4 comments about Pretty Little Patchwork.

1. I received this book last week and I'm just dying to sew up some of the creations in this book.Pretty Little Patchwork Great ideas and easy instructions!



2. I ordered this book, thinking there would be some new, unique, funky projects to make. There are a few nice ones that I might try, but overall I was disappointed with the selection of projects. Most of them are quite basic and not really things that I would use or make.
   
   If you're a beginner sewer then you'll find these projects easy, as they have good instructions. A few of the pictures of finished projects look kind of "cheap" to me, like something my kids would make...
   
   If you're looking for some fun projects to make, I would recommend Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects. The projects have a more "finished" look and I think they are more useful.



3. I was very disappointed with this book. The cover is positively enchanting, but the rest of the projects look very amateurish in my opinion.



4. Pretty Little Patchwork by Lark Books
   
   Está bien el único fallo es que no tiene esquemas del paso a paso.

5 comments about Scraps.

1. I got this book from the library and wasn't dissapointed. Judy Martin's books are always good. I found the patterns to be more contemporary than your traditional quilts. There are several quilts that have a "shadowing" background, which looks like the blocks are floating. It's not a book for beginners. These patterns are challenging.



2. This is an absolutely wonderful book as most of Judy Martin's are. So many ideas to us scraps from. Easy to understand. A favorite of mine.



3. With so many colourful unit illustrations showing how to assemble the quilts accurately, and the templates the clearest I have come across. this a book for beginner and expert alike. A dream to read and inspirational to use. 10 out of 10.



4. This book has so many ideas I almost don't know where to start. Good instruction and great pictures.



5. I love this book because Judy Martin does such a great job of making it easy. Her pattern pieces are precise and that makes for a perfect quilt when you finish. She incorporates stars in many of the patterns, and that is something I love too.

5 comments about Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects.

1. This book has inspired me to return to my first craft medium--FABRIC!
   Denyse's approach to the sewing craft is fresh, intelligent, and tasteful.
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for more modern ways to express herself with fabric.



2. This is one of my favorite quilting books, if not the favorite, and my original copy was lost in a recent move. I replaced it because I realized I didn't want to live without it! The designs are inspiring and the directions are easy to follow. I am relatively new to quilting and really enjoy creating fresh, modern designs. Books like these are so important to keeping crafts alive as they affirm a new aesthetic for younger crafters.



3. Love the book and projects but it cost me $8 to enlarge one pattern at Kinkos...next time I will try to fit 2 or 3 more on the same copy



4. I first saw this book in a bookstore on my lunch break. I am an avid crafter and love to sew. I had recently decided to make quits for all of my nieces and my nephew, I have 5 of them, for Christmas. Problem was, I had never actually made a quit before. This book is so informative, I could hardly believe how much I learned. I am so glad I got this book' it is going to get me to through the summer all the way to Christmas and beyond!



5. I love this book. I have loved Denyse Schmidt's designs ever since she was profiled in Martha Stewart Living a few years ago. I couldn't resist buying her book. Her contemporary update of traditional patterns is fun and eye-pleasing. Many of the projects are quick, and I have already made the stuffed cat and the apron and oven mitt. The directions were easy to follow and the final products wonderful. In this world of mass produced items, aren't sewers and quilters lucky that they can create something of beauty, something original that they can give to others or keep to enjoy themselves?

5 comments about Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts.

1. I am frustrated with this book. I find the directions confusing and unclear. Also, I don't want to copy exactly any of the author's quilts and am having trouble translating her instructions to the size and layout I want. For one thing I'm having trouble using her charts to figure how much material to buy.
   
   I'd previously purchased Stars by Magic by Nancy Johnson-Srebbro and readily learned to make eight pointed stars. Now I want to fussy cut them. I think that I need a class as this book alone does not do it for me.



2. excellent ,easy to follow directions and fun to do,and beautiful when you're finished. Believe me the price is right too. Quilt stores are much more expensive.



3. I MADE A STACK AND WHACK QUILT FROM THIS BOOK. IT WAS THE FIRST "REAL" QUILT I EVER MADE, AND IT WAS SO EASY AND FUN. THE DIRECTIONS ARE EASY TO FOLLOW AND THERE ARE LOTS OF PICTURES FOR YOU TO FOLLOW. THE KALEIDESCOPE DESIGNS THAT IT SHOWS YOU HOW TO MAKE ARE REALLY NEAT AND EVERYONE LIKED THEM IN MY QUILT.



4. This is an amazing quilt book. The blocks are easy to do and it is absolute magic when you are assembling them. It really reminds me of a kids kaleidoscope, as when you rotate the triangles, you get an entirely different look to the hexagon. I've had such fun with this book, and would highly recommend it.



5. Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts When I ordered this I was advised it would not arrive until July because of supply difficulties. However the book arrived mid-March in excellent condition and packaged very well. I am thrilled with the service and with the book. It opens up a whole new method of quilting and I can't wait to get started just as soon as I finish quilting the last one. Judi Exton.

5 comments about Cotton Theory Quilting: Quilt First--then Assemble (Cotton Theory Series).

1. Enjoyed the Book One of the series. The colorful illustrations and so easy to understand instructions plus the projects are delightful. What a way to make two quilts in the time it takes to make one. Looking forward to the next book.



2. I loved doing this technique, but be forewarned that this book is poorly written and really requires an instructor who is familiar with cotton theory to make sense out of how to quilt this way.



3. THIS NEW METHOD LOOKS COMPLICATED BUT THE BOOK MAKES THE STEPS EASY TO FOLLOW. THUS A NEW WAY OF QUILTING.



4. The author overly complicates the process of quilting as you go and relies heavily on machine embroidery to "quilt" with. While she does offer some helpful advice on bobbin work she fails to address how to adjust a bobbin tension for sewing machines with drop in bobbins (for those of us with vertical bobbins she correctly recommends buying a second bobbin case).
   
   The projects are OK, well thought out, and the directions are clear but most of the quilts are basic squares and rectangles. If you are looking for help in working with traditional quilt designs (log cabin, bow tie, drunkard's path, etc) this isn't the book for you.
   
   I haven't reviewed the three other well known quilt as you go books yet but here are the titles for those who are interested:
   Quilt-As-You-Go by Sandra Millet
   Reversible Quilts: Two at a Time by Sharon Pederson
   Crazy Shortcut Quilts by Martguerita McManus (NOTE: this is different from crazy quilting)
   
   Happy quilting!



5. This is a great book from Betty Cotton. It puts a whole new meaning into quilting. Her "Cotton Theory" is taught in many quilt shops. The results are outstanding. It puts all those fancy stitches on your sewing machine to good use.

5 comments about 9-Patch Pizzazz: Fast, Fun & Finished in a Day.

1. This book helps you use your favorite focus or thematic fabrics to best advantage. It provides lots of variety and many layout options. Each quilt can look different even though it isn't.



2. I am a beginning quilter and this book freed me to do my own thing. I used 3 plus wildlife panels and now have a wonderful wall hanging. I did not do it in a day but in two weeks I did cut, sew and quilt the wall hanging. Spectacular results for me! I highly recommend the book.



3. Great idea book! I love the way the author shows you how to showcase fabric. If you bought a piece of fabric because you love it and don't want to cut it into little pieces, you can keep part of it intact and highlight it with nine-patch squares to create a lovely quilt with your favorite fabric highlighted by the your pieced design of coordinating fabric.



4. This book offers a "formula" for creating interesting looking quilts that make use of your fabric stash, especially those fabrics that you are reluctant to cut. You can use larger pattterned fabrics as focal pieces and add coordinating fabrics in the 9-patch blocks for additional visual interest without detracting from the focal fabric. "Oriental Flight" pictured on the cover, gives the look of a watercolor-style quilt without having to cut so many tiny pieces. After viewing quilts made by students in a 9-Patch Pizzazz class at a quilt shop in Austin, TX, I am glad that I purchased this book. Clear directions and many close-up color photos.



5. If you're looking for a book that will give you hours of inspiration (and the urge to go out and buy more fabric), this is a great option for your library. Bold fabrics combine with bold (yet simple) designs to create stunning quilts that are remarkably easy to make.
   
   I understand the point of view of the people who gave this book negative reviews. There are times when you want to invest the time and energy to make an intricate work of art for a special occasion or special recipient. But for some of us there are times when you want to whip up something artful, eye-catching, and super quick. This is the book for those projects.
   
   When you begin gathering fabric to make one of these quilts, you may find yourself stymied by all your choices. Don't be surprised if you can't visualize how your fabrics will go together and you end up stuck. If that happens to you, I recommend you simply make one -- a practice quilt, if you will -- just to see how it works. Making my first quilt taught me a lot about how to choose colors and textures, which work together differently in Pizzazz quilts than in more traditional patterns. Several of the clerks at my local quilt shop have said the same thing. Making one will teach you more than 20 hours of studying the photos in the book. But be forewarned: Once you make one, you'll suddenly have ideas for six more!

4 comments about Rolling Along: Easy Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips : Jelly Roll Friendly.

1. I got this book as a surprise...and then I was surprised when I read through it. I've been aware of Jelly rolls offered in the quilt shops, but wasn't all that interested, until now. What I like greatly about this designer is that you cut the WOF strips in two so that you are just working with a 22 inch strip as opposed to the 44-45 inch width...therefore it will make for better managabiltiy of the strip sets. I have not tried any of the patterns, but I am totally interested in the concept. It is best to read the instructions when previewing a book, not just looking at the designs of the quilts...but that's difficult to do on amazon....



2. Have you seen those "Jelly Rolls" in your favorite fabric store? Ever wondered what on earth you could do with them? Ms. Martin gives you a whole book on just that subject---10 quilts and 3 other projects --- a tote bag, a pillow and a Table Runner. With the 13 projects, you will be busy for a long time.
   
   OK, so you don't have Jelly Rolls and you don't want to spend the money on getting one. Grab some of your favorite fabric and make your own 2 ½ inch strips. The first 17 pages provide you with basic techniques on how to make your own strips, the tools you will need and how to appliqué and quilt. There is even a suggestion for a quick and easy "light box".
   
   Each project shows a photo of the finished item and a paragraph about the item. It gives the finished size and finished block size. A materials and cutting list is provided as well as how to put the blocks together. There are LOTS of graphics so you can be sure you are following the written directions correctly.
   
   The final pages provide the templates needed for one of the projects as well as several paragraphs about the author. All in all, this is a wonderful book that will have you sewing far into the night.



3. This book has a number of good designs, but I think it's misleading to call it Jelly Roll friendly. Very few of the designs would make efficient use of the number of strips contained in a Jelly Roll -- you'd either need more strips, or additional fabric (FQs or something) or you'll end up with strips left over. A much better book, with designs which use the Jelly Rolls more efficiently, is Jelly Roll Quilts by the Lintotts, mother and daughter. I can't remember the mother's first name, but the daughter's is Nicky. It's available here on Amazon.



4. What is a quick, easy and fun way to make a quilt? Use Jelly Rolls!! This book provides patterns that can be used by quilters of any ability from beginner to beyond. They can be used as shown or adapted in any way that you can think of so this book can be used as a jumping off point for your own designs. It has lovely photos and user friendly instructions. The quilts are beautiful and you can make your own 'jelly rolls' so that the content of each pattern becomes unique. This book provides patterns that are easily adapted to each quilter's level of ability and their preferred colour palette.

2 comments about Skinny Quilts And Table Runners: From Today's Top Designers (That Patchwork Place) (That Patchwork Place).

1. How many times have you wanted to give a quilted gift but only thought in terms of a bed-sized version? I know when I say quilt, I think of something that will take a minimum of a month to make. With SKINNY QUILTS AND TABLE RUNNERS, you can move your quilted gift thinking from LARGE to something smaller but is still a quilted gift.
   
   There are 15 different projects to make. Each is as colorful and unique as the next so everyone should find something that fits the needs of the "gift of the moment". They are as simple as a strip block with a couple of borders to one with lots of appliqué to a cutwork runner.
   
   Each project is shown with a colorful photo of the finished project. A materials list that covers fabric as well as any other tool/supply needed is given. Cutting details as listed and assembling instructions are clear and easy to follow. There are graphics to help explain the instructions too. Templates are provided and finishing how-to's make up the final parts of the directions for the project.
   
   There is a section on quilting basics for those moments when you say "How do I do that?" Don't forget to read about each designer and the editor in the "About the Designers" section. And if you need to locate any of the supplies, there is a resource page. And just so you don't think this book is only for small projects, remember to think "BIG". Each small project can be made into a bed-sized quilt by simply making more squares!



2. Haven't had time to begin "playing" with the ideas yet but I can hardly wait! In addition, my taste is traditional or transitional but my daughter's taste is very contemporary and rich so I've not been able to create useful items she would actually use in her home. This book has several and I'm sure she'll be delighted!

5 comments about Judy Martin's Log Cabin Quilt Book.

1. i'm always impressed by judy martin's creativity and invention. her color sense is amazing. in this book, she shares her latest variations of the log cabin design as well as a few previous examples.
   
   most of the quilts include directions for two sizes--wall and queen. some are also given in twin size, a few have instructions for only one size, but at the back of the book there are charts to aid in changing log sizes and quilt sizes. there is a section on using log cabin blocks as borders. she includes symbols to indicate the difficulty of cutting, sewing and organinzing the patches for each quilt. each quilt also has two diagrams for color and piecing order. there are many wonderful diagrams showing different settings for the traditional block and for some of her original blocks. all the quilts are based on equal-sized logs--there are no off center blocks. with this traditional approach and her color sense the results are beautiful and inspiring.
   
   martin's suggestions and advice come from long experience in quilting and are always interesting and helpful. in the section, 'a piece of my mind,' she addresses many current ideas about quilting that i think need to be discussed--such as the shortcuts that actually take more time than the traditional techniques. the points she raises are helpful for any piecing situation. along with the excellent advice and instructions are photos that are actually helpful.
   
   an added feature is the beautiful quilting, which shows up very well in the photos. there are, unfortunately, no patterns for the quilting.
   
   this is a book that should be in any quilter's library--a beginning quilter can achieve a first-rate quilt following the instructions, an experienced quilter will learn new ways to approach her work.



2. This book is a great inspirational tool to create beautiful log cabin quilts. Being able to see layouts is a great help. The instructions are very helpful. Wonderful book!



3. Anyone that enjoys piecing log cabin quilts will love this book. The quilts are absolutely beautiful and an inspiration. I have already started on my first one.



4. The log cabin has turned into my favorite block and what a book to have in my collection. There are so many new ideas I haven't seen. I have since purchased other "Judy Martin" books and just love them. The instructions are written for both templates and rotary cutting...



5. After seeing references to this book, I decided I had to buy it. Was very pleased with the patterns and instruction. It definately pays to buy through Amazon.

5 comments about Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.

1. I saw this book featured in Martha Stewart Living and loved the items pictured there. I looked at it a few times at my local bookseller before I gave myself permission to buy. I love the way the book is divided into sections by length of time, and I think the patterns themselves are fresh, beautiful, and creative. I am in the process of making one of the quilts, and it has gone just as the directions indicate. They have been easy to follow. I am so pleased with how the quilt is going to look, and it reminds me how precious it is to be able to make a gift for someone you love. It is one of those transcendent moments when something that has given you pleasure, gives pleasure to someone else ( wow, that sounds like sex.)



2. The cover sold me on this book but the projects inside are not all that inspiring. A pincushion, easy quilt, color wheel out of fabric, simple coasters - I didn't find the book worth the price.



3. I got this book as a Christmas gift from my wish list. I loved the simplicity of the projects and the gorgeous fabrics (maybe that's why the projects are so lovely?), but once I started to try to make my first quilt (Little Bits pg.90)for my toddler boy I've had to read and re-read the directions so many times before cutting! I started about 2 months ago, then stopped because of frustration with the unclear directions. I picked it up again, and guess what, I'm frustrated again! I think diagrams would help so much to make it clearer for cutting, sewing and layout of ALL the pieces, instead of providing a diagram for just one detailed section. For a visual learner, which is what I am, pictures speak more than words in this case. As mentioned by other reviewers on different patterns,it seems that parts of the instructions are incomplete or missing. ie, the putting together of the back pieces of Little Bits quilt. Unless I totally missed it after re-reading it so many times. My eyes started to blur and my brain began to blow steam. So now I'm resorting to putting that part aside and finding help on-line somewhere. Or going to the local fabric store for help, again. Hopefully they won't try to rope me into spending money and signing up for an open quilting class like last time after giving so-so help. I just want clarification on the directions and sew my quilt before my little boy is off to college!



4. I love the pictures but, as other reviewers have mentioned, the instructions are horrid. Instructions were missing or so vague it took forever to figure it out. (I was making the little elephant.) Mind you I have been sewing since 7th grade and I am 52, so I have some experience. I quilt and have made many clothes and other things along the way. I have never seen instructions like this. Please do not buy this book unless you just want to look at the pictures. It was a waste of my time and money and I threw the book away.



5. Others have mentioned the cover of the book was the selling point. I must say that is what sold me on the book. After looking inside, I was a little disappointed. The instructions are the worse. "Cut one 38 inch deep piece." What on earth does that mean? Is that length or width? Don't waste your money. You will read the instructions a million times before you understand what the author wants you to do.