the photographs are so vivid that the stitching is hard to see.

This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to know the history and development of Amish quilts. The 25 page introduction gives us historic background on the Amish community and explains how the Amish faith is incorporated into all facets of daily life. A subsection of text, "Geographical and Chronological Evolutions of the Amish Quilts," describes why specific communities use, or don't use, certain colors and quilt designs.

The remaining 70 pages are devoted to color photographs, usually with a minimum of two and up to five quilts over a two page spread. In writing the captions, the authors occasionally refer back to information from the introductory text to remind the reader of what is being seen - why the embroidery, why the use of different tones of color, how the quilting pattern was designed, etc. The captions also describe the fabric used and name of quilt design style, as well as an approximate date the quilt was made. This is a beautiful book.

This book provides the reader with what I feel is an indepth look at the designs used by the Amish. The spritual origins of not only the quilting but the piecing is fasinating. For any one interested in the history of Amish quilting and the influence their relgion has played in developing their quilts this is a must have book.

The fascination with American quilts continues. Of special interest to many collectors today are the boldly colored, handsomeely quilted bedcovers made by the Amish women in Pennsylvania - particularyly Lancaster County - and in the Amish communities of Ohio and Indiana.

These old Amish quilts have a dual appeal - their visual impact and their superior craftsmanship. Some students of modern art are drawn to them because their abstract geometric designs are strikingly parallel to the paintings of several contemporary artists. Other collectors treasure these quilts for their intricate, refined handiwork and their minute stitches. What is amazing, and worth exploring in this handsome book, is how the Amish women, with a limited range of materials and with limited exposure to the tastes and patterns of the "outside" world, have created enduring works of art that are visually exciting and sophisticated.

A Gallery of Amish Quilts presents for the study and enjoyment of all 150 Amish quilts in color, together with splendid balack and white photographs of the Amish people and countryside. Also, a comprehensive introduction gives the cultural and aesthetic background for the fuller enjoyment of these beautiful quilts.

GATHERED FROM THE GARDEN: QUILTS WITH FLORAL CHARM tells how to create and combine blocks with flower motifs, and includes tricks for appliqueing perfect stems, circles and shapes. Full-page patterns and color photos spice a quilting book which stands apart from the norm and is a recommended pick for any needlework collection strong in contemporary quilter's options.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I know this author personally and have always loved her work. This book is no exception. Ms. Lammon has brought those lovely garden items into the house to keep forever by putting them into a quilt.

As with all good quilting books, it begins with quilting basics - nine pages worth. Then there are five pages on the appliqué process. These are followed by eight projects: a Wall Hanging, a Table Runner and six quilts.

Each pattern has a color photo of the finished item that includes the finished block and item size. A detailed material and cutting list are next. Appliqué instructions follow these lists along with piecing instructions. Plenty of graphics are include so you can visualize what Ms. Lammon is saying. Assembling the top and finishing suggestions make up the last of the project instructions.

All templates for the appliqués are included and are given at full size so you don't have to run to the copy store to get started. Don't forget to read the author's bio at the end of the book. Then grab your fabric and "make your garden grow".

WOW! I just got done looking through this great book and I have to say I was blown away. This book is an excellent balance of quilting technical skill and beautiful artistic expression. I've been around quilters for a few years now and these patterns are some of the best I have ever seen!

Whoever this Cindy Lammon is, she has a tremendous gift! THANK YOU CINDY FOR SHARING IT WITH US! After going through these pages, I really felt intoxicated with her passion for quilting and the images of her artwork are absolutely inspiring!

The book can be appreciated by quilters of all skill levels and I think that any person who quilts or is thinking of quilting should get this book. To think that, with a bit of vision, basic supplies, and the knowledge in this book, someone can make a quilt for comfort or as art work. After reading this book, I immediately wished I had some of Cindy Lammon's work in my own home! I'm going to try and get in touch with her and see how I can get some of her quilts myself.

GREAT BOOK! GREAT READ! DEFINITELY GET THIS BOOK!

This book is excellent. I would recommend starting at the beginning and reading through each project. It is set up as a workbook and one chapter leads into the next. A color wheel is a must and really helps one select the fabric for each project. Not all sales persons in the fabric store have the knowledge that you will obtain from this book. Thanks M'liss. Doreen Meier

Beginners seeking a user-friendly quilter's guide will find the vivid colors and unusual designs of M'Liss Rae Hawley's Get Creative! to be inviting. M'Liss provides only 8 projects to serve as a foundation for gathering skills, but each easy project offers important lessons in color and design and offers enough flexibility for beginners to incorporate their own designs and interests. A lovely collection of formulas and stories.

The book is great, I like the format and the clear instructions. Beautiful photos. The price was also great. I like saving money for more fabric.

another great book, I love all the quilt designs. The photos are truly enjoyable. Book one is still my favorite, but this one just continues the country quilting. I guess you can never get too much of a good thing.

I've never been disappointed with any of their books!

Small quilt enthusiasts and fans of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and Country Friends craft booklets will love the new Gooseberry Patch quilt book, "Country Friends Go Quilting". The book features small (wallhanging or doll quilt-size) quilt projects. Included are patterns for small, country-style Log Cabin, Pineapple, Churn Dash, and Broken Dishes quilts, as well as a heart applique sampler, chicken applique, and cabin-in-the-woods quiltlets. There are also coordinating craft projects such as pillows, stuffed kittens, stuffed pumpkins, picture frames, and small stitcheries. There are (as always) a few recipes thrown in for good measure. Sprinkled throughout is the popular Gooseberry Patch artwork featuring Country Friends Mary Elizabeth, Kate, and Holly. Lots of fun projects! This book would also make a great gift.

I sometimes quilt. USually I quilt and then try to make a hooked rug to accompany it. THe good thing about this book is it allows you pick and poke at the full-size templates to create your own era or modern day quilt. I find that inspirational rather than just being a drone and copying.
Another thing I liked, was understanding how fabrics and fabric colours changed over the years. WHile there isn't much descriptive info on it in the book, it's really highlighted and then brought to life on the pages themselves.
All in all, quilters, and hookers who either want to be very traditional or not, should benefit with this book.
And personally, I have found the whole B&H series on quilting
superb.

I love this book a lot of wondeful pattterens and easy to follow

Better Homes and Garden books have sure improved since I became disenchanted with them in the 80's. And this is an excellent book no matter if you are a beginner or more accomplished at quilting. It is in an easy to use large spiral book form which makes laying it open as you work on one of the quilts or refer to a procedure for making quilting easier much easier.

It is laid out in a decades genre, where 1830-1860, 0n into 1920-1950 and borders are discussed in excellent detail with clear photos and exact size templates you can copy and use. Since I am fond of the Sunbonnet Sue (page 168) quilt my Grandma Katie made for my bed and dolls cradle I wanted to learn how to make one myself.

I make quilts but they are self designed appliqué types and I wanted to discover the old quilt arts. Although the crazy quilts shown (page 104) come close to what I do.

I personally don't know anyone who wouldn't find this excellent book helpful and being well used. Everytime I start to put the book away I realize that I need it out since I am always doing some type of quilt work....