3 comments about Color Design in Patchwork: With Plastic Templates for 10 Pairs of Blocks (Dover Needlework Series).

1. I wouldn't recommend this for true beginners. As you might be able to guess from the sample pages, the "instruction" section of the book is given the short shrift. My favorite thing about this one though is the plastic templates. They make things SOOOO much easier, and are marked for both hand and machine piecing. The focus of this one is on color, and not on pattern design, so this is best for those who are already comfortable with the basics and want to move on to the finer points. There is a neat "coloring book" kind of feature,as well, so you can see what your designs will look like. For Beginner to Intermediate quilters, I really recommend "Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting" by Laura Erlich, which is FABULOUS, to accompany this one.



2. Just got this book four days ago and can hardly wait to start making puzzle quilts. This book really turned my mind around and pointed my brain in a whole new direction. The patterns are totally simple and clear. The concept is startling. EX: Block #1A is solid triangles. Block#1B is also solid triangles but totally different in appearance due to the use of Light, Medium, and Dark colors. Nothing complicated except the results. This book has changed the way I think.



3. It's great for beginners, and has a few tips I did not know.
   Nice patterns,and interseting lessons on how a pattern for a simple block can change it's character with color reversal... the patterns come in an envelope and are clearly marked, on nice teflon type plastic,and are easy to scan into a printer if you wish to increase the sizes...If you are a novice, this book is like a mini first primer on quilting,and I recommend it.It's basic,but dang it, it has sophisticated ideas regarding color reversing that I would not have thought of on my own... and has artistry tossed in if you read between the lines.
   this is the second book I would recommend for very interested students on the subject of quilting,it is primary,yet has alot of flexibiltiy with the proposed designs for a more advanced approach...Paula Nadelstern is one great quilter,this book delivers.I will guarantee you will be pleased with it when you decide to order it.

5 comments about Fig Tree Quilts: Houses (That Patchwork Place).

1. A great book with gorgeous patterns. Nice variety of methods- applique, piecing, embroidery. Would have liked to have seen some paper piecing maybe but that's okay, it's a great book and there are already three things in it I know I HAVE to make!



2. I really like this book. I have picked out several quilts or wallhangings that I would like to make. I have always loved the little house pattern. Many good ideas in this book.



3. I have always LOVED quilts with houses on them --- all kinds of houses --- funky, cottage, or realistic --- they all call to me. FIG TREE QUILTS, Houses is a book that satisfies that calling.
   
   With thirteen quilts and one purse project, I will be able to "build" houses to my hearts content. I could even make a whole city on one quilt by combining the patterns. Come to think of it, that idea would make a cute wall hanging!
   
   The book begins with sixteen pages of basic information from fabric selection right on through to finishing techniques. Continuing in the theme of houses, the tips are shown in colored boxes and called "Schoolhouse" so they are easy to find and identify. Each project begins with an overview of how the pattern came to be and a color photo of the finished item. Next are a material and cutting list and piecing instructions have plenty of graphics to help you visualize the steps. Assembling and finishing information comes next and any templates you need are provided. The skills used to make these quilts are as varied as the quilts themselves. Appliqué, piecing, making strips to cut into blocks and embroidery are all used.
   
   The last two pages of the book are bios of the authors. I always enjoy learning about how the authors became authors! This is a book I will share with our guild as we make quilts for Habitat for Humanity! What a great theme for a new house ---- a quilt with a house on it!



4. Jeanne Figueroa and Lisa Quan's FIG TREE QUILTS: HOUSES comes from the design team behind Fig Tree Quilts and packs in a gathering of house-themed designs: some 14 projects which display both pieced and appliqued houses. Full-page patterns accompany color photos and easy designs beginners will find accessible and fun.



5. I found in this book more than ona charming project, not so difficult to realize

2 comments about The New Quilting by Machine (Singer).

1. I recently purchased this book to use as a reference guide for a quilt I am working on. This book is fabulous! It includes step-by-step instructions on just about every aspect of the quilting process. The book also includes well illustrated pictures along with the instructions, which enhances the books value. I did feel however that the book did not explain quilting terms as in depth as I would have liked. Despite this, I feel this book should be added to the library of anyone who does quilt, or plans to quilt in the future. Had I read this book before quilting for the first time, my first quilt would have been a less daunting process. If you don't have this book, get it soon!



2. Unlike so many of the quilting books out there that get positively sappy, this revised Singer volume remains an excellent primer for the beginner trying to understand the concept and practice of basic quilting. I've seen no other publisher make the effort of so many full-color photos illustrating step-by-step how to design, construct and execute a quilt. Well worth the asking price.

2 comments about Plentiful Possibilities: A Timeless Treasury of 16 Terrific Quilts.

1. The collaborative effort of quilting experts Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith, Plentiful Possibilities: A Timeless Treasury Of 16 Terrific Quilts, offers quilting enthusiasts with easy-to-follow patterns for the creation of sixteen eye-catching homemade quilts. Diagrams, traceable patterns, carefully worded, presented, and illustrated instructions make Plentiful Possibilities a wonderfully useful, accessible, and creative source book for novice and experienced quilt makers everywhere.



2. A book of great ideas and patterns, well worth having!

5 comments about Carrie Hall Blocks: Over 800 Historical Patterns from the College of the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas.

1. This is an excellent resource book for those interested in quilt history. The more than 800 blocks were made between 1900-1935. Both pieced and appliqued blocks are shown in color. The pattern section of more than 200 blocks range from easy level to difficult. The template section is very easy to use. Each block is shown in color and then in sections with all template numbers listed. All blocks in this section have been converted to more standard sizes and could be converted to other sizes with relative ease by any quilter. A fantastic book and a must for any quilter's personal library!



2. If you are interested in quilt history or in the names of traditional quilt blocks, this book is an invaluable tool. Carrie Hall sewed and collected various quilt blocks along with their names in what is now an encyclopedia of quilt history. I have used this book both for inspiration in my own quilt block making and also for historical interest (which blocks were named after political events, etc). Definitely one to have on your quilt book shelf.



3. Carrie Hall Blocks are a great resource to have. There are 800 different pattern blocks to look at with 200 having the templates completed in the back. But if you wanted to make a block not templated all you would have it do is xerox the picture to a desired size and then draft it. But with 200 templated you have more than enough to chose from. I have made some of the blocks and used this resource to research block names. Not only does she have a copy of blocks, but she also will have copies of blocks that have the same name but different patterns. This one feature has cleared up many confused moments.
   
   istanbuljoy



4. I like the fact that the book has a hard cover. And with 800 patterns, a person should be able to find something they like. However, I found other books on patterns that I like much better ("It's Okay if You Sit on My Quilt", "Once More Around the Block" and "849 Traditional Patchwork Patterns) and I have never used this book for a reference (yet) because I like my other books better. And I'm not crazy about the choice of fabrics that are used; there isn't much definition in value. There are quite a few applique patterns.



5. Wonderful book of Vintage block patterns, makes cataloging some of those old orphan blocks great or making that wonderful vintage look quilt. If you like vintage designs you need this collection of designs.

3 comments about Ribbon Star Quilts.

1. Stars seem to be a popular theme for quilts in 2007 and 2008. Ms. Mahoney's book, RIBBON STAR QUILTS, provide you five beautiful star quilts to keep you busy.
   
   The first section gives instructions on making the basic block used in her Ribbon pattern. Then each project has a color photo of the finished quilt, along with a materials list and cutting chart. This cutting chart makes it so easy to follow which fabric, the number needed, the size to cut and what that piece will be used for. I wish more patterns were written with this type of chart.
   
   Lots of diagrams are included in the instructions for making the blocks. The finishing of each quilt is left up to the maker's own tastes although a quilt pattern is provided if you wish to use it. A second color way is shown at the end of the project. You can read about the author at the end of the book.
   
   With the basic block provided in this book, you can make dozens of wonderful star quilts from you own stash of fabrics. Let your imagination go wild.



2. This book is short, with only one basic pattern, but nice options available for making it. If you want to make the cover pattern, the book is worth it. If you are looking for a book with more than this pattern, go onto another book. I liked it, but was a bit disappointed in finding out only one quilt was in it.



3. Nancy Mahoney's RIBBON STAR QUILTS offers five quilts with traditional-style blocks enhanced with woven ribbon illusions, and builds ideas upon these for more ribbon quilting projects. Numerous full-sized and small color photos supplement easy how-to directions offering plenty of ideas and flexibility for changes and embellishments.

5 comments about America's Printed Fabrics 1770-1890: 8 Reproduction Quilt Projects: Historic Notes and Photographs; Dating Your Quilts.

1. what a wonderful resource book for anyone who is interested in fabric/fiber arts.
   i'm a quilter who likes to create quilts with a flair from yesterday. this book not only helps me to be closed in my interpretation of that time, it does guide me through the decision which colors have been more used than others. the contents/pictures are very clear and the instructions to recreate some of the quilts are outstanding. i would give this book 6 stars!



2. This book gives a very good compressive over view of fabrics in a certain time frame. While I bought it for reference I discovered it is quite enjoyable just to read. I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in fabrics. It would be especially useful to a beginning fabric aficionado.



3. This is a good resource for the history of textiles with the purpose of dating quilts or construction of period correct clothing and quilts.



4. An invaluable resource for the quilt historian ,conservator or just an interested quilter. The illustrations helped me to identify fabric by period,style and color. The text gave me invaluable information to help identify a puzzling old quilt which was found stuffed in a chimney undisturbed for 90 years. Barbara Brackman is the author to read when one seeks information about quilts and their history. I enjoyed the chapter identifications allowing me to quickly access the fabric type I was seeking.



5. This is a very informative quilt history book with fantastic, close-up photos of fabric. This will be a great addition to your Barbara Brackman collection. I had mine laminated and spiral bound!!

3 comments about A Year of Paper Piecing: 12 Sensational Seasonal Designs (Block a Month).

1. I found this book to be most informative, and VERY well written, instructions are easy to follow and will make you a paper piecing pro. The finished product can be a quilt or as the book shows a monthy changeable wall hanging.. I have made 4 of the blocks so far and am loving it, Patterns are even in COLOR! what more could you ask for??. I HIGHLY recomend this book....



2. Calendar quilt patterns are usually very similar. BUT NOT THE CALENDAR QUILT PATTERNS in this book!! Bev inserts JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE in each of her monthly patterns (eg: instead of just a heart for Feb., she places a bouquet of roses tied with ribbon behind the heart; a delightful teapot and steaming cup for March has additional little cakes with clever embroidery added to the frosting; a lovely June wreath of roses with a bow adorn that block). And to top it off, when you are finished with each of these blocks, they add together to make a QUEEN sized quilt!! Or, if you don't want a big quilt, Bev gives directions to make a great interchangeable wall hanging. Great work, Bev. A GREAT buy for QUILT STORES -- Bev has a disclaimer that allows stores to use her blocks for BOM quilts. Check into that store owners.



3. This book is totally awesome. Every month has a super design. The directions are very easy to understand.

1 comments about Over Easy: Creative Ideas for Pieced Quilt Backs (That Patchwork Place).

1. There has been a need for information on how to construct a terrific back for a quilt and Lerlene is the one to do it! I have seen many of her quilts--dozens--and she somehow makes the back fit the front and has the quilting coincide, whether it be "in the ditch, echo quilting, applique," or any other technique. If you want to know how to have a pieced back on your quilt, I suggest this book.

3 comments about Borders & Finishing Touches, Vol. 2.

1. If you are looking for a good reference for techniques and also for some great patterns for borders, this is the book for you. Also, if you want to make that great Windmill Log Cabin as shown on the opening of Simply Quilts, Bonnie has included all of the instructions to make this quilt. I liked the border patterns especially ... some of them are borders from prizewinning quilters like Linda Roy's Best of Show quilt, Spice of Life, and Gladi Porsche's beautiful appliqued border in Keeping Autumn with Me. Bonnie has designed some new borders too. I'm glad to have it in my library.



2. Choose from a range of designs and techniques to provide a professional finishing touch to a quilt in Bonnie K. Browning's Borders & Finishing Touches 2, a collection of ideas which uses an easy paper-folding technique to make all borders fit perfectly. Designs created by Browning use novelty bindings, scalloped edges and more to provide lovely quilt borders. Patterns, color photos, and suggestions for alternate uses of the bindings make for a 'must' for any quilter who wants to add polishing touches.



3. Every project lurks around in my sewing room till it is completely finished. I was inspired to complete several more of my quilts after seeing the methods used in this book. Very thorough and great pictures.