5 comments about Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist.

1. this is a beautifully creative sewing/craft book. amazing that it is her first book. great ideas, and her eco-values so clearly expressed through this work.



2. If you like Sew Liberated patterns, this book is a great value. It also provides lots of ideas and information re: applique. Instructions are clear and photography is lovely.



3. I have only been sewing for a year, but have been itching to try applique. . . And this book is full of applique projects! There are some ho-hum projects but there are also some really great ideas and projects in here. I'm really glad I bought this book and I'm excited to try my first project.



4. This beautiful sewing book is one that you will surely treasure and actually use! Meg McElwee is the author of the popular blog "Sew Liberated" where she sells her simple yet stylish clothing (for women and children) and accessory patterns (I love her reading pillow!) starting at $11.95 ~~ which are definitely worth the money with their ease of use, full sized patterns and clear diagrammed instructions. As a beginner sewer I have used several of her "shop" patterns without problem and they have turned out beautifully. What a steal this book is! She carries those clear detailed instructions and full sized patterns as well as helpful hints, techniques, a glossary of terms, and a resource guide into this book and you get 20 projects for almost the price of one pattern. I can't wait to make the stunning "Dapper Day Bag" and the adorable "Mother/Daughter Blossom Blouse"as well as several of the "small stitches: projects for babies and children". Happy sewing!



5. The author says that for her "Sew Liberated is a way of looking at craft that is, at once, traditional and completely modern". Certainly that is a perfect way to describe the projects that you'll find in this book.
   
   The 20 projects in this book are divided into three sections; domestic art, pampered artist and small stitches and all are relatively straightforward and easy to create. The author clearly has a fondness for appliqué and most of the projects include either turned, raw edge or reverse techniques. For those not familiar with these techniques
   have no fear because the authors step by step directions are clearly written and illustrated making them easy to follow for even a novice sewer.
   
   Projects in this book include household items such as patchwork place mats, aprons, a quilt and a pillow cover along with personal accessories that include bags, a blouse and a jersey garden skirt that features reverse appliqué. Things to sew for children include a baby's first book, an petit artiste smock and a tote bag and chefs hat and apron. You'll also find a clever clock project in this book. A working wall clock worthy of being the
   centerpiece in any room of the house.
   
   Along with the step by step directions for each project that are accompanied by full color photographs and clear and easy to understand diagrams you'll also find full sized pull out pattern sheets.
   

No comments about My Whimsical Quilt Garden: 20 Bird & Flower Blocks to Applique from Piece O'Cake Designs.

5 comments about Art + Quilt: Design Principles and Creativity Exercises.

1. 
   
   Lyric Kinard's book Art + Quilt, Design Principles and Creativity Exercises is an absolute treasure. If you haven't added this book to your library already, here are a few reasons why you should. Her writing style is gentle, encouraging, almost an embrace but like a good friend she also knows when to push and when to nudge. There are no excuses! And this makes for an even better creative ride.
   
   Lyric's style is permissive and encouraging. She reminds us that we are all creative whether organizing our household or daring to embrace our own artistic selves, the basics are all within our grasp and ready to be shared with the world. Lyric breaks down the key aspects of art into 5 categories, Texture, Shape, Line, Color and Value and provides prompts to explore each idea.
   
   Once these ideas are integrated into your repertoire, Lyric expands on these ideas by discussing some basic artistic principles; focal point, depth and space, motion and rhythm, to name just a few. She does all of this while peppering the text with ideas taken from major works of art, reminding you to place one foot in front of the next in order to become an artist in your own right, inspired by your very own experiences, armed with the basic concepts and ideas to keep you motivated, one piece of art at a time.
   
   One of the best things about this book is the design game on pages 88 and 89. Just take your copy to a decent copy shop, ask them to print these two pages off onto card stock, cut them down to playing card size and play! Another great thing is that Interweave published this book with a perfect binding that conceals a spiral, this book will open and stay flat as you work your way through Lyric's exercises. It is a true workbook.
   
   So. If you need to learn basic principles of design and composition or need a refresher course, this book will help you on your path, encourage and support your explorations and inspire you with the art contained on each page. And don't get me started on the quotes and essays by other artists!



2. Great book for any craft artist. I am not a quilter. But, I found this book to be the best plain english , succinct and quick design principles training ever!



3. This gem approaches quilting as an art form, explaining principles of good art in quilters' terms. Easy-to-follow exercises with solid visual examples. Although most quilting books explain technique, this book walks the reader through the need-to-know elements of design that few quilters get exposed to. Highest recommendation!



4. I had the pleasure of taking a class with Lyric Kinard. After leaving, I thought it might be nice to be able to refer to things in the book. Well, way more than that, what an inspiration to have it by my side. For someone who is struggling with who they, what kind of an artist they are, or what they should be doing next with their creative ability, this book is a nudge in the right direction. Lyric allows the reader to explore just what they know, and more importantly, what they don't know- or think they don't know. And then she gently aims you in the direction to help you find out what the next step is. The book has simple exercises that just allow the reader to think and explore art in their way. I have enjoyed just thinking about the way I look at quilts, art work, paintings, nature- and each time gained confidence in my ability to examine why it looks good- or bad- to me. This book has been a real confidence booster for me.



5. Art + Quilt is perfect for quilters who want basic knowledge in the principles of art without taking an in depth class. It's simple to follow, the activities are realistic and can be followed to the letter or with personal creativity, and it is interestingly written. I am working through the projects and learning by hands on experience.It is excellent for those of us who have artistic blocks, because it provides starter ideas. I highly recommend this book for quilters and fabric art students.
   
   Joan New, Middleburg, FL

5 comments about Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish.

1. This is a great book for those of us who love crafting but aren't that creative on our own and need ideas to get us going. Some of her projects are a little too 'cutsy' for my decorating style, but I've taken the idea and made it my own. Great book with intermediate project goers (I don't think I'd rate this a beginner book). I will say it has a little too much embroidery for me (since I'm not interested in it) but I've just skipped that or improvised where I needed to.
   
   Beautiful pictures and fun inspiration for crafter/sewers.



2. I really enjoy the projects in this book. I made the cake applique in the book the first week i received it, it inspired me to get my fabric out and sew!



3. I was really disappointed with this book.
   
   Although it was filled with beautiful photographs, the designs and patterns themselves were so totally elementary that I am pretty sure you could google and find a free pattern for everything featured. For example, sewing coasters? It's 2 pieces of square fabric sewn together and then top-stitched.
   
   Perhaps a VERY new and beginner level seamstress might like this, or a very young teenager, but to have an entire page dedicated to cutting a letter out of fabric and sewing it onto a white tee shirt seemed like a cop out.



4. This how-to book is certainly cute. You might want to reach for your toothbrush after finishing it! I was really impressed with the variety of projects. Too often, crafting books have one or two good projects and the rest are filler. Not so with Sew Darn Cute. Just about everything is something I would make (I'll pass on the skinny scarf and the fabric cuffs, thanks) and it all is very doable for the beginning sewing fan.
   
   Like most other sewing guides, there is a how-to section that covers the basics of sewing. The instructions themselves are clearly written and well-photographed. There are clothing projects (the embellished cardigan is great), kids' items (square bear is wonderful; I wish there were more Japanese inspired projects), home items and crafty things (crochet cover, needle book). All the colors chosen are super sweet in pastels and pinks but those looking for edgier combos could certainly adapt the selections.
   
   I would recommend this as a good all-over project guide for those newer to sewing and looking for adorable, retro projects. Very fun.



5. This book provides some really nice basic patterns and ideas with the ability to embellish to your own taste. The pictures are just wonderful and I really loved the color pallete she used.

2 comments about Tile Quilt Revival: Reinventing a Forgotten Form.

1. Tile Quilt Revival: Reinventing a Forgotten Form is Carol Gilham Jones and Bobbi Finley's fascinating, educational, and inviting book that reintroduces this "unique and somewhat obscure" form of appliqué quilt.
   
   Tile quilts are explained this way:
   
   "Traditional tile quilts... are constructed with small pieces of cotton fabric appliquéd in a random manner to a white background, leaving a narrow space between the pieces; this white space serves as the "grout" between the tiles or 'mortar' between the pavers or stones."
   
   The books starts out with a brief history of tile quilts, with great photos showing examples from the past. Then comes a section on how to make a tile quilt, reinterpreted for today. When I read the following, the heavens opened up and I heard the heavenly choir!
   
   "The tile quilt technique, with its large and simple shapes, creates an ideal showcase for bold, contemporary fabrics. Interesting, large-scale prints are will suited for the tile pieces. If you've ever found yourself admiring some of the daring prints now available but wondering how to use them, a tile quilt is an idea project for putting them to good use."
   
   Hallelujah! I have a tub of fabrics in my stash labeled "Modern" that has been... well... sitting there. Now my "daring" prints have a destiny!
   
   The techniques used in the book are so simple they're ingenious! No need to consider seam allowances, to reverse patterns, or to figure out where to place the pieces. Another really great thing about this book is that it has fantastic appliqué instructions... needle-turn by hand, turned-edge machine-appliqué and fusible machine appliqué too, all expertly explained and illustrated. How about this section where the authors say:
   
   "Even if you don't love to appliqué or don't consider yourself to be skilled at it, chances are you will enjoy the tile quilt process because it is not exacting. The tile-and-grout form is quite forgiving, and the inevitable deviations from strict uniformity in the grout add to the visual interest and appeal of a piece."
   
   After the appliqué information, there are instructions for several projects with full-size pull-out patterns. Then there's a Gallery of Contemporary Tile Quilts. These are fun and inspiring to look at as you see what quilters of today are doing to reinvent the form.
   
   Kay Mackenzie
   Author, Easy Applique Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes



2. This is an interesting book! I had not realized that this art form existed and can't wait to give it a try!

3 comments about More! Hand Applique by Machine: 9 Quilt Projects, Updated Techniques, Needle-Turn Results Without Handwork.

1. Great follow-up to Beth Ferrier's first Hand Applique by Machine book. I took a class from her recently and she showed us some of these tricks. Especially love the cats and dogs.



2. Wonderful techniques. Written and picture directions are clear and easy to follow. If your a beginner or an experienced applique quilter, then this book is for you.



3. love the new use of the washaway product. makes applique` even better. improves beth's method, altho i didn't think it could be. beth is a super teacher in person or in print! great book.
   audrey v. michigan USA

5 comments about Paradise Stitched--Sashiko & Applique Quilts.

1. Just starting my 1st project from the book, and loving it.
   Easy to understand.



2. Sylvia has taken her applique and sashiko ideas further in this new book. Her directions and visuals are exactly what you need to make these beautiful quilts. The book is a great backup for anyone using one of her kits.



3. Learn how to hand stitch six quilts inspired by tropical designs in Sylvia Pippen's Paradise Stitched: Sashiko & Applique Quilts, a fine quilting guide that covers both turn-under and fusible applique. Even more valuable - create designs from your own photos: a skill that can transfer beyond the tropical theme. With its collection of full-page patterns and tips on hand embroidery embellishments, this teaches how to choose applique fabrics to create Sashiko designs. Quilters looking for something different will relish this approach.



4. This book is great. Ideal for the beginner or the experienced sewer. The instructions are very clear and the photos are beautiful. There is a pull out pattern section, so that the pattern can be traced out ready for the applique and the sashiko stitching.
   Just looking at the gallery photos is inspiration enough for me to get me started.



5. I've never been disappointed in books by this mother-daughter team and, once again, they've come up with beautiful and unusual designs with very clear instructions. Their combinations of sashiko and applique is wonderful! This book's a keeper!

5 comments about William Morris in Applique: Six Stunning Projects and Over Forty Individual Designs.

1. This is just what I wanted. The book is very interesting, so is William Morris. I love doing Applique.



2. This book is for those of us who like to applique more than the simpler shapes and forms so often found in today's patterns. The results are truly gorgeous and it is a book which belongs in the library of anyone who does applique work!



3. I bought this book because it incorporated William Morris designs into quilting projects. I have not yet applied any of the design ideas but find the careful instructions for applique and practical tips really helpful in finishing off projects already started when I bought the book. I have read through the book twice as it is well written and once I pick it up, its hard to put down.



4. The designs in this book are lovely and unique. If you are a fan of William Morris you will love working these motifs. The instructions are well written and well illustrated. The motifs are appropriate for someone with intermediate level skills in applique, and can be worked with fusible, machine, or hand applique.



5. A beautiful presentation. Photography characterizes the work of the author as she translates the designs of William Morris into extraordinary applique work. Since reviewer is an admirer of his work the choice to purchase this book provided much pleasure.
   Historically this is an excellent book for every quilt library.

5 comments about Appliqué Your Way.

1. Great book for demonstrating all steps involved in applique. Comes with a variety of multipurpose patterns.



2. This book is so gorgeous and the projects so varied and diverse that it would be easy to be intimidated - except the instructions are exceptionally clear!
   
   There are many craft books that are "just" pretty, or "just" instructional, but Kayte Terry's "Applique Your Way" manages to combine them both without sacrifice. Plus the binding is useful as you're digging into the projects - it really does lay flat.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone!



3. This book was really cute. I'd love to run around wearing a gray flea market skirt with a hand sewn bright pink patchwork lemoyne star on it! Unfortunately I don't have the moxy to pull it off. This book is similiar to some of the other applique books out there that inspire you to applique everything you own! What a silly, fun, playful idea! To be honest, there weren't many projects that I felt were something I'd like to make but the inspiration is what caught my fancy. My favorite project was the greeting card, a first foray into mixed media? Really brilliant, something anyone can do. Kudos to the author, photographer and publisher!



4. I've always found applique to be kind of mysterious, but this book was wonderfully helpful both in technique and with creative ideas. Not only am I inspired to dive into my closet to refresh tired clothes, but for the first time ever, I want to create things for my house, like the fetching Doily Trivets. Katye Terry's style is original and also approachable, two things that don't often combine. Plus, I will no longer be tossing scraps of fabric from other projects, it feels great to actually have something cool to do with them. This is a really beautifully designed book with gorgeous photographs that act as wonderful eye candy.



5. The book came as stated. Perfect condition. I just didn't feel it was all that great of a book. I mean, I felt that I could have done a better job ... made it more cute, inspiring, or fun. I don't know. Sorry, I just was that excited when I looked through it. Maybe I'll give it another chance another time.

5 comments about Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O'Cake Designs: No Rules-No Ruler (Piece O Cake Designs).

1. This book is very clear and concise in its format. It is a very valuable resource.



2. Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O'Cake Designs offers no rules-no ruler quilt projects in 8 selected ideas for creating foolproof applique quilts. Use fabrics and colors to make a quilt come to life and use freestyle border, block and quilt assembly techniques to create innovative, free-flowing designs with this fine quilter's handbook, recommended for any collection catering to applique quilters.



3. I love Becky Goldsmith's books. She has a great use of color and texture in her quilts. This book does not disappoint. If you like creative, non-traditoinal quilts and playing with color, this book is for you.



4. Very impressed with this book, the freedom of cutting without a ruler is truly liberating!



5. Due to the fact that I add applique to every quilt I make, I purchased this book. I have to say that as I read the book, cover to cover, (unusual for me), I got excited and confused at the same time. My brain was in the "applique traditional method" mode. Soo0oo I read it two more times. By the time I was finished, I had decided that this was the way I would go with the next few quilts that are on my list........I am very excited...the book is illustrated beautifully and is going on my "favorite books" shelf.....I recommend it to anyone who love new challenges and beautiful quilts, whether original or not.
   AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++