Quilting Books

Quilting is an enduringly popular pastime and the source of many a family legacy quilt to be handed down from generation to generation. In "Beyond the Block", quilting experts Linda K. Johnson and Jane K. Wells collaborative to present a series of new patterns and ideas for quilting projects with difficulty levels that range from the confident beginner all the way to the more experienced needlecrafter. Enhanced with tips from the 'Crafty Ol' Broads' about the basics, "Beyond the Block" then dives right in to the patterns themselves. Beautiful color photos clearly illustrate the instructions and piecing techniques for maximum comprehension and design. Techniques and resources are included. Easy to follow, great color pictures and ideas, "Beyond the Block" is enthusiastically recommended for quilters of all levels of proficiency.

This book has directions and illustrations for all kinds of quilts - 16 patchwork quilts, 9 applique quilts, 1 white-on-white quilt, and 6 decorating accessories - in addition to quilting know-hows and suggestions

This book has hundreds of design possibilities, all shown in grayscale diagrams. There are photographs of some of them made up, but for most of them you'll have to do your own color choices and placement. These blocks could be made up into bed-sized quilts, starting with large squares as building blocks, or into blocks to go into a quilt, or as a single smaller block as a wallhanging or other small quilt project. This is not for someone who needs handholding and precise step-by-step directions. But if you're confident in your own taste and able to make decisions for yourself as you go along, and can look at a block diagram and see how it should be sewn together, this offers you lots of options. All the blocks are made from simple units -- squares, four patches, "rail fence" units (two rectangles), and half-square triangles. The author gives you lots of possible ways to combine those units into quilt blocks of any size you choose, determined only by the size of square you start with. This is a book I'll return to again and again.

This book is similar to Leisure Arts "Encylopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns" with simple patterns, AMAZING photos of antique quilts, and info on how these patterns originated. With 82 patterns, it is a great reference book, and the 11 applique patterns are easy, even for a relative beginner! Something for all skill levels. A real steal at this price!

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in isometric design.
Sara Nephews stands apart from the crowd with easy to follow instructions with great results.

Part of Oral Traditions Project-Covers broad spectrum of topics by 12 authorities including quilt historians,folklorists & social historians Virginia Gunn, Nancy Roanm Patricia Herr, Tandy Hersh, Jeanette Lasansky, Patricia Keller, Kathy Sullivan, Laurel Horton, Cuesta Benberry, Barbara Brackman, Mary Cross, Rachel Maines. Book Explores & chapters include Late 19th century dress fabrics & period quilts, Fabrics used by Penn-German Farm Families, Small piece, Appliqued, and Quilted Objects in Penn-German Household, Penn-German Pillowcase, Dowry Quilts, Lancaster County Marriage Quilts, German Quiltmaking, S. Carolina's Dutch Fork Textile Traditions, Penn-Dutch Patterns nationalisation in 1940s-1960s, Influence by Fairs & Expostions, Oregon Quilt Contest, Needlework Technology in Industrial Era - This is a serious scholarly study with full Bibliography for each chapter - good large examples of dress fabrics are pictured, rare objects like Amish birds from Mufflin County, Penn, Quiltmakers bios, quilt provonance are documented.

I've taken classes w/Jean. Her book is very informative, easy to follow and has detailed instructions.

I really loved the book. The applique projects are unique. I would recommend it to anyone who loves applique.

As an American, I love red, white and blue quilts that show a patriotic theme. BOUND FOR GLORY provides five such patterns: Paper Pinwheels, Carrie Nation, Sergeant's Chevron, Union and Liberty Star.

The Pinwheel has been a favorite pattern of mine and this one is done in mostly red. I would "flip" the red and the blue positions but the pattern is gorgeous. Simple squares and triangles and you have it!

Carrie Nation is all squares while Sergeant's Chevron is simple triangles and strips even though it looks more complicated. It has a star appliqué to complete the chevron. Union is triangles and squares and strips and the Liberty start has a square in a square along with squares and strips. None of the five are extremely complicated but all have the look of being that way.

There are three pages of quiltmaking techniques that include diagrams which make following the instructions very easy. Each quilt is shown on a full page in the colors the author chose. Remember, you can always flip the colors to suite your own room or tastes just like I will do in the Pinwheel. Which one will you make first?

There are only 40 pages in this book but it is one of the most original ideas I have seen. The only problem I have is that with such a spectacular border, you really need a fairly dull quilt. In fact, the best thing to do is plan the border then a simple quilt for the interior. On the other hand, if you have made a quilt top that is dissapointing, then this border will cure that. Very clear instructions and matrix planning chart so all you have to decide what colors you want to use. Truly and original. I am glad I have this book in my collection.