No comments about Elly Sienkiewicz's Beloved Baltimore Album Quilts: 25 Blocks, 12 Quilts, Embellishment Techniques.

5 comments about Dancing with Thread: Your Guide to Free-Motion Quilting.

1. Very well done. Ann is a great teacher in person and in print. Book is very clear with information I have not found in other free-motion books.



2. Ann Fahl says "you must practice when doing free motion quilting but; after you get the basic idea and become comfortable with the process, you will find that it can become relaxing and calming." In her new book "Dancing with Treads" Ann gives you free spirited quilting techniques that will help you create the perfect design to fit your quilt.
   You will find many photos of her quilts and detailed comments on threads and quilting designs for each quilt. Tools and supplies are covered in detail, including thread, needles, marking pencils, bobbins and batting to name a few. You will learn how to create your own quilt motif from doodles as well as the basics of assembling a quilt. The photos and instructions are clear and very easy to understand. There are five projects in the book ranging from beginner to experience that will give you a great chance to create a small project and quilt it. There is a trouble shooting section that offers suggestions on solution to problems you may encounter. Ann is an expert on machine quilting and this book is a must have for all those interested in doing their own machine quilting.
   Editor The Appliqué Society newsletter



3. Dancing with Thread by Ann Fahl really simplified machine quilting for me, and makes me want to dance with my machine! Her needle selection guidelines have simplified needle purchases for me and, I'm not having to look through my selection of needles every time I do embroidery on my machine. When I've read about machine embroidery before, the books were very serious, and Fahl lightens the subject and makes it fun to do! I hightly recommend this book to anyone who is learning to do free-motion, or to give the experienced stitcher great tips!



4. This book is very helpful in learning how to do free motion quilting. Lots of useful examples, easy to understand.



5. This is an awesome book. Exactly what I was looking for. I am trying to become more creative in my free motion quilting. This book is extremely helpful. Lots of pictures and great details. Easy to read and follow.

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

1. I like this book, but it is not really what I wanted. This is more about adding details than making clothes or other items.



2. I've been Meg's blog follower and when I found out she wrote this book, I went and ordered one from Amazon (cheaper). This book is not dissapointing. Lots of fun projects to do. I say this book is geared toward intermediate-advance sewists. But if you are a curious begginer, you will love this book. I love it.



3. I have high expectations for this book, but the projects were far fewer than I had expected, and way more 'ordinary' and felt like things I'd seen before. It may be personal preference, but I found it too be too much text, and not enough actual substance, the projects were the reason I wanted to buy the book in the first place.



4. This is a very good book. However it lacks somewhat in originality. Many of the projects are available for free.



5. Soy nueva en la confección y este libro me pareció genial para princpiantes en algunos proyectos.

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

1. A+Q = a great foundation in the elements of art as they relate to quilters. Lyric's exercises are a great hands-on illustration of the concepts she introduces and, really!, this is a book that any artist could embrace. Along with each concept, a look at the inspiration is included. Looking over Lyric's shoulder as she moves through the design process is really a help to understanding the concepts.
   
   A+Q is filled with concepts to learn and teaches the art of inspiration and creativity. It teaches how to build and strengthen your craft. In other words (loosely quoted): Give a woman a fish and she eats for a day. Teach her how to fish and she'll never go hungry. This is a book to be worked through, scribbled in and to read with your journal alongside of you. A strong tool for quilters with a load of relevant information for any artist.



2. This book was in great condition as stated by the supplier. It was sent in only a few days.



3. I love this book as I have loved Lyric's classes and video from Quilting Arts TV. Not project oriented, this book gives a firm foundation in principles of art so that you can explore your own creativity. For those of us who come to art quilting from a quilting background this book has great information about the foundations of art and perception.



4. Art + Quilt is a great book. It contains explicit instructions to get any quilter going on designing and creating art quilts. And, it's a good source of information for learning to think with creativity. I'm enjoying using it on my projects and am looking forward to starting new ones. I highly recommend it.



5. Lyric has developed great lessons to help develop as an art quilter. I subscribe to her belief that everyone possess creativity. In addition to the lessons she shares some great motivational quotes.

5 comments about My Whimsical Quilt Garden: 20 Bird & Flower Blocks to Applique from Piece O'Cake Designs.

1. I received my book, it took a little too far.
   I loved it! It's very beautiful work of her friends Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins.
   They explain everything in detail making it very easy to construct the quilt.
   I recommend buyin



2. I got this pattern pack; packed it up and took it with me on a three day retreat. I had great fun taking it with me to the half dozen shops we visited picking out bright, fun fabrics to use in the blocks. The instructions are well done. You're given the choice of applique methods to use and directions for each method. As with all Piece O'Cake projects, many pieces are involved so organization is key. I've started on my first block and am enjoying it immensely.



3. I will most definately use these patterns, make the quilt(s) and adapt blocks into loving gifts. Lovely patterns, well written, all around 5 star!



4. Really cute pictures that are easy to applique on machine, but there are lots of pieces to each one



5. What a wonder Whimsical Quilt book....all the blocks and instructions to make a stunning quilt

5 comments about Applique the Basics and Beyond: The Complete Guide to Successful Machine and Hand Techniques with Dozens of Designs to Mix and Match.

1. The book is well written and easy to understand. The pictures are wonderful and like they say--a picture is worth a thousand words. I will use this book as I do applique with my new sewing machine.



2. I could spend hours just looking at the beautiful pictures in this book (and have). I learned a lot of new techniques, and had a lot of fun with this book. Its easy to follow, and keeps you interested and wanting to try and read more. Highly recommended to any level experience.



3. I am glad to have purchased this book on applique. Very informative and a good addition to my library.



4. This book is great .It has so many pictures to show you how to do different techniques. I refer to it quite often. It takes you from beginning to end in detail.I taught a Japanese lady who spoke little English how to do applique.It helped by showing her the technique in pictures.I would recommend the book as an all over great book for learning



5. The book is very clearly written and provides precise directions for the many kinds of applique. It would be a valuable resource for a sewer/crafter of any level of expertise.

No comments about Flower Show Quilts: Stunning Applique on a Patchwork Canvas (That Patchwork Place).

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

1. In Sylvia Pippen's new book " Paradise Stitched" Sylvia encourages the reader to try a particular style of hand embroidery called Sashiko. Sashiko means "little stabs" in Japanese. Sylvia also combines appliqué using her press-over Mylar method but does encourage the reader to try different appliqué techniques as each technique offers their own unique advantage. Sylvia says "The Mylar method also makes it possible to appliqué some flowers in hand using pre-formed shapes instead of working petal by petal on the background fabric. A completed flower, fish, or bird can also be embellished with embroidery before appliquéing it to the background fabric". The book covers materials you will need, including recommend fabrics and has a good section on the basics of Sashiko embroidery. There are six beautiful quilt project patterns included in the book with options for both turn-under and fusible appliqué. Sylvia's quilt gallery will inspire you to create designs from your own photos and embellish your quilts using embroidery. There is a good resource file in the back of the book to help you locate supplies, many are available from Sylvia's own website.
   Patti Ives
   Editor The Appliqué Society newsletter



2. The designs in this book are exquisite. The directions are very easy to understand and the colours, designs and sashiko are inspirational. It is great eye candy as well as providing very useable ideas.



3. Sylvia's new book solves a mystery for those of us who wonder "What fabric did the author use for that piece?" She includes photos of the actual fabrics so we can see how she selected a small piece out of a fabric we might have passed up -- or never dreamed it would serve as a small leaf or fish or whatever. Thank you, Sylvia, for that gift alone!
   
   The projects are beautiful, with Sylvia stretching her talents in many directions to present new ideas for us in the way of applique and background sashiko motifs. I recommend it for every quilter's library.



4. This book is written very well. Directions are easy to follow and very thorough. Examples are inspiring. There is a great variety of design included.



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

5 comments about Fine Embellishment Techniques.

1. I'm the first to admit that I can sometimes be a bit of a snob when it comes to knitting and sewing. In general I much prefer to work with natural fibers and I love discovering new, elegant, sophisticated techniques. Too many times I've picked up books on embellishment techniques and found them to be just fine for new sewers, young sewers, or just funky fun. But if I'm going to spend time on embellishments I want them to be lovely, unusual, distinctive, sophisticated. I'm not crazy about sewing all kinds of funky buttons on the front of a t-shirt or decorating with sparkly paint and appliques cut from quilting fabrics. Consequently I was very happy to discover Jane Conlon's Fine Embellishment Techniques. This is a book for sewers who want to create a work of beauty.
   
   The book itself is lovely, a large art-book type book with beautiful photography and the projects used to illustrate the techniques described are just breath-taking. A vest shown in the book is worked on silk dupioni and uses several techniques. It is a garment any woman would enjoy having in her collection.
   
   There are actually only five techniques described: beading, threadwork, trims, applique, bindings and piping. But each section is filled with detailed information on selecting materials, techniques and tips for using them, lots of photos and illustrations and plenty of inspiration.
   
   I admit that I love fussing with a new garment and sometimes I view some of my creations -- especially kimono jackets -- as little works of art rather than something to just wear. So a book like this is exactly the sort of thing that can keep me happy for hours. Projects include a flower applique constructed of beads, metallic thread and free-motion machine embroidery. I love the subtle simplicity of some of the techniques like those shown on a collar and placket that combines simple running stitches and tiny beads to add a delicate but beautiful finish to a simple blouse.
   
   So, if you are looking for a fun, quick embellishment that can be completed in an afternoon, this might not be the book for you, but for sewers who want to spend time creating something stunning and sophisticated, this book has much to offer



2. This book are exellent in it's way to show how to do Fine Embellishment Techniques. :-) I am very pleased with it.
   Fine Embellishment Techniques



3. This is a lovely book for those who are interested in fabric imbellishment. I was looking for something a bit more contemporary and elaborate, but this book has enough to keep me busy for a while.



4. This book was pretty ordinary, if you've been embellishing cloth/clothing for any length of time. I bought it hoping for inspiration, but there was no inspiration to be had. Not only that, of the things that were included, I would never use. Today's clothing? Hardly. The techniques/effects were more suitable to vintage sewing than modern. If you must, buy this used, and then pass it along to others. In fact, I'll sell you my copy.



5. If anyone wanted to research early 1990's fashion for a Beverly Hills 90210/Wilson Phillips/Shanice/Alannah Myles/Milli Vanilli biographical movie, take a look at the photographs in this book. The pictures are awfully dated but the techniques are less dated. Why do designers get caught up in such non classic fabrics and colors (sandwashed silk and purple with red)? Still a useful book too if you want to set up a hippie craft stall at your local bazaar.

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

1. Carol and Bobbi's book "Tile Quilt Revival" contains 6 projects that teach you about designing and constructing various styles of tile quilts, from traditional to contemporary. Including full size patterns for the "Lotus" quilt seen on the cover of the book. The history of the Tile quilt is fascinating and you will enjoy the photo galleries of both historic and contemporary quilt.
   Patti Ives
   Editor, The Appliqué Society's newsletter



2. I had seen an antique quilt made in this fashion, and was fascinated by the technique. Of course I could not really recall the details, until I saw the availability of this book.
   Finally something "new and original"... Well written and clear explanation and instructions.



3. Tile Quilt Revival is a 'must' for any quilter's collection because it reinvents a nearly forgotten quilting form, and won't be seen in every quilter's guide. It offers 6 projects teaching about design and construction of tile quilts modern and traditional, including a history of the quilts, a photo gallery, and tips for using a favorite applique method to achieve them. Large-size patterns in back make this a fine choice for quilters seeking something different.



4. This book is really beautiful, and it contains some nice ideas. The cover quilt is the reason I bought it, and it will be a great way to use up scraps. The instructions are clear, and the photos are lovely.



5. I highly reccommend this book to those that love applique work. Beautiful results with these patterns!