5 comments about Cutting Garden Quilts: Fabulous Fusible Flowers (That Patchwork Place).

1. On the dreariest February day you can imagine, I came across Melinda Bula's "Cutting-Garden Quilts" - and she reminded me that spring is just around the corner! Although I don't have a green thumb - and only dream of the gardens that inspire her quilts - she shows you how to create them out of fabric - with breathtaking results!
   
   Melinda wrote this book for two different audiences. For those of you who have an artistic eye and are perfectly comfortable designing your own garden, she leads you through the process that she uses to create these quilts. The instructions are written in such a conversational style that she has taken all of the intimidation out of the projects! I felt like I was sitting at her kitchen table as she talked me through the process.
   
   But, honestly, I really belong to a different audience! For those of us who need more support, she has included patterns for five projects that are created out of fabric - like Paint by Number sets. And, once you are comfortable with the techniques, you will have the confidence to design your own pieces.
   
   Melinda has included photographs of many of her pieces for inspiration and has shown her journey through the creative process. Each piece is dated so you can see how her techniques have evolved - and how quickly you can "grow" as an artist too.



2. This book explains in detail a unique approach to garden quilts. The directions seem clear and easy to follow. The author has a great eye for fabric and colors. I am enjoying this book



3. This is the best book on fusible applique that I've seen. I'm actually inspired to try one of the projects because the author has broken down the process of choosing fabrics so well.
   
   Even if you never try one of the projects, the descriptions and pictures make this a really nice "coffee table" book. I think I'm going to have to purchase copies for my mother and sister.



4. This book is well written. The pictures are beautiful, and the directions understandable. The color key provided with each pattern helps you see the range of colors needed, and will help you with fabric selection when you are ready to design your own quilt from a photo of your garden. I'm looking forward to more books from Melinda in the future. Peggy Clark, Folsom, CA



5. This is a great addition to most boring fusible applique. The detailing she helps you create is astonishing. I have had the book for about 3 weeks and I am on my second one. The Corn Flower on the cover is amazingly simple once you actually get brave enough to start cutting the fabric. Then it became more like making paper dolls with layers of clothes being placed on the doll. You just keep adding layers of fabric until you feel like your done. Or do it the simple way and just trace her designs and start layering. I would suggest using the Steam a seam 2 as she recommends and not the light variety. Some of the pieces are small and the regular Steam a Seam 2 keeps everything in place much more securely. Hope you all have as much fun with this book as I have already.

No comments about Beyond the Block.

No comments about Quilts With Attitude.

5 comments about Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space: Sewing-Room Makeovers for Any Space And Any Budget.

1. This book has a lot of ideas I never thought of. The info about table heights and layout were very helpful. The pictures inspired me to get my room in shape. Highly recommended!



2. Amazing how extremely uncluttered and tidy studios can look. Always wonder
   if they are ever used or just a space to lounge in.



3. I think this book is great. I used alot of ideas when moving back into my new sewing room. The designs of shelving and ways to put fabric away are great...



4. This book offers some wonderful creative ideas. It shows some great ways to save space and organize. Especially great for people who sews or has creative hobbies. Shows best ways to set up work area for storage so that areas for working are clear.



5. We used it for helping us put together our sewing room. The book contained lots of detailed information and suggestions for how to put a room together. It was well worth the cost.

2 comments about Wonder Blocks: Stack, Cut, Sew, and Go (That Patchwork Place) (That Patchwork Place).

1. Easy quilt blocks and LOTS of patterns! These are comfort words to a quilter. Ms. Martin has created a book that is all about easy blocks and lots of patterns.
   
   This is a version of "stack and whack" with a bit of a twist. There are seven basic blocks using seven different squares. Simply stack your fabrics, cut the squares, take the stacks to the sewing machine and piece the block! It is so simple to do that there are only three pages of instructions. Of these three pages, one full page is graphics and a cutting chart. Ms. Martin recommends chain piecing which even makes creating the blocks simple.
   
   The patterns contain a materials and cutting list, along with making the blocks and assembling and finishing the top. There are enough graphics to make the instructions crystal clear. A couple of the patterns even use a panel as a center which makes the top go together even faster. Each project has a photo of the finished item.
   
   The last quilt is a wonderful idea on how to use up those orphan blocks! What ----no orphans in your house? Then just make up the blocks shown as the author has included the pattern for that block as well.
   
   A little book but a LOT of ideas for many quilts, wall hangings and table runners. Grab a stack of fabric and get cutting.



2. Terry Martin's WONDER BLOCKS: STACK, CUT, SEW, AND GO tells how to cut in minutes and complete sewing in just a few hours using fat quarters and scraps as quilting foundations. Seven simple blocks can be arranged in numerous ways for striking results, making for a fine beginner's guide. An excellent addition to any quilting library.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Pretty Little Patchwork (Pretty Little Series).

1. Mostly this book is just regular patterns made with patchwork fabric. The clutch on the front could easily be made with any clutch pattern, substituting a section of pieced fabric when you cut out the pattern. The apron with the fringe of patchwork down the side and many of the other patterns seem a bit forced as far as 'patchwork' goes. There is one quite interesting fabric basket, but overall there's nothing particularly interesting or unique in the book. It might be worth checking a copy out from the library to jump-start your creativity, but I probably wouldn't buy it.



2. Lark Book usually offer high quality titles, but this one does not. The projects are quite amateurish and look unfinished instead of polished. Nothing original in this book.



3. I really love this book. The projects are all so pretty! They are fun, clever and easy to do in a short time. I've made a couple already and want to make them all. Plus, the ideas are really customizable to your own taste.
   
   The book is well-designed, the photos beautiful and tempting and the illustrations add charm...and maybe describe the project a little. But the instructions are so clear, you don't really extra help to figure it out.
   If you like quick little sewing projects, you need this book!



4. Received it one day, returned it the next! It was a real disappointment in that there was nothing new or exciting in the entire book. I would have been smart to have paid attention to the other reviewers before buying this one. The one star I gave it is for appearance only.



5. There are some fun projects in this book. I will be trying the patchwork belt and a sweet patchwork bag. Not a bad book at all-certainly worthy of adding to your collection.

5 comments about Simple Seasons: Stunning Quilts and Savory Recipes (That Patchwork Place).

1. I purchased this book in the hopes of completing a quilt top or two prior to Kim coming to Fort Wayne and being a guest speaker. Simple patterns. Easy to follow instructions.



2. This book has some great patterns. They are all warm and will be fun to put together.



3. What could be better than a book full of beautiful pictures coupled with great recipes, instructions and tips? This book is for quilters of all experience levels. For beginners, Kim includes clear, precise and easy to follow instructions. For the more experienced quilter, Kim's clever tips are always worthwhile. I never cease to be amazed at the author's fresh use of time worn patterns and techniques. She leaves me shaking my head saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" Buy this book even if you are just thinking about making a quilt.



4. Fabulous quilts, Kim's colour sense is excellent, she also tells the reader how she selects fabrics & colours for her quilts. Alot of quilters have trouble with colour, so I found this info. very helpful.I haven't made any recipes as yet, if they are as good as the quilts they will be delicious.



5. Simple Seasons: Stunning Quilts and Savory Recipes (That Patchwork Place)
   I did not know what to expect of this book when I bought it, as it's my first of Kim Diehl.
   As the title tells the book contains works from each season.
   I have not done any of the patterns yet, but I'm going to. The authors explanations of "how to" is visualized in a very good way. I am looking forward to sit in my garden with my sewing machine (if the weather allow it) this summer, sewing quilts from this book.
   The recipes seem lovely too. I have to try some of them, all though I have to translate them in to Norwegian first.
   This is a book I highly recommend.

5 comments about Passionate Patchwork: Over 20 Original Quilt Designs.

1. I bought this book because of the beautiful cover quilt design,
   but most of the designs inside are colorful and easy to do.



2. Okay, I love Kaffe Fassett stuff. Beautiful pictures of some wonderful quilts that are made form simple blocks, but look complicated.
   Great books for new quilters that need some color suggestions to get that real POP they maybe looking for.this is not the first book I have of his nor will it be the last.



3. this book is indeed beautiful.
   kaffe fasset is a very creative artist and his use of color is astonishing.
   i cant take my eyes off his creations and i am already trying some of his patterns, adapting them to our brazilian fabrics.
   patterns are not so difficult, some are quite easy actually. instructions are clear. everybody, from novice to highly skilled can profit from this book.



4. I'm probably just repeating what others have said, but how could anyone say anything bad about this book? When it arrived I sat down just to skim it until I had more time. An hour later I was still there, reading every word! The colors are so gorgeous, as all of his colors are. But beyond that I actually felt I could create these visual wonders myself! I wanted to RUN to my LQS and buy a crayon box full of colors and begin a new quilt immediately. My final words ... buy this book! It won't dissapoint you!



5. Kaffe Fassett has wonderful fabrics and quilt designs. Some of these were not to my liking. With that being said, I do enjoy flipping through his books, but rarely make a quilt from his designs. I find his designs are best used with his fabrics in order to achieve the best look. I did find it inspiration.

5 comments about Rolling Along: Easy Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips : J 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.



5. Nancy J. Martin's ROLLING ALONG: EASY QUILTS FROM 2 1/2" STRIPS tells how to work with a bundle of Jelly Rolls - prepackaged strips - which here produce 10 traditional quilt designs as examples. Construction methods are geared to quick quilt production and color photos of completed quilts and blocks make for an involving presentation. An excellent addition to any quilting library.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Stack-n-Whackier Quilts (Another Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm) Book).

1. I decided to tackle a stack-n-whack for my second quilt and loved this book! The beginning couple of pages did a great job of explaining the basic process. I found that cutting out the pieces was the hardest part and once that was done, the blocks went together so quickly. I can't wait to make the same quilt again in different fabrics and compare the two results! The illusions in this book are also so amazing that it makes my quilts seem so much more professional because the design appears so complicated to a novice quilter!



2. I decided to tackle a stack-n-whack for my second quilt and loved this book! The beginning couple of pages did a great job of explaining the basic process. I found that cutting out the pieces was the hardest part and once that was done, the blocks went together so quickly. I can't wait to make the same quilt again in different fabrics and compare the two results! The illusions in this book are also so amazing that it makes my quilts seem so much more professional because the design appears so complicated to a novice quilter!



3. If you are just getting into Stack and Whack, get Karen's first book. If you really love it and want more ideas, this book will inspire you. It's such fun to see what Karen makes using today's large scale prints - she deserves a quilter's hall of fame award for inspiring many to play with prints! The mirror-image variations in this book are interesting, but I've had a hard time finding fabrics that are appropriate for them (the color saturation on the back needs to be almost as rich as the front for these to be effective since you are using both sides).



4. I purchased this book to go with the companion book. I received it the day before I got the companion book from a friend who went to town and purchased it and brought it back.!! Speedy delivery.
   Thanks



5. I USED THIS BOOK FOR YEARS, MAKING ALMOST EVERY PATTERN IN THE BOOK AND LOANED IT TO "SOMEONE". I FELT I WAS IN WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT IT SO I PURCHASED ANOTHER. THE PATTERNS ARE SO VERSATILE AND THE TECHNIQUE CONTINUES TO BE MY FAVORITE TO TEACH AT THE LOCAL QUILT SHOP. EVERY STACK-N-WHACK I ENTERED IN A COMPETITION HAS BEEN AN AWARD WINNER. BETHANY IS A GENIUS TO HAVE CREATED THIS DRAMATIC TECHNIQUE AND TO ALLOW US TO REALLY APPRECIATE OUR LOVELY FABRICS.