Quilting Books

Purchased the Jump Start and this product together for my 2yr old who cant use a mouse but likes to bang on all the keys on the keyboard. The other game would get jammed during play, but this one takes a beating and he LOVES IT!!! This is actually a game where I can get it started for him and he can do a lot of it on his own. Our computer is set up where I can just sit nearby and help a little if needed, but otherwise, he's in control and that is what he wants at this age. I would definitely recommend this game- wished Id gotton it sooner as there are two areas, one for infant and one for toddler. Graphics are exceptional and the game is very interactive. My 2yr old can also hit a whole bunch of keys on the keyboard and it keeps going, or he can sit and watch and it still interacts. Great game!!!!

How much I loved this book. How many of the designs I had made.

I'm not sure I like her cats, but, the dragon, some of the birds are wonderful.

I think her original premise (these are lots easier than the kinds of curves/blocks made with Drunkard's Path) and her way of working (only seamstresses, as far as I can tell, really get any benefit out of the million pin way of putting curves together, they ease, in quilter's curves the sewing lines are identical in length) are both wrong, and I didn't look any farther into her books for a good long time.

That said, I used a quarter of the dragon pattern for a show quilt once (it didn't win anything, to no one's surprise, but I still like it), I've done lots of her birds.

This is a wonderful reference book for quilters, containing lots of full-sized quilting patterns. The book is spiral bound, which makes it easy to trace the patterns, or to have them photocopied. Helen offers her expertise in planning and giving helpful hints for successful quilting designs, and how to adapt the designs for your individual quilt. This book is for both hand and machine quilters.

I bought this book two weeks before Christmas because I thought
it would be relaxing to look at the color photos of all the beautiful projects that I would never have time to make. I spent several hours relaxing with this book and read many of the directions for holiday projects that someone less exhausted than myself could have made one or two of before the holidays.
There was even a section on food projects such as Sand-Painting Brownies and Hot Chocolate Mix that looked delicious as well as speedy to do. And I would have done it if I had not found a new all time low in holiday cooking. (I ordered cookie dough from an Italian restuarant while I ate chicken marsala, and the nice chef delivered it to my husband at work and all I had to do was tie on an apron and slice and bake.)
Anyway, I fell so in love with many of the projects in this book that if I only made one a month for this coming year--I'd have all my gifts done for next year. My favorites are: Partridge Pincushion.(To die for-with real feathers--and I know where there is a taxidermy shop over the state line.),birdhouse welcome home banner,wreath pillow, French hen tea cosy,flying geese placemats,
French hen address book, calling bird Christmas cards, six geese a laying quilt,goose wall quilt,seven swans a swimming vest, Christmas cactus and currants pillow (this is stunning and if I ever make it, no one else is getting it.),lord of the manor apron and chef's hat( something a man in the kitchen would really like to get.), wreath door banner (this is really nice--not at all cutesy--but three wreaths from pieced triangles with red bows and bells and the squares in the middle are naturals for custom embroidery--maybe your dog or cat's face?) twelfth hour quilt, and much, much more including menus and recipes for Christmas dinner and Christmas brunch.
This is my kind of Christmas book. Lovely original projects that would be fine to make any year. Lots of inspiration here to start
early and surprise lucky friends and family with stunning gifts.

Debbie Mumm's Quilts From A Gardner's Journal is a thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to creating admirable homestyle quilts with a strong taste of wonderful country flavor. Colorful photographs and enjoyable anecdotes enhance this supplementary quiltmakers's guide, which bears a spiral binding so it can lay flat for easy reference. From the "Early Daffodils Wall Quilt", to the "Blowing In The Wind Bed Quilt", to the "Christmas Rose Lap Quilt", Debbie Mumm's Quilts From A Gardner's Journal is a simply delightful resource to page through and offers a creative compendium of do-it-yourself needlecraft projects that even the most novice of quilters can master.

Debbie Mumm has always been a favorite designer of mine. Her book, JOY, JOY, JOY, has only re-enforced my love of her designing. Not only does this book provide her quilting designs, it also includes decorating tips for the holiday season.

The book is divided into sections with holiday names. The patterns include quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, pillows, tree decorations, stockings, ornaments, centerpieces, table toppers and banners. Whew! It will keep you busy right up until Christmas Eve (or maybe even longer so you can get a "jump start" on next year).

The sections each have a two-page spread that show what patterns are in that section rather than a traditional table of contents. The traditional table of contents is located at the very beginning of the book but rather than repeat it for each section, a visual display is given. This is great as it provides a quick view of what to expect from that section.

As always, Debbie's instructions for making each item is clearly written with lots of graphics to help you know exactly what she is telling you do to. A spreadsheet type table provides the fabric and cutting requirements. This is really great for me as I am totally a visual person. If templates are needed, they are provided. The last four pages are general directions on how to do the different things talked about in the patterns.

This book is a great buy as it has a two-fold purpose --- quilting and decorating. I love it when books have more than one purpose as I feel I have spent my money wisely.

A well-written and illustrated guide to make 6 different pieced quilts -- each will take about two days to cut, sew and assemble ready for quilting. Has some good basic information on cutting and assembling blocks, using a rotary cutter, and assembling and finishing a quilt.

I make large quilts based on single block themes,something about which this book talks about.I learned alot of pointers,and I have to say if I wrote a "how to" book,I would aspire to write something clear and uncomplicated as this author manages to descibe her techniques and ideas.
Its a smart purchase,if you want direct, yet a different understanding of how to design your own work.Even measurements for fabrics are simple to understand,and very easilly understood for someone who wants to try designing their own work.The Author gives many examples of how certain 4,5,9 patch designs can be elaborated into a lage bed spread.Very nice diagrams too!On the whole,I would say to another quilter,if you have made 4 or 5 quilts,and are looking for a next step up in your techniques,this book might be enough to keep you happy in your work for another couple of years.I wish I wrote it.

I love this little book. It's called after one block but you can use the method for so many. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there are many examples of the various quilts you can make from this one small block - A great buy!

Diane Phalen Quilts offers ten fun, original, and creative needlecraft projects (including quilts and pillows) in celebration of the four seasons. Each project in this outstanding quilting compendium provides the aspiring quilter with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and is enhanced by Phalen's superbly original art. These pieced and applique designs are eminently suitable for beginners, very well illustrated with color photography of outdoor scenes and quaint old buildings, and will hold great interest for even the more experienced quilter.