Now for the exciting conclusion of "What's on my bookshelf?" ...at least for a while.
So in the last post I listed my favorite books that spoke about overall quilting/sewing techniques and the basics of sewing/quilting. This list is about quilting books that specifically speak about patterns. Let's get started!
9 Patch Pizzazz by Judy Sisneros
9 Patch Pizzazz is actually the first quilting book I ever purchased, and that's mostly because of the cover picture. I found this book at a big-box fabric/craft store that I worked at, and the Educator director pointed it out to me. She said it was an easy way to get into quilting because it focused on one simple block: the nine patch. But what really sold me the book was the big, beautiful Asian prints in the featured quilt. I had slowly been amassing lots of Asian calicos and needed a simple way to bring them all together into one quilt. This book didn't disappoint. I even refer back to it from time to time; the author very clearly instructs how to include big print fabrics into a quilt without making them look like a panel quilt. This is a great beginner book in my opinion, and a creative way to incorporate those big prints ou've been afraid of cutting up.
300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks by Carol Doak
Carol Doak is probably a name you recognize if you are a paper-piecing fan. (She has great paper-piecing products worth checking out.) This is the second quilting book I ever bought because the idea of a paper pattern intrigued me. I came to quilting via apparel and costume sewing, which include those tissue-paper patterns, so paper-piecing seemed a natural transition to quilting for me. This book is basically a catalog of 300 different blocks. It also shows the blocks with color combinations and layouts to help inspire creativity. And the best part is, it's all on a CD that lets you size up or down the block to your desired quilt block size. My second quilt featured a block from this book. It was so easy and fun; and I became totally hooked to the paper-piecing method.
Check out Carol's website:
1000 Blocks: A Collection of Quilt Blocks From Today's Top Designers
Just like the book above, this book, as stated, is a collection of quilt blocks. What is different is this book has pieced blocks, applique blocks, foundation/paper-pieced blocks, and combination blocks. A CD also comes with the book, and each block has construction directions. The downside to this book, and I only mention it because there's complaints on Amazon about it; there are several editing errors. I agree with the on comment that says it's as if no one proof read the book. BUT... the sheer amount of blocks is amazing. And I turn to this book for inspiration often. If you could see the back side of my copy, you'd find a couple dozen post-it notes attached. It's also a great resource for pattern/block makers; so many amazing quilters are included in this book.
Millefiori Quilts by Willyne Hammerstein
This book is the pinnacle of English Paper Piecing. I got into EPP because I needed something to keep my awake at a receptionist job and my mom suggested this technique. One quick web search and you'll find Willyne Hammerstein and her collection of EPP books. These aren't your grandma's hexie EPPs either; they are all sorts of exciting shapes, patterns and colors. You'll be amazed just flipping through this first book, and then dumb-founded when you discover there's THREE MORE BOOKS! It's amazing! As a side note, this book gives both English and metric fabric amounts. While the book doesn't include a CD to print the pieces, they are printed in the back for photocopying. And if you do another search, you'll find acrylic dies and pre-made paper pieces too.
Paper Pieced Modern by Amy Garro
I bought this book on a whim because it had the word "modern" paired with "paper-pieced". I was intrigued and my curiosity paid off. Not only does it have a really nice "how to PP" section with beautiful pictures and graphics, it has several modern patterns using big paper pieces. The instructions are 100% complete including the finishing - the how-to quilt section in each pattern is great. The book includes a paper pull-out with each pattern printed on it. And Amy includes a lovely resource list at the end to explore.
Check out Amy's blog at:
Modern Quilt Magic by Victoria Findlay Wolfe
I could stare at VFW's quilts all day long. Her choice of color is mesmerizing to me. I know I've already gushed over her classes in a previous blog (seriously - you need to take her classes!), so I'll only mention here that I got her autograph in my copy of MQM. But back to the book... The best thing about a VFW class is packed in this book. There are 17 patterns - some are updates on a traditional quilt - and they're divided into sections that explore a specific technique. Want to work on your partial seams? Try the Herringbone Pillow project. Need to brush-up your Y-seams? There's the Lemoyne Star Pillow. Exploring curves? Give Cascade a try. She includes tutorials on pillows, full-size quilts, individual blocks, and even has a few "Class Projects" designed; which are great if you're thinking of expanding your teaching repertoire. Great book - great teacher! Lots of fun!
Check out Victoria's website at:
As always, I do NOT receive any money or promotion from the links mentioned above; I just want to make your life a little easier. Please consider buying these books through your local quilt shop; most shops can special order them for you and it helps keep your cash local by helping out the little guys!
I hope you enjoyed a mini-tour of my bookshelf. Stay tuned for more book recommendations in future blog post. But for now, I gotta get back to the quilt lab!
~Cynthia
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