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QUILTING AND QUILT-RELATED BOOKS COMPILED FOR QUILTNETTERS
(by Subject)
AMISH ADVENTURE, AN (A Workbook for Color in Quilts) ($15.95)
by Roberta Horton
C&T Publishing, Lafyette, CA 1983
Very good book.
AMISH QUILT, THE ($45)
by Eve Wheatcroft Grannick
1989, Good Books, Intercourse Pennsylvania
Not only beautiful Amish quilts, but also their stories and a view on the
communities and eras from which they come. A great body of information about
the Amish and their textile traditions. Facts presented through interviews and
conversations with Amish families and with people whose lives have touched the
Amish people, including many who sold fabrics to these seamstresses.
GALLERY OF AMISH QUILTS, A ($9.95)
(Design Diversity from a Plain People)
by Robert Bishop and Elizabeth Safanda
E.P. Dutton, NY 1976 (first published)
Great collection (150) of Amish quilts in color. Splendid black-and-white
photographs of the Amish people and countryside. Also, a comprehensive
introduction provides the cultural and aesthetic background for viewing
these quilts.
SMALL AMISH QUILT PATTERNS
by Rachel Pellman
Good Books, Intercourse, PA 1985
Patterns for making small amish quilts.
PLAIN AND SIMPLE
by Sue Bender
She tells of her fascination with the vibrant colors and stunning geometric
simplicity of the Amish quilts. The quilts "spoke directly to me...they went
straight to my heart." I highly recommend the book. It was after reading her
book that I started learning how to quilt.
APPLIQUE: 12 EASY WAYS
by Elly Sienkiewicz
Excellent book on various applique techniques. She starts out with basic
methods and moves on to more specialized techniques. This books gives you
a solid foundation in applique.
APPLIQUE PATTERNS FROM NATIVE AMERICAN BEADWORK DESIGNS ($14.95)
by Dr. Joyce Mori
AQS, Paducah, KY
Great for anyone interested in this subject matter. Most of the designs in
this book are adapted from beaded objects made by members of Native American
Indian tribes located in five major regions in North America.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL APPLIQUE & EMBROIDERY ($24.95)
by Anita Shackelford
A beautiful book!! For those of you interested in these two subjects this is a
wonderful book. Good instructions, illustrations and patterns.
It is hard back, 151 glossy pages and 9-1/4 x 12-1/4 in size
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUILTING TECHNIQUES, THE ($24.95)
by Katherine Guerrier
Running Press, Philadelphia, PA 1994
Excellent book. Colorful. Describes: techniques, block construction (she
gives you step by step instructions on how to make some of the more common
blocks (with color illustrations of each step) rotary cutting, special effects,
applique, quilting, finishing, etc. Toward the back of the book are gorgeous
quilts to truly inspire you.
This is a great reference book, great for beginners but can be used by
seasoned quilters as well. A must for every quilter's library.
FAST PATCH - A TREASURY OF STRIP QUILT PROJECTS ($17.95)
by Anita Hallock
Chilton Book Co., Radnor, PA 1989
This is a very good book for beginners and everyone else. A new strip
technique for making triangles.
Step-by-step instructions. By making a checkerboard and turning it on the
bias, you can learn to cut strips of triangles, opening up a whole range of
traditional blocks like the Ohio Star and sawtooth borders.
HAPPY ENDINGS
(Finishing the Edges of Your Quilt)
by Mimi Dietrich
That Patchwork Place 1987
Great book for ideas and instructions on finishing your quilt.
This book belongs in every quilter's collection.
MACHINE PIECING & QUILTING (Teach Yourself)
by Debra Wagner
Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA
Beginning with guidelines for choosing a sewing machine, using templates,
selecting and preparing fabrics for quilting; guides you with friendly,
step-by-step instructions.
QUILTING BY MACHINE ($19.95)
Singer
Cy DeCosse Inc., Minnesota 1990
Beginner's book. (not machine quilting). Quite pictorial. Instructions are
very easy to follow.
Can be used as a learning tool if you are sewing your first quilt or as a
reference if you have had quilting experience. The piecing, applique, and
quilting techniques that are included in this book are quick, easy machine
methods. If more than one technique is shown, the easier technique is first.
SETS & BORDERS
by Marston & Cunningham, AQS
I have had this book a long time. It has lots of good photos, border ideas and
charts for planning them. I have found it inspirational and helpful.
QUILTER'S ALBUM OF BLOCKS AND BORDERS
Jinny Beyer
Great black and white illustrations of blocks to give you ideas for blocks and
the shading of the blocks. (re: question on black and white quilts).
BRAID & CHEVRON UPDATED
by Camille Remme
ME Publications Santa Monica, CA 1993
45 variations of making braid and chevron borders from one traditional pattern.
PAINLESS BORDERS
by Sally Schneider
This book presents 16 cleverly designed quilts and borders in which the border
is pieced along with the quilt. My favorite is the twisted ribbon border
which looks like a double sided twisted ribbon cascading along the border.
She provides lots of suggestions for clever and fast cutting/piecing.
TENDER LOVING COVERS
by Toni Phillips and Juanita Simonich
This is a WONDERFUL book of children's quilts with great designs,
mostly pieced. They are crib/wall quilt size but there is no reason
they could not be incorporated into a large quilt, if you wish. One
quilt is called Wheels & More Wheels and has a tow truck, fire
engine, ambulance, and police car, so it is not strictly trucks. In
addition to this, there are the following: Astronaut, farm, cowboy,
circus, zoo, christmas, a school quilt.
GO WILD WITH QUILTS ($19.95)
by Margaret Rolfe
That Patchwork Place
This book has a lot of North American wildlife -- birds, squirrels, owls, black
bears etc.
----
It uses straightline piecing methods (no inset pieces) to create realistic
looking animals and birds (cardinal, beaver, racoon etc.)
PATCHWORK QUILTS TO MAKE FOR CHILDREN
by Margaret Rolfe
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. New York
I can attest to both of these books as great sources for easily
pieced animal blocks. The GO WILD book was a great hit when we
had it for the book draw at our guild meeting. It contains 14
North American Animals (racoon, beaver, ducks etc).
----
My favorite for children. This book hasas a whole zoo, patterns for many
dinosaurs, farm animals, etc. In my opinion they are more fun than
traditional blocks and make finding naturalistic fabrics fun too.
QUILT A KOALA
by Margaret Rolfe.
Sterling Publishing
Another fun book. This one has patterns for pieced blocks featuring native
Austrailian birds and animals.
COLOR CONFIDENCE FOR QUILTERS ($24.95)
by Jinny Beyer
The Quilt Digest Press, 1992
This is Jinny's color system based on the use of a master palette of fabric
colors that span the spectrum. By following the instructions in this book, you
create your own master palette that you can use as a tool for color choices
for all of your future quilting projects. After creating your own color
palette, you will learn how to create countless color schemes just by taking
small sections of the palette, or by rearranging portions of it.
COLOR DESIGN IN PATCHWORK
by Paula Nadelstern
Dover Publications 1991
Explores how color can be used to vary one and the same patchwork
configuration. Depending on the placement of color and the resulting degree of
contrast, different shapes in a pieced pattern are emphasized and visually
linked. Usually some shapes combine to form the main unit of design, while
remaining ones are interpreted as background.
COLOR AND CLOTH: THE QUILTMAKER'S ULTIMATE WORKBOOK ($19.95)
by Mary Coyne Penders
The Quilt Digest Press, 1989
This is another good "color confidence" book. Underrated, probably because of
Jinny Beyer's.
STRIPS THAT SIZZLE
by Margaret Miller
My first B&W quilt was made using this book. It is a book primarily meant for
working in color, but I thought the technique worked extraordinarily well for
black and white. I believe that almost any quilt pattern could be used if you
watch your placement as to shading.
SENSATIONAL SETTINGS
(Over 80 ways to arrange your quilt blocks) ($9.95)
by Joan Hanson
That Patchwork Place 1993
Good book offering a lot of ideas/suggestions for arranging quilt blocks.
QUILTING BY DESIGN
by Marston and Cunningham
Linda asked about how to arrive at quilting designs. I had many of the same
questions, and kept looking for the right book to answer them. This book does
so. I highly recommend it.
ONE-OF-A-KIND QUILTS
(Simple Steps to Individual Quilts) ($16.95)
by Judy Martin
That Patchwork Place 1989
One-of-a-Kind Quilts are structured scrap quilts--everyday quilts that feature
a planned theme or focal area surrounded by blocks made in a variety of
patterns, with the overall design developing as the piece is made.
This book takes you step-by-step through the theme blocks and the background
blocks, covering everything from cutting and construction techniques to the
creative decisions that are made along the way. Suggestions for completing the
quilts are included. Master templates and quick-cutting information for the
background blocks are provided toward the end of the book. An excellent book.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN ($18.95)
by Katie Pasquini
C&T Publishing, Lafayette, CA 1988
Detailed discussion of how to make objects appear three-dimensional.
Lots of her quilts (in color).
SPEED CUTS
by Donna Poster
Chilton for the Creative Machine Arts Series.
In it there are 1200 quilt blocks (although I would say that there
are only 500 designs but each can be constructed in one of three
sizes 10" 12" and 14"). Also, there is a quilt layout section that
shows how many blocks you will need for each size quilt depending on
whether you are putting the blocks together on point, straight set,
with lattice or any combination of these.
Of course, also included is a yardage chart based on the templates to
be used. And the templates themselves are in the back, numbered.
Note: Blocks are all in black and white.
WALL QUILTS
by Marsha McCloskey
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA
A step-by-step guide on how to make wall hangings that will add bold and
beautiful accents of folk art design to many areas throughout the home. It
contains complete instructions and full-size pattern pieces for creating ten
wall quilts based on traditional pieced designs, several of them with matching
patchwork pillows. Directed to both beginning and advanced quilters, it
includes detailed instructions on all special techniques involved, from
template making, machine-piecing, and hand-quilting to mounting and hanging.
PATCHWORK PATTERNS ($18.95)
Jinny Beyer
EPM Publications, Inc., McLean, VA 1979
This book is written for those who have an interest in using traditional
geometric designs or a desire to create their own original motifs.
It explains in a systematic manner a method of drafting patterns which has, in
large, been put aside, and about which no comprehensive book has been written.
She also explains a few simple drafting techniques which are particularly
useful in making geometric designs.
PATTERN PLAY: CREATING YOUR OWN QUILTS ($24.95)
by Doreen Speckmann
C & T Publishing, Lafayette, California 1993
(Not for beginners)
Introduces you to an easy and fun way to design your own blocks on graph paper,
then put those blocks into interesting quilt designs. Discusses fabric
selection and the techniques necessary for turning graph paper quilts into real
ones. Provides scale drawings and photos of some of her favorite quilts,
complete with yardages and size-change options.
------
Down to earth, easy-to-understand method to making your own designs.
Excellent, excellent book. She writes with a sense of humour and
shows loads of examples to get you thinking. It's an excellent back
door entrance to a more "creative" side of quilting for those technician
types who don't think they "have" creativity.
BLOCKBUSTER QUILTS
by Margaret Miller
An unusual approach to setting odd blocks (i.e., block of the month,
friendship blocks, good bye blocks, or blocks that are not all quite the same
size) into a quilt top. More for the advanced piecer. Very original.
HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR OWN QUILTS ($19.95)
by Katharine Guerrier
Mallard Press, 1991
Good book.
MEMORY QUILTS: DELIGHTFUL WAYS TO CAPTURE TODAY FOREVER
by Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan
I picked up a couple books to give me ideas when I was designing and
constructing one for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
PATTERN ON PATTERN
by Ruth McDowell
This is an excellent book.
- * Fast Piecing/Rotary Cutting Techniques **
TIMELESS TREASURES, A Complete Guide to Rotary Cutting
by Nancy Johnson-Srebo
RCW Publishing
Nancy's instructions are clear and concise, and she shows readers how
to cut almost any shape, while using your rotary cutter and ruler. Also
included are instructions for specific 6", 8", and 10" blocks.
----
I have found the info in this book really helpful. She goes through how to cut
a number of pieces: trapezoids, parallelograms, hexagrams, octograms, etc. The
nice thing about the book, too, is that she shows you how to do it for right
handed or left handed cutters. There is also a section in the book for those
who use metric measurements.
----
I find [this book] indispensable.
She gives clear instructions and illustrations to cut any
shape with the rotary cutter. Both right and left handed illustrations are
given. In the middle of the book there is a chart for adding on seam
allowances to any shape. It gives both the English and Metric measurements.
There are also good directions on pressing.
The last part of the book has color photos of blocks and complete directions
for them including cutting, sewing, and pressing. She includes which direction
to press the seams. (It was great help to me when I was beginning to make
blocks for the first time.) My only complaint was that there were a couple of
mistakes in the placement of the color photos to the directions. Some of them
didn't match but were found somewhere else in the book.
BTW, I took the book to a printer and had them put a spiral binding on it so
that it lays flat and stays open when I am using it.
SPEED CUTS
by Donna Poster
Chilton for the Creative Machine Arts Series.
In it there are 1200 quilt blocks (although I would say that there
are only 500 designs but each can be constructed in one of three
sizes 10" 12" and 14"). Also, there is a quilt layout section that
shows how many blocks you will need for each size quilt depending on
whether you are putting the blocks together on point, straight set,
with lattice or any combination of these.
Of course, also included is a yardage chart based on the templates to
be used. And the templates themselves are in the back, numbered.
Note: Blocks are all in black and white.
ANGLE ANTICS ($18.95)
by Mary Hickey
That Patchwork Place, 1991
Explores the design potential of a rectangle constructed of two contrasting
triangles (called bias rectangle). It also provides you with a technique for
constructing this rectangle quickly and accurately. (Most patterns are star
patterns.)
BACK TO SQUARE ONE ($17.99)
by Nancy J. Martin
That Patchwork Place 1988
Great book featuring Nancy Martin's personal quiltmaking techniques (template-
free approach).
----
She shows how to make what she calls a Square 1, Square
1.5 or Square 2. Square 1 is made of 2 triangles. This is what you need for
Ocean Waves. Square 1.5 is made of one big triangles and 2 little ones. Square
2 is made of 4 little triangles. I am making a huge wall hanging that uses all
of these different squares and it is working wonderfully!
STRIP QUILTING ($14.95)
by Diane Wold
TAB Books, Div. of McGraw Hill 1987
I love this little book. It's perfect for those who are into piecing and
repiecing (seminole patchwork take off). It's very easy to follow.
It contains complete instructions, including diagrams, cutting instructions,
and a shopping list, for each of the projects illustrated. Pointers are given
for modifying projects, for adapting patterns from other sources and for
creating your own designs.
SHORTCUTS: A Concise Guide to Rotary Cutting
by Donna Thomas
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1991
Basic quick-cutting techniques plus a number of techniques that are expansions
of the basics.
QUILTER'S GUIDE TO ROTARY CUTTING, THE ($17.95)
by Donna Poster
Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA 1991
Good technical reference book on rotary speed cutting ; Over 1,000 speed-cut
shapes.
ROTARY ROUNDUP
Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin
That Patchwork Place
Both books (Rotary Riot below) have about 40 color prints of quilts. These
quilts are made from traditional block patterns and have instructions for
rotary cutting and quick piecing. Nancy Martin owns the publishing company
that published these two books.
----
I had Rotary Riot, so I had to buy this one too and I'm not one bit sorry. I
love to get ideas and inspiration from these books and this one is full of
great colors,beautiful quilts. Their books are the only ones I use when I need
to make bias binding as it shows the flat cut method. The only times I tried
to do the continuous circle, it ends up in a mess.
ROTARY RIOT: 40 Fast & Fabulous Quilts ($21.95)
by Judy Hopkins and Nancy J. Martin
That Patchwork Place 1991
The authors of this book take 40 traditional blocks that appeal to many
quiltmakers and adapted their construction to template-free techniques. Begins
with Nancy's basic review of rotary-cutting techniques and information on
multi-fabric quilts. The pattern section includes step-by-step directions for
forty favorite quilts, all clearly illustrated and written in a Template-Free
format. Some of the patterns feature bias squares, some cut with 8" Bias
Square and several use simple strip-piecing techniques. The patterns are
graded with symbols as to difficulty (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Judy
has written a section on Finishing Your Quilt and has included some of the
overall repeat quilting patterns for which she is known. Also included is
information on crow footing, utility quilting and other tacking techniques.
COLORFUL ANGLES
(Triangles, Diamonds & Hexagons With a Contemporary Look)
by Susan Stein
EZ International 1993
This book combines the use of applique, traditional blocks, hand
dyed fabrics and the EZ tools (EZ Angle, Companion Angle, Easy Eight, Easy
Hexagon, Speed grids, trapezoids) to create very contemporary designs. 16
projects. I think this is a good book.
QUICK & EASY QUILTMAKING ($26.95)
by Mary Hickey, Nancy J. Martin, Marsha McCloskey and Sara Nephew
That Patchwork Place, 1993
This book introduces cutting techniques originated by each of the authors.
Teaches the authors' special techniques for making quilts with a variety of
triangular shapes. Organized for easy use. Good for a beginner. 26 projects
featuring speedy cutting and piecing methods
Tips are presented on various pages throughout the book to help clarify a
technique or to teach a fast (er) way to do something. This book worth it just
for the tips presented throughout.
COUNTRY QUILTS IN A DAY ($14.95)
by Fran Roen
Sterling Publishing Co, NY 1991
This book uses strip quilting and other speed techniques.
Very simplistic. Good for a person interested in teaching themselves
how to quilt.
ON TO SQUARE TWO ($17.49)
by Marsha McCloskey
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1992
Thirty pieced block designs that contain the Square Two unit (a continuation of
Back to Square One) and related bias strip-pieced units. Also contains a how
to section on the construction details of bias strip piecing half-square units
(Square One), quarter-square units (Square Two) and two other related pieced
units. General instructions for machine piecing and rotary cutting are
provided in the back of the book.
PAINLESS PATCHWORK ($14.95)
by Rosemary Donoughue
Sally Milner Publishing, Australia 1991
Quick modern methods for traditional quilts. This is a very good book for
making the following quilts: log cabin, irish chain (double and triple), lone
star, and trip around the world. Instructions are very easy to follow.
Great for beginners. No color.
QUICK COUNTRY QUILTS
by Debbie Mumm
Very explicit instructions using quick piecing methods, well laid out book,
lots of photos and diagrams. Apples, leaves, cows, sewing machines, sheep,
cats, bunnies, tulips, hearts, houses, etc etc all in the "country" style.
----
This book has lots of "cute" small projects that are relatively easy to make.
I made the "Alley Cats" as a going away present a few years ago and the
recipient loved it.
HAPPY ENDINGS
(Finishing the Edges of Your Quilt)
by Mimi Dietrich
That Patchwork Place 1987
Great book for ideas and instructions on finishing your quilt.
This book belongs in every quilter's collection.
EASY MACHINE PAPER PIECING
by Carol Doak
That Patchwork Place
I surrender -- I am a believer. I attended a workshop last night on
foundation/paper piecing based on this book. It works, by golly, it works.
What a treat -- and I can turn out such perfectly precise blocks. It's
wonderful. If you haven't tried it, you should -- attending a class really
helps because you see how it's done live.
PRECISION PIECED QUILTS USING THE FOUNDATION METHOD
by Jane Hall and Dixie Haywood
I like this book because it offers a good history, well-described theory and
practical examples of piecing on a variety of foundations. It's well
written and very nicely illustrated with b&w photos, color plates and
instructional line drawings.
- * General/Miscellaneous **
SENSATIONAL SCRAP QUILTS
by Darra Duffy Williamson
I like this book, particularly the section on selecting fabrics for scrap
quilts. I used her idea of making a reference card of all the colors in the
quilt (you take a small piece of each and organize them on a card in a
continuous line from light to dark, ignoring color) and it worked a treat on a
planned scrap quilt I made using about 40 pinks and greys.
QNM did a review and hated it, they said there was nothing new in it. I think
it is well laid out and gives you lots to think about.
----
I learned a lot from this book. First, I discovered D.D. Williamsons theory of
the "Maverick" block in quilts using repeating blocks! That has helped me to
add more fun and excitement to my quilts. It also has a section on color use
and drafting patterns. I find I go back and read this book over and over.
Wonderful!
ROMANCE OF THE PATCHWORK QUILT IN AMERICA, THE
by Hall and Kretsinger
(answer to question on pattern for Seven Sisters) Thi book has a picture of a
"Seven Stars" block on p. 54 that appears to be a similar, if not identical,
pattern.
STRIPS THAT SIZZLE
by Margaret Miller
My first B&W quilt was made using this book. It is a book primarily meant for
working in color, but I thought the technique worked extraordinarily well for
black and white. I believe that almost any quilt pattern could be used if you
watch your placement as to shading.
QUILTMAKER'S GUIDE: Basics and Beyond
by Carol Doak
There is a neat pieced maple leaf pattern in this book. It shows four standard
pieced maple leaves set in a block so that each maple leaf is pointing towards
a different corner.
QUILTING WITH STYLE ($24.95)
by Marston & Cunningham
I would like to list this as a book that several people in my guild highly
recommend as a "every quilter must have" book.
QUILT ALMANAC 19xx
by Oxmoor House
These are some of my favorites too. The quilts range from very simple
to very difficult. The patterns are good and I enjoy the biographies.
There's a chapter each year on group quilts or guild quilts and someday
I expect I'll see a QuiltNet quilt featured there!
QUILTS AND QUILTING ($17.95)
by Threads magazine
The Taunton Press, 1991
Series of articles drawn from the first 35 issues of Threads magazine, more
than two dozen master quiltmakers share their ideas and techniques.
Great collection!
ESSENTIAL QUILTER, THE
by Barbara Chainey ($29 .95)
A wonderful book. It is a complete course in the lost art of hand quilting. It
covers everything you might need to know, and the clear photos show you how to
hold the needle, etc. The quilts are all Welsh or English, many are
"whole-cloth" (all-quilted) quilts with beautiful feathers, scrolls, etc. Very
inspirational.
QUILTING STITCH, HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR
by Ami Simms
Mallery Press, Flint, Michigan
Great instructional book on perfecting hand quilting stitch.
AMERICA'S TRADITIONAL CRAFTS ($95)
by Robert Shaw
Macmillan, N.Y. 1993.
Wonderful book. Wonderful color photos...quilts and a lot more...
very oversize... BEAUTIFUL...
COLLECTOR SCRAP QUILTS
(Book II in the Collector Quilt Series)
by Marti Michell
American School of Needlework, San Marcos, CA 1992
Second book in the collector series that features design inspiration from
antique quilts.
Pretty good instructional book.
GALLERY OF AMERICAN QUILTS: 1860-1989: Book 2
American Quilting Society
If you want inspiration and if only American quilts will do, this is the book!
JAPANESE QUILTS ($24.95)
by Jill Liddell & Yuko Watanabe
E.P.Dutton, NY 1988
Beautiful collection of Japanese quilts.
QUILTING AND INFLUENCES ($29.95)
by Nancy Crow
AQS, Paducah, KY
Nancy, with the help of lots of pictures, explains how she uses her
instinctive eye for color and design to create quilt art. 256 pages offer
more than 300 photos, most in full color arangement showing Nancy's use
of color and unusual fabrics. She also talks about her family and how
they influenced her life as far as quilting is concerned.
Good coffee table book.
COMPLETE BOOK OF MACHINE QUILTING, THE
by Robbie and Toby Fanny
(Chilton Needlework Series), 1980
Good book. Discusses frame basting on pages 58-65, with ilustrations on pages
60 and 62 of the materials, the components, the frame set up and in use.
HEIRLOOM MACHINE QUILTING
by Harriet Hargrave
This is probably the best book available on machine quilting.
A must!!
TWENTY LITTLE PATCHWORK QUILTS
by Gwen Marston and Joe Cunningham
Dover Publications, NY 1990
Miniatures quilts. Includes templates and quilting designs
SMALL TALK
by Donna Thomas
That Patchwork Place.
I am very impressed with the progressive directions (from easiest to more
difficult) they are easy to follow and the pictures were inspiring. I would
highly recommend it.
AMISH CRIB QUILTS
by Rachel and Kenneth Pellman
Good Books Publishers 1985
Beautiful quilts.
SMALL AMISH QUILT PATTERNS
by Rachel Pellman
Good Books, Intercourse, PA 1985
Patterns for making small amish quilts.
CRIB QUILTS AND OTHER SMALL WONDERS ($29.50)
by Thos. K. Woodward & Blanche Greenstein
Bonanza Books, New York 1988 edition
Lots of colorful quilts.
WORKING IN MINIATURE ($15.95)
by Becky Schaefer
C&T Publishing, Layayette, CA 1987
A machine piecing approach to miniature quilts.
Good book.
NIFTY NINE PATCHES
by Carolann M. Palmer
If anyone ever thought ninepatches were humdrum, this should change their mind.
This book also has good instructions on quick rotary cutting and piecing
techniques.
NINE PATCH WONDERS
by Blanche Young and Helen Young Frost
First Star publishers, Tucson, Arizona 1991
Shows what can be done with a nine patch block (interesting color plays,
optical illusions, three dimensional woven effects).
The best of traditional designs as well as some original variations. Some
quilts are made with all Nine Patch blocks; others combine the pieced blocks
with background blocks. Others are variations on the Double Nine Patch design,
where pieced blocks are joined with plain squares to form large Nine Patch
blocks. Combining the 9Patch with other shapes, such as rectangles or
triangles, creates even more variations.
ULTIMATE BOOK OF QUILT BLOCK PATTERNS, THE
by Judy Martin
Crosley-Griffith Publishing 1988
Excellent book, lots of of various sizes.
----
This book is my most favorite, and most used, of all time.
QUILTS! QUILTS!! QUILTS!!! ($21.95)
The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking
by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes
The Quilt Digest Press, 1988
Great book.
Includes patterns that beginning quiltmakers can complete successfully, as well
as designs an experienced quiltmaker will enjoy working with. Popular and
traditional patterns--and all the instructions for the techniques required to
make them.
The patterns are arranged in a progressive sequence, incorporating new designs
and utilizing more difficult techniques as you move from the simpler patterns
to the more complex. Some patterns require more precise work than others, but
with careful work all can be completed by the quiltmaker who begins with the
simpler patterns, moving onward as experience warrants.
QUILTS, QUILTS, AND MORE QUILTS
by McClun and Nownes.
This book is just as good as their first book (see above).
QUILTER'S COLOR WORKBOOK: Unlimited Designs from
Easy-to-Make Quilt Blocks ($12.95)
by Kirstin Olsen
Sterling Publishing Co., INc., New York 1990
For a beginner: shows multiple color combinations for a number of quilt
patterns; provides ten or twenty starting points. Lots of quilt blocks in a
variety of color combinations: pinwheel, ohio star, chimney sweep, mosaic,
triangles, wrench, double-nine patch, rabbit's paw, bow-tie, hexagon, pineapple
log cabin, log cabin, lone star, tumbling blocks, and irish chain.
Also provides piecing instructions for each block.
QUILTER'S PATTERN WORKBOOK ($12.95)
by Kristin Olsen
This book has templates for the bow tie block and demonstrates how the block
can be arranged with different colors at least 10 times. I've yet to read the
book in detail, but she does this with many patterns and it looks really neat!
TEMPLATES FOR 171 NINE-PATCH QUILT BLOCKS
by Rita Weiss
American School of Needlework 1989
Good book of 9-patch blocks in 10, 12 and 14 inch sizes
SCRAP QUILTS
by Judy Martin
Moon Over the Mountain Publishing, Wheatridge, Colo 1985
Techniques plus patterns old and new for making quilts a from collected
fabrics.
Very nice, colorful quilts. I bought this book because I saw her quilt
"Tennessee Waltz" on display at the Great American Quilt Festival 1993 in New
York.
RADIANT STAR
by Eleanor Burns
Quilt in a Day Series 1990
Good book for making stars.
QUILT PROJECTS BY MACHINE
by Singer, 1992
There is a small section on Bow Ties (about a half doz or so pages) in this
book. It shows several arrangements: traditional, zigzag, octagonal,
staggered.
There are a couple of neat arrangements using color (oh, no, I'm starting
to write "American"!) gradations, as well as scrap, necktie fabrics and
amish colours. It gives a couple of ideas for borders and sashings as well.
QUILTS SEW QUILT
by Nancy J. Smith and Lynda Milligan
This is the one that has the Ivy Trellis Pattern in it that I asked about on
QuiltNet last fall and noone could find the pattern for. It has a number of
other interesting patterns in it for large print fabrics.
QUILT ALMANAC 19xx
by Oxmoor House
These are some of my favorites too. The quilts range from very simple
to very difficult. The patterns are good and I enjoy the biographies.
There's a chapter each year on group quilts or guild quilts and someday
I expect I'll see a QuiltNet quilt featured there!
120 Patterns for Traditional Patchwork Quilts
by Maggie Malone
Sterling Publishing, NY 1983
Patterns range from easy to hard; from well-known designs to more obscure
patterns. Some of the patterns you may have never seen before since they were
reproduced from museum quilts.
BEST OF THE CLASSIC QUILT SERIES, THE
by Laura Nownes.
This book is chock full of great photos and patterns (and instructions) for
many "classic" quilt designs (cathedral windows and grandmother's flower garden
to name only two).
COUNTRY QUILTS BY COUNTRY LIVING ($25.00)
Text by Eleanor Levie, Jennifer Place and Mary Seehafer Sears
Hearst Books, New York 1992
More than 10 years worth of Country Living's favorite country quilts, offering
instructions and pattern pieces for making twenty of them. Over 100 examples
of how quilts can personalize every room in the house, adding color and graphic
impact to any space.
EAST QUILTS WEST ($24.95)
by Kumiko Sodo
It is wonderful!!! She has many patterns that have instructions for an
average to advanced quilter. Her patterns are not, on the most part, for the
faint of heart. The best part, is the ideas which spring forth from her many
designs. I very, very seldom use a design, even if given permission - I like
to make my own designe. Her book is an inspiration. I hate to piece curves,
so I have been appliqueing them down on top of the under piece after turning
under the edge. This is how she "pieces" her curves. The book is rich in
color and in interestingly narrated. Her use of color is wonderful.
It is not a cheap book, but I would definitely recommend it.
- * Reference (Historical) **
CONTEMPORARY QUILTS FROM TRADITIONAL DESIGNS ($9.50 used)
by Carolyn L. Mosey
E. P. Dutton Publishers, New York 1988
This book takes a comparative look at the physical changes in the art of
quilting through the years. While the overall appearance of quilts has
changed, many contemporary quiltmakers keep coming back to traditional
patterns. The artists represented in this book share their feelings on the
history of quilting, the direction in which it is going and their viewpoints on
several quilt-related topics.
Interesting. Provides a traditional quilt on one side of the page and a
quilter's contemporary rendition of the same pattern on the other.
FABULOUS FABRICS OF THE 50s (And Other Terrific Textiles of the
20s, 30s, and 40s)
by Gideon Bosker, John Gramstad, Michele Mancini
Chronicle Books, San Francisco.
This one focuses on drape/upholstry fabrics of those years and is great for the
history and wonderful (often weird) color combinations of the fabrics.
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS: African Images in African-American Quilts ($24.00)
by Maude Southwell Wahlman
Studio Books in association with Museum of American Folk Art, New York
This book introduces the art of African-American quiltmaking to the general
public. Her thesis is that most African-American quiltmaking derives its
aesthetic from various African traditionsk, both technological and ideological.
Provides an abundance of detailed information on African textiles, the history
of quiltmaking in India, Europe and the Americas and extensive interviews with
quilters.
Excellent.
STAR QUILTS ($20)
by Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Clarkson Potter Publishers
Good collection of star quilts.
----
I like this book. She is well organized and gives you some good photos and
directions. Haven't tried anything from it yet. (I got it from a closeout
catalog for under $10. It's a good deal at that price. Not sure if I'd pay
$20 for it though.)
QUILT STORIES
by Cecilia Macheski, editor
Lexington: The University of Kentucky Press, 1994.
This wonderful book is a collection of poems, short stories, and other prose
works by various authors over the past 150-200 years, all dealing somehow with
quilts and quilting. The book is divided into 5 sections ("blocks"), each
named for specific quilt blocks: Memory Blocks ("Stories of Remembrance and
Meaning"), Double Wedding Ring ("Stories of Community and Courtship"), Radical
Rose ("Stories of Struggle and Change"), Wheel of Mystery ("Stories of Murder
and Mystery"), and Old Maid's Ramble ("Stories of Age and Wisdom"). The
introduction explains the blocks and the stories a bit, and the editor explains
how quilting provided an important link in literature written by women
(although there are a couple of selections from male authors).
REMEMBER ME; Women and their Friendship Quilts
Lipsett, Linda Otto.
San Francisco, Quilt Digest Press, 1985.
Pb, 140 p, col & b/w ill.
One of the very best quilt books ever Linda Otto Lipsett began with her own
collection of 19th century friendship quilts. Her book tells the stories of
eight women and eight quilts made between 1840 and 1895. Many of the stories
are sad stories of leaving family and comfortable homes in the East to
undertake arduous journeys in pursuit of new homes in the West. Using letters,
diaries, interviews and the quilts themselves the author unfolds the everyday
lives of eight real women, following them from youth to old age. Photos show
the women, their families, their homes, and especially their quilts. The
excellent color photographs show full quilts, details of blocks, signatures
and ornaments, and the best close-ups of 19th century fabrics I have seen.
There are also pictures of other typical friendship quilts, patterns for three
quilts prepared by Laura Nownes, and complete references and bibliography.
MY MOTHER'S QUILTS/DESIGNS FROM THE THIRTIES
by Sara Nephew,
That Patchwork Place
I love this one -- it really got me into 30s quilts -- and it's my inspiration,
since I just purchased two 30s tops that need batting, backing,etc.
FOLK QUILTS AND HOW TO RECREATE THEM ($14.95)
by Audrey & Douglas Wiss
Sterling/Main Street, NY 1990
This book presents a wide selection of traditional designs for the modern
quilter which have been tested over time. They are presented in their original
colors and special configurations. Some date back as far as the 18th century;
others became popular as late as the 1930s. A few are worked in wool or silk;
most are piecd of plain or printed cottons. All were made in America and
display a variety of piecing, applique and quilting techniques.
I like this collection.
AMERICAN QUILT: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950, $60
Text: Roderick Kiracofe with Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Photos: Sharon Risendorph
Published by Clarkson Potter, New York
Buy it, it's gorgeous and you will learn a ton of stuff about
quilting that you never know--extremely well researched, beautifully
designed book, nice typefaces, photography excellent of course--
----
This is a beautiful book. It has several features I like, including
a time line about quilt styles and fabrics. The photographs are
unusually clear and brilliant. It is expensive; however, you
will find it sold by the discount retailers. I have seen it listed
for $48.
BITS AND PIECES, TEXTILE TRADITIONS
by Jeanette Lasansky
This books contains essays/thesis on history and other aspects: the
relationship between late 19th c. dress fabrics & quilt devel., other
fascinating things.
- * Reference (Technical) **
TAKING THE MATH OUT OF MAKING PATCHWORK QUILTS ($6.95)
by Bonnie Leman & Judy Martin
Leman Publications 1981
Charts, tables, measurements, sizes, facts, figures, and helpful information
for planning quilts. A must for every quilter.
QUILTS! QUILTS!! QUILTS!!! ($21.95)
The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking
by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes
The Quilt Digest Press, 1988
Great book.
Includes patterns that beginning quiltmakers can complete successfully, as well
as designs an experienced quiltmaker will enjoy working with. Popular and
traditional patterns--and all the instructions for the techniques required to
make them.
The patterns are arranged in a progressive sequence, incorporating new designs
and utilizing more difficult techniques as you move from the simpler patterns
to the more complex. Some patterns require more precise work than others, but
with careful work all can be completed by the quiltmaker who begins with the
simpler patterns, moving onward as experience warrants.
QUILTS, QUILTS, AND MORE QUILTS
by McClun and Nownes.
This book is just as good as their first book (see above).
QUICK & EASY QUILTMAKING ($26.95)
by Mary Hickey, Nancy J. Martin, Marsha McCloskey and Sara Nephew
That Patchwork Place, 1993
This book introduces cutting techniques originated by each of the authors.
Teaches the authors' special techniques for making quilts with a variety of
triangular shapes. Organized for easy use. Good for a beginner. 26 projects
featuring speedy cutting and piecing methods
Tips are presented on various pages throughout the book to help clarify a
technique or to teach a fast (er) way to do something. This book worth it just
for the tips presented throughout.
TIPS FOR QUILTERS
by Rachel Pellman
Good Books, Intercourse, PA 1993
A handbook of hints, shortcuts, and practical suggestions from experienced
quilters.
-----
This is a great book full of all sorts of useful ideas. BUT don't read
it at bedtime or you will quilt ALL night long and not get any sleep!!! I
recommend this book.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUILTING TECHNIQUES, THE ($24.95)
by Katherine Guerrier
Running Press, Philadelphia, PA 1994
Excellent book. Colorful. Describes: techniques, block construction (she
gives you step by step instructions on how to make some of the more common
blocks (with color illustrations of each step) rotary cutting, special effects,
applique, quilting, finishing, etc. Toward the back of the book are gorgeous
quilts to truly inspire you.
This is a great reference book, great for beginners but can be used by
seasoned quilters as well. A must for every quilter's library.
HAPPY ENDINGS
(Finishing the Edges of Your Quilt)
by Mimi Dietrich
That Patchwork Place 1987
Great book for ideas and instructions on finishing your quilt.
This book belongs in every quilter's collection.
QUILTING & PATCHWORK DICTIONARY ($12.95)
by Rhoda Ochser Goldberg
1988 Crown Publishers, Inc.
Good reference book.
CLUES IN THE CALICO; A Guide to Identifying and Dating
Antique Quilts ($39.95)
by Barbara Brackman.
EPM Publications, 1989.
There are black and white and color pictures and examples and descriptions of
quilts characteristic of different periods. It is one of the best researched
and written quilt books I have encountered, and I have more than 300 books. I
put this in the top ten. Libraries and quilt guilds should have it.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUILTING TECHNIQUES, THE ($24.95)
by Katherine Guerrier
Running Press, Philadelphia, PA 1994
Excellent book. Colorful. Describes: techniques, block construction (she
gives you step by step instructions on how to make some of the more common
blocks (with color illustrations of each step) rotary cutting, special effects,
applique, quilting, finishing, etc. Toward the back of the book are gorgeous
quilts to truly inspire you.
This is a great reference book, great for beginners but can be used by
seasoned quilters as well. A must for every quilter's library.
NEW QUILTING AND PATCHWORK DICTIONARY, THE ($12.95)
by Goldberg, Rhoda Ochser
New York: Crown, 1988.
This should be in EVERY quilter's library. It has 1,740 illustrations, which
includes all the "classics" of our repetoire plus many charming original
designs (a baby bottle block, international signal flags, a pieced panda,
etc.)All black and white illustrations, but so comprehensive most people won't
even notice!
QUILTS: Identification and Price Guide
by Liz Greenbacker and Kathleen Barach. ($14.00 paper).
(340 pages). This book include such topics as: why collect quilts, how to start
a collection, history of quilts and quilting, dating a quilt (about30 pages
devoted to this chapter), condition, workmanship, repair and finishing,
care/cleaning/storage/display, trends in the marketplace, and seven chapters
under the heading of PRICE LISTINGS, such as antique pieced quilts,
contemporary quilts, art quilts, African American quilts.
EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK ($10.00)
by Ami Simms
Mallery Press, Flint, MI 1990
Over 500 tricks, tips, and tidbits for quilters .
COMPLETE BOOK OF SEMINOLE PATCHWORK, THE ($7.95)
Rush, Beverly with Lassie Wittman
New York: Dover, 1993.
This is the book for anyone interested in Seminole patchwork. I have two other
books on the topic and have seen others at the library--THIS is the one to buy.
----
It's a reprint of the 1982 edition which has been out of print for some time.
It's just $7.95 from I was born and raised in S. Florida and just adore the
Seminole patchwork. This is the first book I've seen that's had something of
an accurate history, too.
QUILT CLIP ART ($10.95)
by Cheryl Petersen
Quiltessence/Fine Publications
It's a nice little book that has all kinds of sewing-related images, quilt
borders, the word QUILT in various fonts and stylings, little quilts
flying pigs, thimbles and thread.
The nice part about this publisher is that you can order DISKS of
all the clip art (a necessity if you don't own a scanner!) The clip
art is available for MACs in pict form on 3.5" disks. It is also
available for the IBM or clone, but you must call or write to them and
give them your graphic requirements.
COLOR WASH WORKBOOK ($12.95)
by Shirley Liby
Graphics Unlimited, 1993
This book is the result of Liby's creative play and her approach to the process
of color wash through a series of modules that seemed to simplify the whole
idea for her.
I like this book because it is in black and white and, therefore, easier to
separate values. There are also a lot of grids that you can copy and play
around with your own designs.
STAR QUILTS ($20)
by Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Clarkson Potter Publishers
Good collection of star quilts.
----
I like this book. She is well organized and gives you some good photos and
directions. Haven't tried anything from it yet. (I got it from a closeout
catalog for under $10. It's a good deal at that price. Not sure if I'd pay
$20 for it though.)
RADIANT STAR
by Eleanor Burns
Quilt in a Day Series 1990
Good book for making stars.
CONWAY ALBUM (I'M NOT FROM BALTIMORE) QUILT
by Irma Gail Hatcher
This is a Baltimore style quilt done in a blue design scheme. Each of
the blocks in her design could be used to make a wonderful quilt of that
block alone. However, the whole quilt is a stunner. It's the one that
won first place for Innovative Applique, large quilt AND the Founders
Award at the American International Quilt Show in Houston.
FIT TO BE TIED
by Judy Hopkins
That Patchwork Place
There is a whole (wonderful) book of bow tie quilts.
FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING: Techniques and Inspiration for Writing on Quilts
by Susan McKelvey
Another helpful book for anyone who wants to write on quilts.
SASHIKO FOR MACHINE SEWING
by Janet K. Rostocki
Summa Design
These designs are cleverly constructed so that they can be continuously
sewn on the machine. Five classic designs are included and 8 new designs.
They could all be handsewn if you wanted to do that. Each is given in
two sizes.
JACKET JAZZ ($21.95)
by Judy Murrah
AQS
One woman in my guild made a jacket in it and just raved about
the book. She said it was totally lucid, thorough, etc.
----
This book has a nifty way to make Prairie Points from a strip of fabric. I've
tried it for trim on a vest and it was very easy.
----
This book has 5 wonderful jacket patterns in it. In the book, she shows how to
do 36 different things to put on a jacket. A few will look very familiar to
most quilters such as a strip of flying geese, though making it without cutting
any triangles may be a new technique. Some such as woven prairie points I had
never seen or heard mentioned before, though I know we have mentioned the
standard prairie points before.
NEW JERSEY QUILTS 1777 to 1950
by the Heritage Quilt Project of New Jersey
I have a number of state-oriented quilt history books and this one, which
focuses more on the quilts than the makers, I find to be outstanding.
WATERCOLOR QUILTS ($24.95)
by Pat Maixner Magaret & Donna Ingram Slusser
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1993
Great instructional book on making watercolor quilts.
WEEKEND LOG CABIN QUILTS
by Marti Michell
American School of Needlework (quilt as you go books)
TEXTILE DESIGNS ($65.00)
Susan Meller and Joost Elffers
AQS, Paducah, KY
This book is expensive but worth it if you are a fabric collector. This book
has some introductory discussion of the the production of types of textiles,
and then the rest is color plates of examples from a collection that has over
5,000,000 "fabrics of the common man" - not the fancy brocades, etc., but
paisleys, calicoes, leaves and foliage, conversationals, block prints, and on,
and on - the kind of stuff that many of us in our quilts.
------
Most of its 461 pages are filled with excellent color pictures (1,823
illustrations in color) of fabrics we'd all like to have. Color reproduction is
good and the pictures are large so that you can see the pattern detail. My only
serious criticism of the book is that reproductions are not all full-size or
even to the same scale. Page layout seems to have dictated the scale of
reproduction, and on the same page there are illustrations at 50%, 68% and 70%
full size, on other pages 27%, 100%, 120% and 150%. I suppose we should
appreciate the indication of scale included for each sample.
Although the book is expensive, it is not overpriced for a large format
art book with full-color illustrations on good quality paper. It has a
sewn binding and is very sturdily put together.
QUILTING AND QUILT-RELATED BOOKS COMPILED FOR QUILTNETTERS
(An alphabetical listing)
120 Patterns for Traditional Patchwork quilts
by Maggie Malone
Sterling Publishing, NY 1983
Patterns in this book range from easy to hard; from well-known designs to more
obscure patterns. Some of the patterns you may have never seen before since
they were reproduced from museum quilts.
AMERICA'S TRADITIONAL CRAFTS ($95)
by Robert Shaw
Macmillan, N.Y. 1993.
Wonderful book. Wonderful color photos...quilts and a lot more...
very oversize... BEAUTIFUL...
AMERICAN QUILT: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950, $60
Text: Roderick Kiracofe with Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Photos: Sharon Risendorph
Published by Clarkson Potter, New York
Buy it, it's gorgeous and you will learn a ton of stuff about
quilting that you never know--extremely well researched, beautifully
designed book, nice typefaces, photography excellent of course--
----
This is a beautiful book. It has several features I like, including
a time line about quilt styles and fabrics. The photographs are
unusually clear and brilliant. It is expensive; however, you
will find it sold by the discount retailers. I have seen it listed
for $48.
ANGLE ANTICS ($18.95)
by Mary Hickey
That Patchwork Place, 1991
Explores the design potential of a rectangle constructed of two contrasting
triangles (called bias rectangle). It also provides you with a technique for
constructing this rectangle quickly and accurately. (Most patterns are star
patterns.)
AMISH ADVENTURE, AN (A Workbook for Color in Quilts) ($15.95)
by Roberta Horton
C&T Publishing, Lafyette, CA 1983
Very good book.
AMISH QUILT, THE ($45)
by Eve Wheatcroft Grannick
1989, Good Books, Intercourse Pennsylvania
Not only beautiful Amish quilts, but also their stories and a view on the
communities and eras from which they come. A great body of information about
the Amish and their textile traditions. Facts presented through interviews and
conversations with Amish families and with people whose lives have touched the
Amish people, including many who sold fabrics to these seamstresses.
APPLIQUE: 12 EASY WAYS
by Elly Sienkiewicz.
Excellent book on various applique techniques. She starts out with basic
methods and moves on to more specialized techniques. This books gives you
a solid foundation in applique.
APPLIQUE PATTERNS FROM NATIVE AMERICAN BEADWORK DESIGNS ($14.95)
by Dr. Joyce Mori
AQS, Paducah, KY
Great for anyone interested in this subject matter. Most of the designs in
this book are adapted from beaded objects made by members of Native American
Indian tribes located in five major regions in North America.
BACK TO SQUARE ONE ($17.99)
by Nancy J. Martin
That Patchwork Place 1988
Great book featuring Nancy Martin's personal quiltmaking techniques (template-
free approach).
----
She shows how to make what she calls a Square 1, Square
1.5 or Square 2. Square 1 is made of 2 triangles. This is what you need for
Ocean Waves. Square 1.5 is made of one big triangles and 2 little ones. Square
2 is made of 4 little triangles. I am making a huge wall hanging that uses all
of these different squares and it is working wonderfully!
BEST OF THE CLASSIC QUILT SERIES, THE
by Laura Nownes.
This book is chock full of great photos and patterns (and instructions) for
many "classic" quilt designs (cathedral windows and grandmother's flower garden
to name only two).
BITS AND PIECES, TEXTILE TRADITIONS
by Jeanette Lasansky
This books contains essays/thesis on history and other aspects: the
relationship between late 19th c. dress fabrics & quilt devel., other
fascinating things.
BRAID & CHEVRON UPDATED
by Camille Remme
ME Publications Santa Monica, CA 1993
45 variations of making braid and chevron borders from one traditional pattern.
BLOCKBUSTER QUILTS
by Margaret Miller
An unusual approach to setting odd blocks (i.e., block of the month,
friendship blocks, good bye blocks, or blocks that are not all quite the same
size) into a quilt top. More for the advanced piecer. Very original.
CONWAY ALBUM (I'M NOT FROM BALTIMORE) QUILT
by Irma Gail Hatcher
This is a Baltimore style quilt done in a blue design scheme. Each of
the blocks in her design could be used to make a wonderful quilt of that
block alone. However, the whole quilt is a stunner. It's the one that
won first place for Innovative Applique, large quilt AND the Founders
Award at the American International Quilt Show in Houston.
COUNTRY QUILTS IN A DAY ($14.95)
by Fran Roen
Sterling Publishing Co, NY 1991
This book uses strip quilting and other speed techniques.
Very simplistic. Good for a person interested in teaching themselves
how to quilt.
COUNTRY QUILTS BY COUNTRY LIVING ($25.00)
Text by Eleanor Levie, Jennifer Place and Mary Seehafer Sears
Hearst Books, New York 1992
More than 10 years worth of Country Living's favorite country quilts, offering
instructions and pattern pieces for making twenty of them. Over 100 examples
of how quilts can personalize every room in the house, adding color and graphic
impact to any space.
CRIB QUILTS AND OTHER SMALL WONDERS ($29.50)
by Thos. K. Woodward & Blanche Greenstein
Bonanza Books, New York 1988 edition
Lots of colorful quilts.
COMPLETE BOOK OF MACHINE QUILTING, THE
by Robbie and Toby Fanny
(Chilton Needlework Series), 1980
Discusses frame basting on pages 58-65, with ilustrations on pages 60 and 62 of
the materials, the components, the frame set up and in use.
COMPLETE BOOK OF SEMINOLE PATCHWORK, THE ($7.95)
Rush, Beverly with Lassie Wittman
New York: Dover, 1993.
This is the book for anyone interested in Seminole patchwork. I have two other
books on the topic and have seen others at the library--THIS is the one to buy.
----
It's a reprint of the 1982 edition which has been out of print for some time.
It's just $7.95 from I was born and raised in S. Florida and just adore the
Seminole patchwork. This is the first book I've seen that's had something of
an accurate history, too.
QUILT CLIP ART ($10.95)
by Cheryl Petersen
Quiltessence/Fine Publications
It's a nice little book that has all kinds of sewing-related images, quilt
borders, the word QUILT in various fonts and stylings, little quilts
flying pigs, thimbles and thread.
The nice part about this publisher is that you can order DISKS of
all the clip art (a necessity if you don't own a scanner!) The clip
art is available for MACs in pict form on 3.5" disks. It is also
available for the IBM or clone, but you must call or write to them and
give them your graphic requirements.
COLOR WASH WORKBOOK ($12.95)
by Shirley Liby
Graphics Unlimited, 1993
This book is the result of Liby's creative play and her approach to the process
of color wash through a series of modules that seemed to simplify the whole
idea for her.
I like this book because it is in black and white and, therefore, easier to
separate values. There are also a lot of grids that you can copy and play
around with your own designs.
COLOR CONFIDENCE FOR QUILTERS ($24.95)
by Jinny Beyer
The Quilt Digest Press, 1992
This is Jinny's color system based on the use of a master palette of fabric
colors that span the spectrum. By following the instructions in this book, you
create your own master palette that you can use as a tool for color choices
for all of your future quilting projects. After creating your own color
palette, you will learn how to create countless color schemes just by taking
small sections of the palette, or by rearranging portions of it.
This book definitely helps you to gain confidence in choosing colors for your
projects.
CONTEMPORARY QUILTS FROM TRADITIONAL DESIGNS ($9.50 used)
by Carolyn L. Mosey
E. P. Dutton Publishers, New York 1988
This book takes a comparative look at the physical changes in the art of
quilting through the years. While the overall appearance of quilts has
changed, many contemporary quiltmakers keep coming back to traditional
patterns. The artists represented in this book share their feelings on the
history of quilting, the direction in which it is going and their viewpoints on
several quilt-related topics.
Interesting. Provides a traditional quilt on one side of the page and a
quilter's contemporary rendition of the same pattern on the other.
COLLECTOR SCRAP QUILTS
(Book II in the Collector Quilt Series)
by Marti Michell
American School of Needlework, San Marcos, CA 1992
Second book in the collector series that features design inspiration from
antique quilts. Pretty good instructional book.
COLOR AND CLOTH: THE QUILTMAKER'S ULTIMATE WORKBOOK ($19.95)
by Mary Coyne Penders
The Quilt Digest Press, 1989
This is another good "color confidence" book. Underrated, probably because of
Jinny Beyer's book.
COLOR DESIGN IN PATCHWORK
by Paula Nadelstern
Dover Publications 1991
Explores how color can be used to vary one and the same patchwork
configuration. Depending on the placement of color and the resulting degree of
contrast, different shapes in a pieced pattern are emphasized and visually
linked. Usually some shapes combine to form the main unit of design, while
remaining ones are interpreted as background.
COLORFUL ANGLES
(Triangles, Diamonds & Hexagons With a Contemporary Look)
by Susan Stein
EZ International 1993
This book combines the use of applique, traditional blocks, hand
dyed fabrics and the EZ tools (EZ Angle, Companion Angle, Easy Eight, Easy
Hexagon, Speed grids, trapezoids) to create very contemporary designs. 16
projects. I think this is a good book.
CLUES IN THE CALICO; A Guide to Identifying and Dating
Antique Quilts ($39.95)
by Barbara Brackman.
EPM Publications, 1989.
There are black and white and color pictures and examples and descriptions of
quilts characteristic of different periods. It is one of the best researched
and written quilt books I have encountered, and I have more than 300 books. I
put this in the top ten. Libraries and quilt guilds should have it.
Barbara Brackman also writes articles on quilt history for Quilters Newsletter
magazine. During the past year or so she has been writing about fabrics and how
to date them. I think she has done something on fabrics of the '40s, '50s and
later, but I can't locate the issue at the moment.
EAST QUILTS WEST ($24.95)
by Kumiko Sodo
It is wonderful!!! She has many patterns that have instructions for an
average to advanced quilter. Her patterns are not, on the most part, for the
faint of heart. The best part, is the ideas which spring forth from her many
designs. I very, very seldom use a design, even if given permission - I like
to make my own designe. Her book is an inspiration. I hate to piece curves,
so I have been appliqueing them down on top of the under piece after turning
under the edge. This is how she "pieces" her curves. The book is rich in
color and in interestingly narrated. Her use of color is wonderful.
It is not a cheap book, but I would definitely recommend it.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUILTING TECHNIQUES, THE ($24.95)
by Katherine Guerrier
Running Press, Philadelphia, PA 1994
Excellent book. Colorful. Describes: techniques, block construction (she
gives you step by step instructions on how to make some of the more common
blocks (with color illustrations of each step) rotary cutting, special effects,
applique, quilting, finishing, etc. Toward the back of the book are gorgeous
quilts to truly inspire you.
This is a great reference book, great for beginners but can be used by
seasoned quilters as well. A must for every quilter's library.
EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK ($10.00)
by Ami Simms
Mallery Press, Flint, MI 1990
Over 500 tricks, tips, and tidbits for quilters .
EASY MACHINE PAPER PIECING
by Carol Doak
That Patchwork Place
I surrender -- I am a believer. I attended a workshop last night on
foundation/paper piecing based on Carol Doak's book "Easy Machine Paper
Piecing". It works, by golly, it works. What a treat -- and I can turn
out such perfectly precise blocks. It's wonderful. If you haven't tried
it, you should -- attending a class really helps because you see how it's
done live.
ESSENTIAL QUILTER, THE
by Barbara Chainey ($29 .95)
A wonderful book. It is a complete course in the lost art of hand quilting. It
covers everything you might need to know, and the clear photos show you how to
hold the needle, etc. The quilts are all Welsh or English, many are
"whole-cloth" (all-quilted) quilts with beautiful feathers, scrolls, etc. Very
inspirational.
FOLK QUILTS AND HOW TO RECREATE THEM ($14.95)
by Audrey & Douglas Wiss
Sterling/Main Street, NY 1990
This book presents a wide selection of traditional designs for the modern
quilter which have been tested over time. They are presented in their original
colors and special configurations. Some date back as far as the 18th century;
others became popular as late as the 1930s. A few are worked in wool or silk;
most are piecd of plain or printed cottons. All were made in America and
display a variety of piecing, applique and quilting techniques.
I like this collection.
FAST PATCH - A TREASURY OF STRIP QUILT PROJECTS ($17.95)
by Anita Hallock
Chilton Book Co., Radnor, PA 1989
This is a very good book for beginners and everyone else. A new strip
technique for making triangles.
Step-by-step instructions. By making a checkerboard and turning it on the
bias, you can learn to cut strips of triangles, opening up a whole range of
traditional blocks like the Ohio Star and sawtooth borders.
FABULOUS FABRICS OF THE 50s (And Other Terrific Textiles of the
20s, 30s, and 40s)
by Gideon Bosker, John Gramstad, Michele Mancini
Chronicle Books, San Francisco.
This one focuses on drape/upholstry fabrics of those years and is great for the
history and wonderful (often weird) color combinations of the fabrics.
FIT TO BE TIED
by Judy Hopkins
That Patchwork Place
There is a whole (wonderful) book of bow tie quilts.
FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING: Techniques and Inspiration for Writing on Quilts
by Susan McKelvey
Another helpful book for anyone who wants to learn the techniques of writing
on quilts.
GALLERY OF AMERICAN QUILTS: 1860-1989: Book 2
American Quilting Society
If you want inspiration and if only American quilts will do, this is the book!
GALLERY OF AMISH QUILTS, A ($9.95)
(Design Diversity from a Plain People)
by Robert Bishop and Elizabeth Safanda
E.P. Dutton, NY 1976 (first published)
Great collection (150) of Amish quilts in color. Splendid black-and-white
photographs of the Amish people and countryside. Also, a comprehensive
introduction provides the cultural and aesthetic background for viewing
these quilts.
GO WILD WITH QUILTS ($19.95)
by Margaret Rolfe
That Patchwork Place
This book has a lot of North American wildlife -- birds, squirrels, owls, black
bears etc.
----
It uses straightline piecing methods (no inset pieces) to create realistic
looking animals and birds (cardinal, beaver, racoon etc.)
HAPPY ENDINGS
(Finishing the Edges of Your Quilt)
by Mimi Dietrich
That Patchwork Place 1987
Great book for ideas and instructions on finishing your quilt.
This book belongs in every quilter's collection.
HEIRLOOM MACHINE QUILTING
by Harriet Hargrave
This is probably the best book available on machine quilting.
A must!!
HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR OWN QUILTS ($19.95)
by Katharine Guerrier
Mallard Press, 1991
Good book.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR QUILTING STITCH
by Ami Simms
Mallery Press, Flint, Michigan
Great instructional book on perfecting hand quilting stitch.
JACKET JAZZ ($21.95)
by Judy Murrah
AQS
One woman in
my guild made a jacket in it and just raved about
the book. She said it was totally lucid, thorough, etc.
----
This book has a nifty way to make Prairie Points from a strip of fabric. I've
tried it for trim on a vest and it was very easy.
----
This book has 5 wonderful jacket patterns in it. In the book, she shows how to
do 36 different things to put on a jacket. A few will look very familiar to
most quilters such as a strip of flying geese, though making it without cutting
any triangles may be a new technique. Some such as woven prairie points I had
never seen or heard mentioned before, though I know we have mentioned the
standard prairie points before.
JAPANESE QUILTS ($24.95)
by Jill Liddell & Yuko Watanabe
E.P.Dutton, NY 1988
Beautiful collection of Japanese quilts, along with great stories.
MACHINE PIECING & QUILTING (Teach Yourself)
by Debra Wagner
Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA
Beginning with guidelines for choosing a sewing machine, using templates,
selecting and preparing fabrics for quilting; guides you with friendly,
step-by-step instructions.
MY MOTHER'S QUILTS/DESIGNS FROM THE THIRTIES
by Sara Nephew,
That Patchwork Place
I love this one -- it really got me into 30s quilts -- and it's my inspiration,
since I just purchased two 30s tops that need batting, backing,etc.
MORE LAP QUILTING
by Georgia Bonesteel
There is an "Offset Maple Leaf" pattern in this book also complete with
templates. This particular block contains one large maple leaf and three little
maple leaves, all pointing in the same direction. Personally, I think she does
one odd thing with this block, namely leveling off the bottom of the leaves.
But that's easily fixed. And as a definite amateur, I probably shouldn't be
questioning the wisdom of quilting teacher.
MEMORY QUILTS: DELIGHTFUL WAYS TO CAPTURE TODAY FOREVER
by Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan
I picked up a couple books to give me ideas when I was designing and
constructing one for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
NEW SAMPLER QUILT, THE
by Diane Leone
I was flipping through this book yesterday and I found what I thought to be a
great tip. She suggests that early in the day (or whenever you have a minute)
to thread a bunch of betweens with quilting thread. That way when you sit down
to quilt, they will all be ready to go, no stopping to thread and knot!
NIFTY NINE PATCHES
by Carolann M. Palmer
If anyone ever thought ninepatches were humdrum, this should change their mind.
This book also has good instructions on quick rotary cutting and piecing
techniques. My two favorites in this book were the Trellis Garden which looks
like a trellis of interlocking rings with a bright flower garden growing
through it and Morning Dew which I would have called Mideastern Fruit Salad. If
anyone knows the name and maker of the brightly colored fruit fabric used in
this example, I would love to know.
NINE PATCH WONDERS
by Blanche Young and Helen Young Frost
First Star publishers, Tucson, Arizona 1991
Shows what can be done with a nine patch block (interesting color plays,
optical illusions, three dimensional woven effects).
The best of traditional designs as well as some original variations. Some
quilts are made with all Nine Patch blocks; others combine the pieced blocks
with background blocks. Others are variations on the Double Nine Patch design,
where pieced blocks are joined with plain squares to form large Nine Patch
blocks. Combining the 9Patch with other shapes, such as rectangles or
triangles, creates even more variations.
NEW QUILTING AND PATCHWORK DICTIONARY, THE ($12.95)
by Goldberg, Rhoda Ochser
New York: Crown, 1988.
This should be in EVERY quilter's library. It has 1,740 illustrations, which
includes all the "classics" of our repetoire plus many charming original
designs (a baby bottle block, international signal flags, a pieced panda,
etc.)All black and white illustrations, but so comprehensive most people won't
even notice!
NEW JERSEY QUILTS 1777 to 1950
by the Heritage Quilt Project of New Jersey
I have a number of state-oriented quilt history books and this one, which
focuses more on the quilts than the makers, I find to be outstanding.
ON TO SQUARE TWO ($17.49)
by Marsha McCloskey
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1992
Thirty pieced block designs that contain the Square Two unit (a continuation of
Back to Square One) and related bias strip-pieced units. Also contains a how
to section on the construction details of bias strip piecing half-square units
(Square One), quarter-square units (Square Two) and two other related pieced
units. General instructions for machine piecing and rotary cutting are
provided in the back of the book.
ONE-OF-A-KIND QUILTS
(Simple Steps to Individual Quilts) ($16.95)
by Judy Martin
That Patchwork Place 1989
One-of-a-Kind Quilts are structured scrap quilts--everyday quilts that feature
a planned theme or focal area surrounded by blocks made in a variety of
patterns, with the overall design developing as the piece is made.
This book takes you step-by-step through the theme blocks and the background
blocks, covering everything from cutting and construction techniques to the
creative decisions that are made along the way. Suggestions for completing the
quilts are included. Master templates and quick-cutting information for the
background blocks are provided toward the end of the book. An excellent book.
PAINLESS BORDERS
by Sally Schneider
This book presents 16 cleverly designed quilts and borders in which the border
is pieced along with the quilt. My favorite is the twisted ribbon border
which looks like a double sided twisted ribbon cascading along the border.
She provides lots of suggestions for clever and fast cutting/piecing.
PATCHWORK PATTERNS ($18.95)
Jinny Beyer
EPM Publications, Inc., McLean, VA 1979
This book is written for those who have an interest in using traditional
geometric designs or a desire to create their own original motifs.
It explains in a systematic manner a method of drafting patterns which has, in
large, been put aside, and about which no comprehensive book has been written.
She also explains a few simple drafting techniques which are particularly
useful in making geometric designs.
PATCHWORK PLANNER, THE: 350 Original Designs for Traditional Patchwork $27.95
by Birte Hilberg, 1993
David & Charles, Brunel House, Newton, Abbot, Devon.
She did seven years in research and development, using a specially devised
computer program (help from her husband), and presents 350 new designs, using
combinations of these simple blocks. "This collection provides a rich source
of fresh and original ideas to delight all patchworkers, and all designers who
use geometric patterns."
I found it very interesting and expect to read it again and again, and will use
it when attempting to design quilts of my own using Adobe Illustrator. She has
come up with figures, circular designs, lots in color, lots in black and white
that could be colored in wonderful ways. She presents her "Tile Library," which
could easily be duplicated on the computer (so you could manipulate your own).
The blocks/tiles are simple. She hand pieces, but most can be machine pieced
easily.
Lots of ideas for developing one's own original designs.
PATTERN PLAY: CREATING YOUR OWN QUILTS ($24.95)
by Doreen Speckmann
C & T Publishing, Lafayette, California 1993
(Not for beginners)
Introduces you to an easy and fun way to design your own blocks on graph paper,
then put those blocks into interesting quilt designs. Discusses fabric
selection and the techniques necessary for turning graph paper quilts into real
ones. Provides scale drawings and photos of some of her favorite quilts,
complete with yardages and size-change options.
------
Down to earth, easy-to-understand method to making your own designs.
Excellent, excellent book. She writes with a sense of humour and
shows loads of examples to get you thinking. It's an excellent back
door entrance to a more "creative" side of quilting for those technician
types who don't think they "have" creativity.
PATTERN ON PATTERN
by Ruth McDowell
This is an excellent book.
PRECISION PIECED QUILTS USING THE FOUNDATION METHOD
by Jane Hall and Dixie Haywood
I like this book because it offers a good history, well-described theory and
practical examples of piecing on a variety of foundations. It's well
written and very nicely illustrated with b&w photos, color plates and
instructional line drawings.
PIECES OF THE PAST
by Nancy Martin
That Patchwork Place
PLAIN AND SIMPLE
by Sue Bender
She tells of her fascination with the vibrant colors and stunning geometric
simplicity of the Amish quilts. The quilts "spoke directly to me...they went
straight to my heart." I highly recommend the book. It was after reading her
book that I started learning how to quilt.
PATCHWORK QUILTS TO MAKE FOR CHILDREN
by Margaret Rolfe
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. New York
I can attest to both of these books as great sources for easily
pieced animal blocks. The GO WILD book was a great hit when we
had it for the book draw at our guild meeting. It contains 14
North American Animals (racoon, beaver, ducks etc).
----
My favorite for children. This book hasas a whole zoo, patterns for many
dinosaurs, farm animals, etc. In my opinion they are more fun than
traditional blocks and make finding naturalistic fabrics fun too.
PAINLESS PATCHWORK ($14.95)
by Rosemary Donoughue
Sally Milner Publishing, Australia 1991
Quick modern methods for traditional quilts. This is a very good book for
making the quilts. Instructions are very easy to follow. Great for beginners.
No color.
QUILTS: Identification and Price Guide
by Liz Greenbacker and Kathleen Barach. ($14.00 paper).
(340 pages). This book include such topics as: why collect quilts, how to start
a collection, history of quilts and quilting, dating a quilt (about30 pages
devoted to this chapter), condition, workmanship, repair and finishing,
care/cleaning/storage/display, trends in the marketplace, and seven chapters
under the heading of PRICE LISTINGS, such as antique pieced quilts,
contemporary quilts, art quilts, African American quilts.
QUILTING BY MACHINE ($19.95)
Singer
Cy DeCosse Inc., Minnesota 1990
Beginner's book. (not machine quilting). Quite pictorial. Instructions are
very easy to follow.
Can be used as a learning tool if you are sewing your first quilt or as a
reference if you have had quilting experience. The piecing, applique, and
quilting techniques that are included in this book are quick, easy machine
methods. If more than one technique is shown, the easier technique is first.
QUILTS AND QUILTING ($17.95)
by Threads magazine
The Taunton Press, 1991
Series of articles drawn from the first 35 issues of Threads magazine, more
than two dozen master quiltmakers share their ideas and techniques.
Great collection!
QUILTS AMONG THE PLAIN PEOPLE
by Rachel T. Pellman and Joanne Ranck
Good Books, Lancaster, PA 1981
Very good study of the amish and their quilts
QUILTING & PATCHWORK DICTIONARY ($12.95)
by Rhoda Ochser Goldberg
1988 Crown Publishers, Inc.
Good reference book.
QUILTING AND INFLUENCES ($29.95)
by Nancy Crow
AQS, Paducah, KY
Nancy, with the help of lots of pictures, explains how she uses her
instinctive eye for color and design to create quilt art. 256 pages offer
more than 300 photos, most in full color arangement showing Nancy's use
of color and unusual fabrics. She also talks about her family and how
they influenced her life as far as quilting is concerned.
Good coffee table book.
QUILTS SEW QUILT
by Nancy J. Smith and Lynda Milligan
This is the one that has the Ivy Trellis Pattern in it that I asked about on
QuiltNet last fall and noone could find the pattern for. It has a number of
other interesting patterns in it for large print fabrics.
QUILT ALMANAC 19xx
by Oxmoor House
These are some of my favorites too. The quilts range from very simple
to very difficult. The patterns are good and I enjoy the biographies.
There's a chapter each year on group quilts or guild quilts and someday
I expect I'll see a QuiltNet quilt featured there!
QUILT STORIES
by Cecilia Macheski, editor
Lexington: The University of Kentucky Press, 1994.
This wonderful book is a collection of poems, short stories, and other prose
works by various authors over the past 150-200 years, all dealing somehow with
quilts and quilting. The book is divided into 5 sections ("blocks"), each
named for specific quilt blocks: Memory Blocks ("Stories of Remembrance and
Meaning"), Double Wedding Ring ("Stories of Community and Courtship"), Radical
Rose ("Stories of Struggle and Change"), Wheel of Mystery ("Stories of Murder
and Mystery"), and Old Maid's Ramble ("Stories of Age and Wisdom"). The
introduction explains the blocks and the stories a bit, and the editor explains
how quilting provided an important link in literature written by women
(although there are a couple of selections from male authors).
QUILTING WITH STYLE ($24.95)
by Marston & Cunningham
I would like to list a book that several people in my guild highly recommend as
a "every quilter must have" book.
QUILTING BY DESIGN
by Marston and Cunningham
Linda asked about how to arrive at quilting designs. I had many of the same
questions, and kept looking for the right book to answer them. This book does
so. I highly recommend it.
QUICK COUNTRY QUILTS
by Debbie Mumm
Very explicit instructions using quick piecing methods, well laid out book,
lots of photos and diagrams. Apples, leaves, cows, sewing machines, sheep,
cats, bunnies, tulips, hearts, houses, etc etc all in the "country" style.
----
This book has lots of "cute" small projects that are relatively easy to make.
I made the "Alley Cats" as a going away present a few years ago and the
recipient loved it.
QUILTMAKER'S GUIDE: Basics and Beyond
by Carol Doak
There is a neat pieced maple leaf pattern in this book. It shows four standard
pieced maple leaves set in a block so that each maple leaf is pointing towards
a different corner.
QUILT PROJECTS BY MACHINE
by Singer, 1992
There is a small section on Bow Ties (about a half doz or so pages) in this
book. It shows several arrangements: traditional, zigzag, octagonal,
staggered.
There are a couple of neat arrangements using color (oh, no, I'm starting
to write "American"!) gradations, as well as scrap, necktie fabrics and
amish colours. It gives a couple of ideas for borders and sashings as well.
QUILT A KOALA
by Margaret Rolfe.
Sterling Publishing
Another fun book. This one has patterns for pieced blocks featuring native
Austrailian birds and animals.
QUILTER'S PATTERN WORKBOOK ($12.95)
by Kristin Olsen
This book has templates for the bow tie block and demonstrates how the block
can be arranged with different colors at least 10 times. I've yet to read the
book in detail, but she does this with many patterns and it looks really neat!
QUILTER'S GUIDE TO ROTARY CUTTING, THE ($17.95)
by Donna Poster
Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA 1991
Good technical reference book on rotary speed cutting ; Over 1,000 speed-cut
shapes.
QUILTER'S COLOR WORKBOOK: Unlimited Designs from
Easy-to-Make Quilt Blocks ($12.95)
by Kirstin Olsen
Sterling Publishing Co., INc., New York 1990
For a beginner: shows multiple color combinations for a number of quilt
patterns; provides ten or twenty starting points. Lots of quilt blocks in a
variety of color combinations: pinwheel, ohio star, chimney sweep, mosaic,
triangles, wrench, double-nine patch, rabbit's paw, bow-tie, hexagon, pineapple
log cabin, log cabin, lone star, tumbling blocks, and irish chain.
Also provides piecing instructions for each block.
QUICK & EASY QUILTMAKING ($26.95)
by Mary Hickey, Nancy J. Martin, Marsha McCloskey and Sara Nephew
That Patchwork Place, 1993
This book introduces cutting techniques originated by each of the authors.
Teaches the authors' special techniques for making quilts with a variety of
triangular shapes. Organized for easy use. Good for a beginner. 26 projects
featuring speedy cutting and piecing methods
Tips are presented on various pages throughout the book to help clarify a
technique or to teach a fast (er) way to do something. This book worth it just
for the tips presented throughout.
QUILTS! QUILTS!! QUILTS!!! ($21.95)
The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking
by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes
The Quilt Digest Press, 1988
Great book.
Includes patterns that beginning quiltmakers can complete successfully, as well
as designs an experienced quiltmaker will enjoy working with. Popular and
traditional patterns--and all the instructions for the techniques required to
make them.
The patterns are arranged in a progressive sequence, incorporating new designs
and utilizing more difficult techniques as you move from the simpler patterns
to the more complex. Some patterns require more precise work than others, but
with careful work all can be completed by the quiltmaker who begins with the
simpler patterns, moving onward as experience warrants.
QUILTS, QUILTS, AND MORE QUILTS
by McClun and Nownes.
This book is just as good as their first book (see above).
QUILTER'S ALBUM OF BLOCKS AND BORDERS
Jinny Beyer
Great black and white illustrations of blocks to give you ideas for blocks and
the shading of the blocks. (re: black and white quilts).
ROMANCE OF THE PATCHWORK QUILT IN AMERICA, THE
by Hall and Kretsinger
(answer to question on pattern for Seven Sisters) Thi book has a picture of a
"Seven Stars" block on p. 54 that appears to be a similar, if not identical,
pattern.
RADIANT STAR
by Eleanor Burns
Quilt in a Day Series 1990
Good book for making stars.
ROTARY ROUNDUP
Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin
That Patchwork Place
Both books (Rotary Riot below) have about 40 color prints of quilts. These
quilts are made from traditional block patterns and have instructions for
rotary cutting and quick piecing. Nancy Martin owns the publishing company
that published these two books.
----
I had Rotary Riot, so I had to buy this one too and I'm not one bit sorry. I
love to get ideas and inspiration from these books and this one is full of
great colors,beautiful quilts. Their books are the only ones I use when I need
to make bias binding as it shows the flat cut method. The only times I tried
to do the continuous circle, it ends up in a mess.
ROTARY RIOT: 40 Fast & Fabulous Quilts ($21.95)
by Judy Hopkins and Nancy J. Martin
That Patchwork Place 1991
The authors of this book take 40 traditional blocks that appeal to many
quiltmakers and adapted their construction to template-free techniques. Begins
with Nancy's basic review of rotary-cutting techniques and information on
multi-fabric quilts. The pattern section includes step-by-step directions for
forty favorite quilts, all clearly illustrated and written in a Template-Free
format. Some of the patterns feature bias squares, some cut with 8" Bias
Square and several use simple strip-piecing techniques. The patterns are
graded with symbols as to difficulty (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Judy
has written a section on Finishing Your Quilt and has included some of the
overall repeat quilting patterns for which she is known. Also included is
information on crow footing, utility quilting and other tacking techniques.
REMEMBER ME; Women and their Friendship Quilts
Lipsett, Linda Otto.
San Francisco, Quilt Digest Press, 1985.
Pb, 140 p, col & b/w ill.
One of the very best quilt books ever Linda Otto Lipsett began with her own
collection of 19th century friendship quilts. Her book tells the stories of
eight women and eight quilts made between 1840 and 1895. Many of the stories
are sad stories of leaving family and comfortable homes in the East to
undertake arduous journeys in pursuit of new homes in the West. Using letters,
diaries, interviews and the quilts themselves the author unfolds the everyday
lives of eight real women, following them from youth to old age. Photos show
the women, their families, their homes, and especially their quilts. The
excellent color photographs show full quilts, details of blocks, signatures
and ornaments, and the best close-ups of 19th century fabrics I have seen.
There are also pictures of other typical friendship quilts, patterns for three
quilts prepared by Laura Nownes, and complete references and bibliography.
SMALL AMISH QUILT PATTERNS
by Rachel Pellman
Good Books, Intercourse, PA 1985
Patterns for making small amish quilts.
STRIP QUILTING ($14.95)
by Diane Wold
TAB Books, Div. of McGraw Hill 1987
I love this little book. It's perfect for those who are into piecing and
repiecing (seminole patchwork take off). It's very easy to follow.
It contains complete instructions, including diagrams, cutting instructions,
and a shopping list, for each of the projects illustrated. Pointers are given
for modifying projects, for adapting patterns from other sources and for
creating your own designs.
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS: African Images in African-American Quilts ($24.00)
by Maude Southwell Wahlman
Studio Books in association with Museum of American Folk Art, New York
This book introduces the art of African-American quiltmaking to the general
public. Her thesis is that most African-American quiltmaking derives its
aesthetic from various African traditionsk, both technological and ideological.
Provides an abundance of detailed information on African textiles, the history
of quiltmaking in India, Europe and the Americas and extensive interviews with
quilters.
Excellent.
SCRAP QUILTS
by Judy Martin
Moon Over the Mountain Publishing, Wheatridge, Colo 1985
Techniques plus patterns old and new for making quiltsa from collected fabrics.
Very nice, colorful quilts. I bought this book because I saw her quilt
"Tennessee Waltz" on display at the Great American Quilt Festival 1993 in New
York (quilt on page 60).
SHORTCUTS: A Concise Guide to Rotary Cutting
by Donna Thomas
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1991
Basic quick-cutting techniques plus a number of techniques that are expansions
of the basics.
SASHIKO FOR MACHINE SEWING
by Janet K. Rostocki
Summa Design
These designs are cleverly constructed so that they can be continuously
sewn on the machine. Five classic designs are included and 8 new designs.
They could all be handsewn if you wanted to do that. Each is given in
two sizes.
SENSATIONAL SETTINGS
(Over 80 ways to arrange your quilt blocks) ($9.95)
by Joan Hanson
That Patchwork Place 1993
Good book offering a lot of ideas/suggestions for arranging quilt blocks.
SPEED CUTS
by Donna Poster
Chilton for the Creative Machine Arts Series.
In it there are 1200 quilt blocks (although I would say that there
are only 500 designs but each can be constructed in one of three
sizes 10" 12" and 14"). Also, there is a quilt layout section that
shows how many blocks you will need for each size quilt depending on
whether you are putting the blocks together on point, straight set,
with lattice or any combination of these.
Of course, also included is a yardage chart based on the templates to
be used. And the templates themselves are in the back, numbered.
Note: Blocks are all in black and white.
STRIPS THAT SIZZLE
by Margaret Miller
My first B&W quilt was made using this book. It is a book primarily meant for
working in color, but I thought the technique worked extraordinarily well for
black and white. I believe that almost any quilt pattern could be used if you
watch your placement as to shading.
SMALL TALK
by Donna Thomas
That Patchwork Place.
I am very impressed with the progressive directions (from easiest to more
difficult) they are easy to follow and the pictures were inspiring. I would
highly recommend it.
SETS & BORDERS
by Marston & Cunningham, AQS
I have had this book a long time. It has lots of good photos, border ideas and
charts for planning them. I have found it inspirational and helpful.
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Wonderful color photos of quilts with comments about their settings/borders.
Also, a good look at how different borders can change a quilt. Finally,
patterns and ideas for a variety of borders. Really stimulatd my thinking and
I'm looking forward to trying some of the ideas.
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This'un shows lots'n'lots of possible ways to set blocks, and also a goodly
number of border possibilities. There are several cases where the book shows
essentially the same blocks in more than one quilt, but the borders and/or
setting vary. It's one I use as an imagination trigger when I need to decide
on a border.
SENSATIONAL SCRAP QUILTS
by Darra Duffy Williamson
I like this book, particularly the section on selecting fabrics for scrap
quilts. I used her idea of making a reference card of all the colors in the
quilt (you take a small piece of each and organize them on a card in a
continuous line from light to dark, ignoring color) and it worked a treat on a
planned scrap quilt I made using about 40 pinks and greys.
QNM did a review and hated it, they said there was nothing new in it. I think
it is well laid out and gives you lots to think about.
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I learned a lot from this book. First, I discovered D.D. Williamsons theory of
the "Maverick" block in quilts using repeating blocks! That has helped me to
add more fun and excitement to my quilts. It also has a section on color use
and drafting patterns. I find I go back and read this book over and over.
Wonderful!
STAR QUILTS ($20)
by Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Clarkson Potter Publishers
Good collection of star quilts.
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I like this book. She is well organized and gives you some good photos and
directions. Haven't tried anything from it yet. (I got it from a closeout
catalog for under $10. It's a good deal at that price. Not sure if I'd pay
$20 for it though.)
TEXTILE DESIGNS ($65.00)
Susan Meller and Joost Elffers
AQS, Paducah, KY
This book is expensive but worth it if you are a fabric collector. This book
has some introductory discussion of the the production of types of textiles,
and then the rest is color plates of examples from a collection that has over
5,000,000 "fabrics of the common man" - not the fancy brocades, etc., but
paisleys, calicoes, leaves and foliage, conversationals, block prints, and on,
and on - the kind of stuff that many of us in our quilts.
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Most of its 461 pages are filled with excellent color pictures (1,823
illustrations in color) of fabrics we'd all like to have. Color reproduction is
good and the pictures are large so that you can see the pattern detail. My only
serious criticism of the book is that reproductions are not all full-size or
even to the same scale. Page layout seems to have dictated the scale of
reproduction, and on the same page there are illustrations at 50%, 68% and 70%
full size, on other pages 27%, 100%, 120% and 150%. I suppose we should
appreciate the indication of scale included for each sample.
Although the book is expensive, it is not overpriced for a large format
art book with full-color illustrations on good quality paper. It has a
sewn binding and is very sturdily put together.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL APPLIQUE & EMBROIDERY ($24.95)
by Anita Shackelford
A beautiful book!!
For those of you interested in these two subjects this is a
wonderful book. Good instructions, illustrations and patterns.
It is hard back, 151 glossy pages and 9-1/4 x 12-1/4 in size
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN ($18.95)
by Katie Pasquini
C&T Publishing, Lafayette, CA 1988
Detailed discussion of how to make objects appear three-dimensional.
Lots of her quilts (in color).
TENDER LOVING COVERS
by Toni Phillips and Juanita Simonich
This is a WONDERFUL book of children's quilts with great designs,
mostly pieced. They are crib/wall quilt size but there is no reason
they could not be incorporated into a large quilt, if you wish. One
quilt is called Wheels & More Wheels and has a tow truck, fire
engine, ambulance, and police car, so it is not strictly trucks. In
addition to this, there are the following: Astronaut, farm, cowboy,
circus, zoo, christmas, a school quilt.
TAKING THE MATH OUT OF MAKING PATCHWORK QUILTS ($6.95)
by Bonnie Leman & Judy Martin
Leman Publications 1981
Charts, tables, measurements, sizes, facts, figures, and helpful information
for planning quilts. A must for every quilter.
TWENTY LITTLE PATCHWORK QUILTS
by Gwen Marston and Joe Cunningham
Dover Publications, NY 1990
Miniatures quilts. Includes templates and quilting designs
TEMPLATES FOR 171 NINE-PATCH QUILT BLOCKS
by Rita Weiss
American School of Needlework 1989
Good book of 9-patch blocks in 10, 12 and 14 inch sizes
TIPS FOR QUILTERS
by Rachel Pellman
Good Books, Intercourse, PA 1993
A handbook of hints, shortcuts, and practical suggestions from experienced
quilters.
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This is a great book full of all sorts of useful ideas. BUT don't read
it at bedtime or you will quilt ALL night long and not get any sleep!!! I
recommend this book.
TWENTIETH CENTURY QUILTS 1900-1950
by Thos. K. Woodard & Blanche Greenstein
TIMELESS TREASURES, A Complete Guide to Rotary Cutting
by Nancy Johnson-Srebo
RCW Publishing
Nancy's instructions are clear and concise, and she shows readers how
to cut almost any shape, while using your rotary cutter and ruler. Also
included are instructions for specific 6", 8", and 10" blocks.
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I have found the info in this book really helpful. She goes through how to cut
a number of pieces: trapezoids, parallelograms, hexagrams, octograms, etc. The
nice thing about the book, too, is that she shows you how to do it for right
handed or left handed cutters. There is also a section in the book for those
who use metric measurements.
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I find [this book] indispensable. She gives clear instructions and
illustrations to cut any shape with the rotary cutter. Both right and left
handed illustrations are given. In the middle of the book there is a chart
for adding on seam allowances to any shape. It gives both the English and
Metric measurements. There are also good directions on pressing.
The last part of the book has color photos of blocks and complete directions
for them including cutting, sewing, and pressing. She includes which direction
to press the seams. (It was great help to me when I was beginning to make
blocks for the first time.) My only complaint was that there were a couple of
mistakes in the placement of the color photos to the directions. Some of them
didn't match but were found somewhere else in the book.
BTW, I took the book to a printer and had them put a spiral binding on it so
that it lays flat and stays open when I am using it.
ULTIMATE BOOK OF QUILT BLOCK PATTERNS, THE
by Judy Martin
Crosley-Griffith Publishing 1988
Excellent book, lots of of various sizes.
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This book is my most favorite, and most used, of all time.
WALL QUILTS
by Marsha McCloskey
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA
A step-by-step guide on how to make wall hangings that will add bold and
beautiful accents of folk art design to many areas throughout the home. It
contains complete instructions and full-size pattern pieces for creating ten
wall quilts based on traditional pieced designs, several of them with matching
patchwork pillows. Directed to both beginning and advanced quilters, it
includes detailed instructions on all special techniques involved, from
template making, machine-piecing, and hand-quilting to mounting and hanging.
WATERCOLOR QUILTS ($24.95)
by Pat Maixner Magaret & Donna Ingram Slusser
That Patchwork Place, Bothell, WA 1993
Great instructional book on making watercolor quilts.
WORKING IN MINIATURE ($15.95)
by Becky Schaefer
C&T Publishing, Layayette, CA 1987
A machine piecing approach to miniature quilts.
Good book.