2 comments about Fabulous Flowers: Mini-Quilts in Dimensional Applique (That Patchwork Place).

1. Naje Snakk quilts with the sophistication of multi-dimensional designs with Sharon K. Baker's Fabulous Flowers: Mini-quilts In Dimensional Applique: it shows how to create both simple and elaborate applique flowers, then blend them into a quilt project for maximum effect. Twenty featured projects highlight eighteen flowers and show how to blend in yarns and beads for best results, while quilters are provided with basics and then encouraged to create their own flower designs. From folds and tucks to special tricks for creating dimensional results, Fabulous Flowers will appeal to a variety of crafts beyond quilters.



2. Yes.. the wall hangings in this book are really charming. You can mix and make your own designs, or put them all together in a garden view like the one in the first few pages. The flowers are amzing and assemple the real ones. Can't wait to start with one of them.

5 comments about The Mosaic Idea Book.

1. I bought the book as a beginner looking for the basics of how to get started. While the book has that info, its emphasis is on specific animal and plant design, borders, symbols, etc. Heavy on the animals.

   While this isn't the main book I consult in mosaic-making (I like Leslie Dierk's book), I will definitely keep this as a reference.




2. As a self-taught mosaicist, I own 25 mosaic books, including this one, and I can honestly say that the Mosaic Idea Book is one of the best of the bunch. Instructions are clearly presented and accompanied by a generous assortment of photos. As in any good how-to book, the author explains the basic materials, tools, and techniques used in mosaic work, but she does so in a way that really holds the reader's interest. One of the book's best features is that it contains plenty of patterns -- a tremendously valuable resource for both beginners and advanced mosaicists. The patterns are especially helpful, however, for the novice mosaicist who is still learning how to plan and lay out a design. Friends and I have used a few of the patterns in the book -- we enlarged/reduced them on a copy machine, to fit our specific projects. I used the chameleon pattern and created a mosaic that everyone describes as "spectacular." This book gives readers a lot of "bang for their buck." If you can buy only one mosaic book, I highly recommend this one.



3. After a few pages of "How To" basics, the remaining pages are mostly filled with small isolated images documented in clever "artsy" dialect. From the title: "Ideas," I expected to see large completed conceptions where I could examine the total effect of a whole composition, especially how the color, shape and size of the border influenced the overall result of an end product.



4. I found this book to be good, but I was disappointed with the "Patterns" which consisted of little tiny depictions of the shape of the project. I bought the book specifically to get patterns and, while the book is very good, I was disappointed that the patterns we basically useless for someone new to mosaics.



5. The content fits the title, "an idea book" but, be careful that this is what you want or need.
   
   This book is heavy on line drawing templates that you can use. I was looking for something that focused on technique. I prefer not to rob someone else's design.

4 comments about Artful Applique: The Easy Way (That Patchwork Place).

1. Make your applique a work of art through Artful Applique The Easy Way which features detailed project instructions for sixteen blocks filled with flowers, birds, and wreathes. The focus on easy applique includes tips for streamlining and patterns for quick use. Superb introduction to easy applique techniques & projects.



2. Over 130 pages of great instruction and realistic photos that show that anyone who takes the time can do applique. Not only are the designs that you can Xerox for patterns crisp, but the instruction is easy to read and follow. And the photos are exact size, so you see what you will get when you are done.

   I liked the book because it also says that we can choose our own material, which suits our own desires, where some books say you have to have this or that type of material made by this ir that maker, and you end up running all over the place and come home discouraged and throw your hands up and say *&%#@+ and vow never to try and do applique again.

   This is the book that can help you become less discouraged and a success at a wonderful art form.




3. This is a must buy book for those interested in applique. I have many applique books and count this among the very best.



4. Another excellent book by Jane Townswick. I am looking forward to expressing my artistic side in beautiful artwork. This book is very helpful with tools needed and forms of application. I am very impressed.

5 comments about Easy Machine Paper Piecing.

1. First book I got on paper foundation...and will probably be the best one! Easy to follow instructions, and the BEST patterns! Carol really makes it easy to learn and do this type of quilting.



2. I found this to be a great beginner book. I took a class in paper piecing and used this book many times to cement the procedure in my head.
   I highly recommend having this book in your quilting library.



3. If you have wanted to learn to paper piecing, this book will show you how. It's very easy to understand.



4. If you are a first-time paper piecer, as I am, this is not the book for you.
   
   The book is pretty inside. It gives great ideas on how to change colors around, so the same pattern can look vastly different, just with the rearrangement of or choice of different colors.
   
   It's got patterns. That's good.
   
   But for a first-time paper piercer, who is learning HOW to do it, this is not for you.
   
   First, the title tells me that this is about paper piecing, obviously. So I would expect a review of, at the front of the book, what KIND of paper to use. Go ahead. Look through the book. The whole book. It's not there. Not anywhere. If I'm learning about how to do something, I want all of the items needed to do that project clearly and easily listed, at the beginning of the book, with explanations on what kind do I need, what size if appropriate, where am I most likely to find this item, and so on. That's not in here. If you're taking a class and using this book with the class, and the teacher tells you - that's great. If you pick up this book on your own, or try to review it before even getting to said quilting class - you're going to be in some trouble. I got cold feet, though I went on the class and enjoyed it.
   
   Another big problem for me is that the book does not make clear that when you photocopy the patterns, you really need to photocopy more than one set of an image, if you are going to have more than one of those items in your pattern. For example, if you are using one of the heart templates and plan to have 4 hearts in your quilt, and especially if you are learning how to do this for the first time - you need to make more than one copy of that particular pattern, because first time learners are probably going to have to take out stitches, re-stitch, and the paper eventually tears apart, in spite of multiple pieces of Scotch Tape. :) That's all part of learning, of course, but it would help to de-stress if we knew this upfront in the book.
   
   My biggest concern, though, is that as a beginner, I really want clear, step-by-step instructions on how to do paper-piecing. The book doesn't have it. There are some instructions, but then you are left hanging at what feels like the most crucial moment in a block.
   
   For example, in learning how to do one of the house templates, the book gave me instructions at the front of the book - nowhere near the actual house template itself - for only part of the template. I got to the most difficult part, for a beginner at least, in which I was trying to piece together the window and part of the panel of the house and - no directions. Some black and white images, but I'm a beginner. I need COMPLETE, step-by-step instructions. I want to learn how to do this, and not have to have a class, or if I have a class and use this book, then be able to use this book as a reminder of what I learned in class on those evenings a week or two or a month later, when I'm trying to recall what to do.
   
   Here's what I would recommend: all of the information in this book is good. But it needs to be re-grouped in a more logical way. Explain everyting that needs to be used in order to DO paper piecing, first. Explain what kind of paper to use. Tell us what kind of thread to use. Give some examples. Explain more clearly, in the first chapter, about photocopying the templates; that as beginners, we'll probably need to make several. Many quilt class instructors assign this book and just tell students to go over the book, and "be ready" for the class. You can't just "be ready" for a class only by reading this book. It doesn't give enough information. It makes assumption, big assumptions, on your knowledge.
   
   Re-group the remaining information. For instance, start off with the heart template or an easy pattern. Take it step-by-step. Color pictures. Take it from the very beginning and don't assume that we already know. "Here is your fabric. This is the wrong side of your fabric, see? now place the WRONG SIDE of the fabric against the back of the template like this." Make it simple.
   
   Group all of the heart templates together in the chapter about yes, heart templates.
   
   Then go to more complicated blocks, such as the houses. Boy, you do NOT want to be sitting at home a week after your class, trying to figure out mid-way through a wall hanging sampler, how to teach yourself from this book how to do the house template. Not unless you've got a lot of patience, time, and photocopies of that template. And a really good seam ripper. :)
   
   THEN give us examples and pictures in the back section of the book of different wall hangings and quilts.
   
   This is a pretty book, and hidden in it is some good information. I think if it was rearranged a bit, and things made a little more simple, it would be a fantastic book.
   
   If you are an advanced paper piecer with a lot of experience and only want this for the templates, then this is a good book for you.



5. This is the book that introduced me to paper piecing, and I have used it so much, the binding is getting weak.

5 comments about Positively Postcards: Quilted Keepsakes to Save or Send (That Patchwork Place).

1. A great book for the beginner wanting to learn how to make postcards. Every step is well photographed and explained so there are no surprises. A great and relatively simple way to make some terrific postcards.



2. As soon as the book arrived I thumbed thru just to get a feel of the book and was delighted to see so many pictures! I just love to see all the wonderful works of art that have been done.
   
   I was immediately inspired and started reading the book from cover to cover and making lists of ideas and supplies that I would need! I have a class with Bonnie coming up in a few weeks and I'm so looking forward to creating some of my own original designs. I just may have to get started early.
   
   I am truly impressed with the book, it inspires rather than dictate steps. I can't wait to start my first quilted postcard!



3. I've bought several post card books before and I find that this is my favorite one of all. She also has kits you can purchase and they are very easy to make. Just a lovely book.



4. A couple of weeks ago, I was looking for a new creative outlet when I came across this book in a local bookstore. I was immediately taken with the thorough instructions and beautiful full large sized pictures. I have read it cover-to-cover several times to digest all the details and I have already begun to make my own postcards.
   I haven't been disappointed in my own creations because the author has really inspired me to be creative on my own and not just copy everything in the book. I have begun to see artistic possibilities everywhere and I am thinking of forming my own group of postcard quilters by showing others this creative and quick method of quilting.
   I highly recommend this to anyone that needs complete step-by-step instructions but also ideas and inspiration.



5. This is one of my favorite quilting books ( as a quilter, I have a few). It is a colorful inspiring book with clear directions on creating quilted postcards. Often the cover of a book will picture the only good samples in the book. Positively Postcards has tons of beautiful postcards pictured that you can give you ideas.

3 comments about A Quilter's Diary: Written in Stitches (That Patchwork Place).

1. As with all of Mimi Dietrich's books, 'A Quilter's Diary' is an attractive and well presented volume. The central concept of the book is the idea of making a 'quilt diary' about yourself or someone else - choosing quilt blocks whose names or patterns represent important mile stones in your life. There are photos of Mimi's own diary quilt and the quilts of some of her students as well as the patterns for 150 patchwork and applique blocks arranged according to various themes such as childhood, parents, true love, home, career and so on. The only reason I haven't given the book five stars is because 150 blocks don't really provide enough choice for a personal quilt, and readers will have to look further at other quilt block books - to be fair, there is a list of possibilites in the bibliography at the end, but it would have been nice to see more blocks presented as well as they are here.



2. I am a journalist - that is I keep a journal of my daily activities. I am also pretty creative but Ms. Dietrich has one over on me with this book. I never thought to "journal" my life in a quilt! What a GREAT idea.
   
   She begins the book with five pages of how to gather the threads of your life by explaining how to pick out the blocks you will use. She uses seven areas of life such as Grandparents, Children and Dreams and Wishes to name a few. Under these sections, she has them broken farther down into such things as Home, Pets, Hobbies and Retirement.
   
   Each section and sub-section has suggested blocks. Each section begins by showing an appliqué block and then there are six pieced blocks in that section. All in all, there are 156 blocks to choose from. Two of the blocks are embroidered word blocks. You can see thirteen different "journal" quilts in the gallery that follows the blocks.
   
   There is an eight page section on quilting basics which is followed by a wonderful two page suggestion on how to create the quilt label. The final page is a short bio on Ms. Dietrich.
   
   This is a book I will keep in my library forever. Besides being a great book on journal quilts, it will be a great reference to 154 quilt blocks.



3. Mimi Dietrich's A QUILTER'S DIARY WRITTEN IN STITCHES provides well over a hundred pieced and appliqued block patterns to construct a life story in fabric. From themes of family, hobbies and holidays to examples of completed 'diary' quilts and setting tips, quilters receive patterns, colors and tips perfect for chronicling a life story. Quilting libraries will find this an important acquisition.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Country-Fresh Quilts: Traditional Blocks With Floral Accents (That Patchwork Place).

2 comments about Adventures In Circles: Quilt Designs from Start to Finish (That Patchwork Place).

1. Circles means curved piecing----not one of my favorite things to do. But if you want to tackle curved piecing, this book provides you with 23 pages of how-to's on the subject. Tools, fabric, techniques for cutting, appliqué methods and embellishments are all covered in this section.
   
   The patterns, of which there are eight, each have a skill level, a finished quilt and block size plus the photo of the finished item. Materials and cutting lists re clearly written and there are graphics to help explain the written words.
   
   Making, assembling, adding borders and finishing the quilt are written in an easy to follow manner. Tips are provide throughout the book in a green block so they are easy to find. An 11 page gallery will help give you ideas for your own quilts. The section on quilting ideas provides a dozen quilting designs so you can always find the one that will fit just perfectly with your quilt.
   
   As with most quilt books, there is a 5 page basic quilting section in case you need to review a certain technique. The final pages are a resource page and a 3 paragraph bio of the author.



2. Just exactly what I need to continue (only have stash) a project for grandchild's quilt. Can't wait to get going.

3 comments about Piece 'n' Play Quilts.

1. The quilts look so much more complicated than they are. Great looks without great effort. Easy to understand i8nstructions.



2. Piece'n'Play Quilts is a reminder that any of us can take simple blocks, turn them different ways, and come up with completely unanticipated results, thereby amazing others (and ourselves) with our creativity.



3. I recieved my copy yesterday,and I have to say that for a quilting artist like myself,(undisciplined,excited,works like a madwoman)that I got what I wanted from this little book.The cover templates got me into purchasing this,I wanted a different look for borders,without having to spend more money on designer fabrics.I got exactly what I wanted,something with new information,plus-a pattern on page 45,using (yuck!) brown fabrics...It is bloody wonderful,how the author re arranges blocks to make 4 quilts with completely different characters.I like this nifty little book!It's got some big ideas...I am impressed!
   The book has several color combos and different blocks used as examples for a total quilt.
   I am happy with it!

3 comments about Fusing Fun!: Fast Fearless Art Quilts.

1. If you are interested in textile arts, this book is a must-have. Not only is it filled with Laura's gorgeous quilts, it is packed with ideas and methods for making your own easy--EASY!!--fused quilts.
   I took a class with Laura a few years ago and learned more from that weekend class than I have in many week-long workshops. This book is the same. It isn't long in terms of pages but it is absolutely jammed with techniques and ideas for making wildly original quilts, the easy way. It covers materials, how to fuse fabrics, how to free-cut simple shapes, collaging, making fused pattern sheets and using them in designs, adapting traditional designs, making a woodcut-type quilt, using the leftover snips of fused fabric, and of course, finishing the quilt. And each technique is followed by ideas for variations so you can explore your own ideas.
   
   This book is all about making art quilting spontaneous and fun. If you have been afraid of making art quilts because they seemed too technically difficult, then get this book. It will get rid of all the hard stuff and allow you to explore lots of different approaches to artmaking with fabric. No more tedious matching seams! No more painstaking pinning! Just color and pattern and fun. What more could a quilter ask?
   
   If you can only afford one or two textile arts books this year, this one should be at the top of your list.



2. This is a great book for learning a great technique. It makes "quick quilting" a do-able for even beginners. Great gift ideas too. Love it.



3. Laura takes fusing to a whole new level. I never invisioned art quilts being fused. I will be using the fused binding method on my next project. Perfectly flat binding for my wall hanging gives it a crisp perfect appearance and its done in minutes instead of hours.
   Wow! I cannot wait to let the creative juices fly!