5 comments about The Crazy Quilt Handbook, Revised 2nd Edition.

1. I learned many different techniques of crazy quilting.
   It was very informative and beautifully illustrated.



2. Book arrived in less time than was expected and it was in excellent condition.



3. Love the boook. Can get a lot of good ideas from it as I am making a crazy quilt. Thank you so much



4. This book is the most wonderful detailed logically presented book of ideas and stitches....so glad i found it....if you want to know about crazy quilting this and her companion stitching guide embellishments is all you need to create beautiful works of heirloom quality



5. Well written and illustrated. It gave a varity of ideas and suggestions. It can be used by the novice and seasoned quilter. I would also suggest her encloypedia of stiches.

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 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 Pretty Little Potholders (Pretty Little Series).

1. First of all the designs are too cute in this book. I especially liked the Butterfly Flutter, Girly Garden, Pompoms and Pearls, Handle with Flair, and my daughter liked Little Bunny Foo Foo. You will need a copier for this book, and I would suggest at 200% to 400% enlargement. The directions are very simple. My 12 year old daughter is just learning to sew, and she can understand these simple steps. I also bought A Is For Apron book, and they make a wonderful pair together. We plan on combining designs from each book to make Christmas presents for the ladies in our family.



2. If you are ready to get really creative by thinking of potholders as mineature works of art, then you will adore this book. The photographs are clear, colorful and inspirational. The directions will take you step by step through each project, but you will certainly find tons of inspiration here to come up with designs of your own!
   
   The major plus of working on potholders is their small size, which will afford you a small canvas on which to lavish the most luxurious details. There is something here for the beginner and the most advanced sewer, although you are certain to learn as you go!
   
   You'll soon have an awe-inspiring collection of these useful but beautiful household items that need never languish in a drawer again!



3. For the most part this book should have been called 'Pretty Little *DECORATIVE* Potholders.' Too many of them have items on them that are fairly incompatible with a hot pan. The aforementioned metal hanger on the sweater potholder, beading on another, and plastic buttons on several.
   
   Still, despite that (you can always leave those bits off or substitute some appliqué or lace) there are some very clever and cute potholders featured. The butterfly is adorable (minus the buttons), and the recipe card one is very clever (minus the button). The instructions took a second reading and a good hard look at the picture to decipher on a few of them (admittedly, the butterfly is one of the more complicated ones) but the slight frustration is worth it. And, yes, some of them are a little finicky, but I think the end result would definitely be worth it.
   
   Perfect for a person with a lot of scraps who's in need of some nice, but quick, presents.



4. I first got this book from the library & bookmarked most of the pages. Then I remembered to look it up on Amazon and there it was, at a great price, too! Although it arrived just when they promised, it wasn't fast enough because I was painfully anxious to get it in my hot little hands. No reflection on the seller, just my impatience. The seller is great!
   This book is so EXCELLENT, with well-written instructions, marvelous ideas that are original and fresh. I LOVE THIS BOOK, so it MUST be illegal-- how could anything this good be otherwise?!? My sewing machine is going to be smokin' from all the goodies I'll be making now!



5. I am a fan of the "Pretty Little" series, and this is probably my favorite. So many cute ideas to "snaz up" the humble potholder. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year?

5 comments about Oriental Carpet Design: A Guide to Traditional Motifs, Patterns and Symbols.

1. I bought this book after going to the library and checking out a number of carpet books - I was looking for a reference that would teach me some of the history of rug making and the people who make these incredible pieces of art as well as the practical side such as what to look for in a rug. This book is great at teaching about the different types of rugs. There are color pictures on every page, there are drawings of specific patterns so you can see specifically what make a rug one type rather than another, there are uncommon examples of types of rugs shown, etc. Its quite a good book (which is why I bought it after returning the library copy). This book is ok at teaching about the history/people or about how to tell a good quality rug - the intro goes into some good detail about things like knot types, weaves, use of synthetic dyes, chinese rugs etc but it's a fanatsic guide to decoding the different traditional motifs and patterns. I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 5 only because the text is so dry and they don't really give the stories - they give more dry facts such as this type of rug was woven in this manufacturing/village setting in x,y,z town. It would have been niceto have more details about the people and about the symbolism of the motifs. But, like I said, I knew all that before I bought the book since I had checked t out at the library. I use this book to augment others that I ended up buying that do tell more of the stories.



2. I collect Oriental rugs and Oriental rug books. This book is not for the beginner, but is meant for in-depth study of the subject of Oriental rugs. As you read you are directed to other pages for study and comparison. This is a time consuming but valuable process. If one wants to really study Oriental rugs this book can elevate you from beginner to a person who is comfortable with the subject and able to talk with experts. I used this book as a self teaching text book and loved it.



3. This book has the best information I've found on distinguing one type of rug from another. Many books give information about the major types of rugs...they're a dime a dozen. Ford breaks everything down into what specific tribes and villages weave, and tells us what the weavers use for warps and wefts, distinguishing colors, area motifs and designs, and more.
   
   This book is definitely academic in nature, but this is exactly the kind of fact-filled information I've been searching for. I had thought I would find it in Peter Stone's works, but even Stone's 2004 book on motifs does not come close to what Ford did twenty years ago. I currently own about 50 books on oriental rugs, and Ford's book offers the most comprehensive, detailed information of any of them.
   
   If you want to move from being a novice to becoming a more knowledgeable buyer and rug lover, you will want this book.



4. This is an excellent book to find all the information one needs on Persian and Oriental carpets. Very informative, and beautiful colour plates.



5. The book is a very well written vol d'oiseau over modern oriental rugs and carpets with excellent pictures and timely historical notes. Certainly one of the best works available in the field both to beginners and connoisseurs.

5 comments about Floorquilts!: Fabric Decoupaged Floorcloths-No-Sew Fun.

1. I took Ellen's first class on floorquilts and was amazed by the creative possibilities offered by floorquilts. I like to sew and quilt, but this technique--which is completely original--is available to anyone. You can literally make ANYthing you can envision for a rug. And the best part is that the rug is totally practical. I made one with a white background and, because it's sealed, it stayed completely white. It's perfect for high traffic areas. I can't recommend this book enough. The only problem is that it may breed a new obsession!!



2. I love the concept and it looks as if it will be great fun. The only disappoinment is the difficulty the correct weight canvas. And I live in a large city so it shouldn't be that difficult. To obtain the canvas on line will be expensive.
   
   I have been in communication with the author to see if I could do a few things differently and to ask why she recommends certain processes. She was super quick to respond and VERY helpful. She sounds delightful and I wish she were holding a class in my area. The book is full of good ideas and I am looking forward to having some fun with it once the holidays are over. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy crafting and/or quilting, particularly that which is unique and useful at the same time.



3. I was super excited to get this book (even pre-ordered it!) the idea is very cool, especially since I am currently shopping for a floorcovering for my quilting room! The instructions and how-to are very well organized and written. However, for anyone beyond a beginner quilter, I think the pattern/designs will be found to be lacking. They are very basic, the cover image is the best one in my opinion. With a little creativity, though, the sky is the limit in creating your own designs!



4. This is a perfectly detailed book on how to create fun floor quilts. It explains step by step the process of creating floor quilts. Before I even finished my first one I was already planning my second and third one. This requires no previous quilting know how. Once you start to create these fun floor mats and other projects it becomes addicting.
   
   
   This book is a crafters must! Enjoy!



5. Ellen has figured out a way to "treat" fabric so that it has the best properties of paper AND fabric. In effect, she has combined the instant gratification of scrapbooking with the permanence and durability of fabric! We now have the best of both worlds! After the fabric is treated, it can be cut with rotary cutters, circle cutters, paper punches - pretty much anything you use for paper - into any shape you want! Then, you "glue" it to the canvas foundation!
   
   The designs - and sizes - are limitless. And, the pictures in the book will get your creative juices flowing! Some of the examples have a very contemporary feel - squares within squares, rectangles within rectangles - in the hottest colors such as turquoise and brown. Others are more traditional and have the feel of quilts.
   
   And, don't be intimidated by the supply list! Ellen includes all the manufacturers and product names. What you can't buy at your local quilt shop, is available at the hardware store! You may even be able to get your hubby involved!

5 comments about Crazy Shortcut Quilts.

1. This book is the bomb!!! Yes, Sarah Raffuse and Marguerita McManus have finally put to pen to paper, needles to fabric and created a wonderful guide to helping all of us discover the wonderful shortcut technique of quilting-as-you-go with an equally wonderful method for modern-day crazy quilting, utilizing the 21st century technology of our precision sewing & embroidery machines. They have given us the perfect book to learn how to do it ourselves by breaking down the steps of all the processes and given us beautiful examples to jump-start our own creativity; with the added bonus solution of what to do with all of those fat quarters you have been collecting! I highly recommend this book for every quilter of every skill level. I can't wait for the sequel!!!



2. The mother/daughter team of Marguerita McManus and Sarah Raffuse have created "Crazy Shortcut Quilts - Quilt as You Go in Half the Time!". But after reading the book, there is much more to it than that! Their techniques can be incorporated into any project - and there are times they should be embraced by every quilter - you just may not know it yet!
   
   Many of us are involved in organizations that are making quilts for kids, babies, soldiers, cancer patients, etc. These are wonderful programs that make us proud to be quilters. But, they also can become expensive. Most of us are quite willing to donate fabric and sew, but few of us have the ability to machine quilt these donations. Paying for the machine quilting has become a problem. Not anymore!
   
   Marguerita and Sarah show you how to piece blocks - quilt them - and THEN sew the quilted blocks together to complete your quilt. Since the quilting follows the seams of the pieced blocks, anyone can do it - no meandering required!
   
   It is the perfect opportunity to use up all of those scraps of batting. And then there is the decorative stitching! Many of us have paid way too much for a sewing machine that had all of the bells and whistles - but don't quite remember what we were planning on doing with all of those stitches! No more! Marguerita and Sarah use these decorative stitches to machine quilt their projects and enhance their quilts. And, as an added bonus, any imperfections are disguised if you stray from the seam line.
   
   The threads can be changed on every seam so you may actually use up THAT stash as well!
   
   Since the blocks are quilted individually - and then sewn together - it is possible for anyone to quilt even a queen sized quilt the very first time! After the initial machine quilting - which is done in manageable sizes - the blocks are sewn together with straight seams. You just roll up the rows and stitch!



3. The quilted blanket and bedspread are American icons and have proved to be enduringly popular with American families for more than two hundred years. Indeed, some of the them are to be found on display in American museums and galleries as works of art. Most are handed down from generation to generation as prized family heirlooms. "Crazy Shortcut Quilts: Quilt As You Go And Finish In Half The Time" is the collaborative work of quilt-making expert Marguerita McManus and quilting enthusiast Sarah Raffuse who show aspiring needlecrafters how they can make crazy quilts in a matter of hours instead of the months it took their grandmothers to accomplish. Clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated instructions are provided for fifteen crazy quilt projects that include wall art, pillows, a queen-size quilt, fabric valances, and accent throws. Enhanced with practical advice on selecting the proper fabrics and choosing the right colors, "Crazy Shortcut Quilts" is also enhanced with useful ideas and tips for utilizing decorative stitches. Combining layers of a quilt in small manageable sections requiring no precise measuring or cutting, "Crazy Shortcut Quilts" is especially appropriate for novice quilt makers and a truly welcome addition to personal and community library Needlecraft reference collections.



4. I HAVE TO SAY THIS BOOK WASN'T ANYTHING THAT I HOPED IT WOULD BE. I PERSONALLY DIDN'T LIKE ANY OF THE FINISHED QUILTS IN THE BOOK. IF YOU LIKE SCRAPPY QUILTS THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. JUST NOT MY CHOICE.



5. Just what I was looking for. a quick easy way to do a unique quilt. will be using this process in our quilt club to make quilts for community projects.

1 comments about 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks (That Patchwork Place).

1. This is actually all three of Judy Hopkins previous books combined for the cost of only one!!! (Around the Block, Around the Block Again, & Once More Around the Block) This is NOT a how to book. You need to KNOW how to SEW and have basic quilting background. These patterns are meant to be ROTARY cut! Here you will find a color example of the block and then you will have a diagram that shows the basic construction in MINIMAL detail but the most excellent part is that you are given VARIOUS size blocks. You need 6" blocks fine, 12" blocks no problem. There is a HUGE reason why the original books are all sold out and selling for greater than the cover, it is because the patterns are solid. You need this book, use it for centers, swaps, borders, and you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments: 350 Appliques, Borders, Cords, and More!.

1. I know, I know: "don't judge a book by its cover." But that is exactly why I had passed on this instructional before. The cover - which doesn't invite anyone to even pick up this book - is an awful diversion from the quality of information found here. Apparently, Epstein found an new editor or photographer to give her current works much, much more visual appeal.
   
   Recently, I bought this and was surprised at what I found. This book is a great place to start! It's actually the 'Cliff Notes' to Epstein's other works - a springboard into the 'Edge' series. I have not bought any of the "Edge" series, only because they seem overwhelming and I didn't think I would actually use them (at least at this point in my knitting life). There is enough variation in patterns, ideas, and techniques to challenge and inspire anyone! This skimmed version is a great place to start. I'm encouraged to pick up her other books and reweigh their value in my knitting library.



2. I have Ms Epstein's other books,Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders which I enjoyed and Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes about which I was somewhat less enthused. I decided to get this book, because I was looking for ideas for embelishments, and there it was: "Embellishments," just what I was looking for, so I got it.
   
   I think some of the appliqués are quite imaginative, particularly some of the leaves and pieced flower designs as well as many of the knitted cord appliqué designs, like the Celtic knots and most of the closures in the last few pages of the book. (I do love "frogs.") I will certainly try the technique myself.
   
   The appliqué cord technique was also used effectively for faux cables, and although I enjoy tackling a complex cable from time to time as an exercise, I could see the appliqué system for cables as a very effective way of getting a project completed. It would also allow one to experiment with a design to decide what type of cable looks best on a completed sweater, and just where on the sweater it will most enhance the wearer--and all this without having to rip apart the sweater and do it over again!
   
   The integration of beading into some of the edgings was also interesting and not something I would have thought of myself, because I'm not (yet) a beader. I could imagine the technique making something very special from something quite simple. However some of the designs for heavily beaded tassels seem just way too over the top.
   
   I also like the way cross stitch and embroidery in flosses or yarns could be added to a finished sweater to give the piece the look of fairisle, intarsia, entrelac, and tapestry without the bulk and carryovers that occur with the first two.
   
   I am not, however, a great fan of "bobbles" or raised edgings. I enjoy the technique of the former for its cleverness, and have added bobbles to things like purses, but they tend to make knitted and crocheted products look bulky and awkward in places that should probably not be emphasized on some individuals. (My figure, for instance, is bulky and awkward enough thank you.) Maybe on a very slim person, but definitely not a decorative technique I'd use for the more "mature" shape.
   
   
   The designs are well illustrated and enlarged enough for the reader to see the techniques displayed. The author uses the method of charted instructions, which I usually find somewhat difficult to follow but which I can see as very useful for visualizing the finished product and its construction.
   
   Most of my objections, though valid from my own perspective, might not be true of others. Maybe one likes heavily beaded tassles, maybe someone else enjoys bobbles. As one of the other reviewers notes; there's something for everyone in this book.
   
   All in all a book well worth the price to add to ones craft library.



3. Inspirational with step by step instructions. A must have for the knitter that just loves to knit,this book will have you doing so much more. Wonderful use of knitted cords, great edges, fringes, tassel and emroidery stitches. You will always add that special touch to your knitting. Thank you Nicky for sharing.



4. This is a brilliant book. When you want to add that certain something to your finished garment, but don't quite know what, have a flick through this and you will be filled with ideas. Easy to follow instructions and great, clear photos. It's a must for anyone who likes to knit or felt their own creations.



5. I enjoy this book. I use it as a resource when creating one of a kind things like activity play mats, blankets and sweaters. It is every knitter's must have.

3 comments about Super Simple Quilts #1 with Alex Anderson and Liz Aneloski: 9 Pieced Projects from Strips, Squares, and Rectangles (Super Simple Quilts).

1. This is a good book for wanting to do fast and easy quilts. I will be trying a few myself.



2. I am an advanced quilter and found this booklet to be really good. First, I love the fact that the projects are quick and easy without looking it. Second, I like the two alternate color options at the end of each pattern. Although there are only three patterns in the book there are endless possibilities. This is the book for those of us that want a quick but original quilt. These patterns let today's great fabrics showcase themselves. I have already made one and have plans for three more.



3. I was looking for another easy to teach quilt pattern to beginner quilters and this was a breeze. The class I taught had 5 students and in 4 classes completed their quilt. This will be a favorite pattern when teaching.