Reviews (43)

Just in Time
Suddenly remembered my wife's birthday coming up very soon and have great difficulty in buying her a present. Knew she was in to quilting so summoned Amazon's help for the first time. Decided on the book and it arrived safely with nearly a week to spare.
You CAN judge this book by its cover...
You CAN judge this book by its cover, because the title perfectly describes what's inside.I think this is a great general, but broad-scoped how-to reference, that would be useful to both new and experienced quilters.The visuals are excellent and the layout and organization pleases both the left and the right sides of my brain!I have a treasured library but if I could keep only one book it would be this one.

The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide
This book is THE BOOK. A MUST HAVE. I have read alot of reviews on quilting books and ended up in time purchasing five books in total. This is one of the last two I purchased. I wish I had known about this book first. It is the only one you need! Other books are good for additional block patterns and such but if you want something to realy help you this is the book. It even goes deep into the actual quilting. Most websites and books focus on the blocks, bindings and appliques. This book focuses on EVERYTHING with awesome pictures to help you understand everything. Just like the title reads it is the Ultimate Guide. BUY IT. You will not be sorry!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Encyclopedias    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Quilting    8. Quilts    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (20)

Wide variety of unique quilting ideas
I love this book!The patterns are simple, but the results are really fabulous.These are the types of things that you'd find a trendy Manhattan boutique.I made "Steve" the cat for my daughter for Christmas last year, and she's crazy about him.The scarves are elegant, and each one is a work of art, depending on the fabrics one chooses.And Denyse even includes a pattern for one of her signature quilts.This is a great book to show people that quilting doesn't have to be country-craftish.It can be extremely stylish and hip.

Pretty to look at, but disappointing if you want a book about quilts
After looking at Denyse Schmidt's website, I was very excited to purchase her book and start making unique quilts of my own!While her instructions in "Denyse Schmidt Quilts" are very clear, and there are numerous helpful hints, only 1/4 of the book addresses actual quilts. For those who are interested in oven mitts, quilted scarves, and small-scale projects, this is a delightful and pretty book to choose. However, for those (like myself) who are looking for a book dedicated to quilts (and not patchwork projects) you would be better served checking out other sources. I purchased the Modern Quilt Workshop in addition to Denyse Schmidt Quilts and would highly recommend it as an alternative

Great Book!
This book is great! The instructions are very clear, even for a beginning sewer like myself. I can't wait to try these patterns out!Great illustrations that go besides the instructions! A+++ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patchwork    5. Patterns    6. Quilt Making    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Reference    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    11. Patchwork & applique    12. Quiltmaking   

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Japan    7. Painting    8. Patterns    9. Quilt Making    10. Quilting    11. Techniques - Painting    12. Textile Arts - General    13. Textile crafts    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Applique    15. Patchwork & applique   

Reviews (3)

Great book for Free Form Embroidery
This is a great book for the beginner as well as the experienced free form embroidery hobbiest.The instructions are clear and the photos are inspiring. If you try just one of the simple designs, you will want to make another and another.

I am pleased !
Libby has shown me through her book of Threadplay, that quilting can be so much more than what quilting used to be. I love her choice of colors and patterns.I truely admire her work and would highly recomend this book.

One idea dragged into book form
There seems to be a disturbing trend in the sewing machine embroideryworld of taking a single idea and trying to turn it into a book. Thetechnique described, while attractive, could easily be covered in amagazine article or at most a chapter in a book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery, Machine    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine quilting    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Quilts    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Patchwork & applique    10. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (1)

Applique away!!!!!!!
The great thing about this book is that it illustrates every type of applique in simple, easy to understand, full color pictures.Even the "applique impaired" like myself will want to try all the different kinds of applique.The quilt patterns provided are beatiful, functional and modern.A must have guide for the novice or experienced quilter ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Arts And Crafts    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Quilting    8. Patchwork & applique   

Editorial Review

Putting a new spin on time-tested quilt methods, this book shows that today's tools and techniques--namely the rotary cutter and cutting mat, which greatly facilitate the strip-piecing approach--can ease the labor intensity of many traditional patterns, yet yield equally beautiful results. Trip Around the World, Sunshine and Shadow, Nine Patch, and more are dissected into logical, streamlined strip sets that still require precision but demand far less time and painstaking care than the old methods. Read more

Reviews (12)

Beautiful patterns
The book cover doesn't represent the quilts inside.It's too bad a person can't look inside this book or else it would sell more copies.I'm not fond of making half-square triangles but still want to make beautiful quilts.This book has all squares with dramatic effects.Absolutely beautiful designs.

The best quilting book I own
I am a novice quilter with minimal skills and a love of color.This book allows me to get the type of result I can see in my mind but don't really have the skill to put together on my own.I've made the Bloomin' Nine Patch, and seen three others, and all are striking.I'm now doing the Double Irish Chain, and have plans for two others from this book.I recommend it to other novices, as it is clear and specific, and the quilts are very impressive.

Creative quilting
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the patterns in this book.I love the Bloomin' Ninepatch.It is my favorite pattern in the book.The possibilities for today's quilter to experiment with fabric on this quilt are incredible.The directions are clear and precise.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Patchwork    6. Patchwork quilts    7. Patterns    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Rotary cutting    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (9)

Well written book but skimped on some sections
I bought this book primarily for its section on passementrie but found a wealth of information on beading, bobbin embroidery and braiding.I noticed though that one of the braid samples, the 3-strand with a chevron pattern did not have illustrated or written instructions, which was disappointing as the traditional 3-strand weave, that we know through girl's pig tails, was documented in the book.Another disappointment was that the passementrie section had no pictures. Granted, Ms. Conlon's goal was to allow the reader to create their own designs but an example for a finished piece would have been helpful.It is a technique that's very hard to find material on and I thought this book would have filled that gap to an extent.Rouleau faggotting was a surprise treat and seems easy to recreate.The overall quality of the book is what I'd expect from Taunton press and worth buying.I just wish there was more 'eye candy'.This book could have easily been 200+ pages without tiring the reader with its lovely examples and well written instructions.

Gorgeous clothes are but a needle and thread away...
and possibly some good trim and beads or pretty buttons.This book is very good, illustrating all techniques with very nice drawings, and showing potential projects for different clothes, also with drawings and some photographs.The book is very comprehensive, covering pretty much anything you would want to do with your clothing.Directions are extremely clear, and she includes material lists, tips, and important things to know (especially if you are a beginning sewer) in separate colored boxes within the text.I found this book quite useful, but I think it might overwhelm someone who didn't have at least a little experience with sewing.

Excellent reference
Exactly what I was looking for.Excellent reference although not really for first time sewers.Gives good detail with pictures.Would have liked to see more styles discussed but there is enough detail to use for any dress style.Definitely an asset to anyone making gowns.Construction detail is very specific.Lots of tips and guides to get that perfect fit. For evening/wedding gowns - a must have book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

As a highly skilled fiber artist raised and trained in Japan but residing in the United States for the past decade and a half, Kumiko Sudo brings an interesting combination of Eastern and Western sensibilities to her work. She draws on the ancient Japanese motif of the Read more

Reviews (5)

Perfection!
This book is full of beautiful ideas.Most of the projects are small so the "fear of applique" is tempered by the fact that you can make one crest, frame it with beautiful fabric borders and you have a terrific piece of art without having to commit to a huge applique project.But the journey is well worth it - everything I've made with Ms. Sudo's inspirational direction has turned out perfectly. I'm anxious to get started on more!

Circles Of The East
This is a great quilt book with wonderful pictures and great instructions..it arrived in plenty of time and in good shape

Wonderful!
I saw this book at a quilt store a couple months ago, and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with it.I'm not a big quilter (I also cross-stitch) but I like applique and now I'm doing a queen size one with fifteen of the patterns in this book!It's great! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Crests    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Patchwork    8. Patterns    9. Quilting    10. Quilts & Quilting    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    12. Japan    13. Patchwork & applique    14. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (8)

every aspect well covered
this is a fabulous resource. every step of machine appliqueing is thoroughly covered--needles, thread, sewing machine bobbin tension, stitches uesed, etc., etc.--nothing you need to produce wonderful applique is ignored. and some of the information will also make machine piecing easier.
Mastering Machine Applique by Harriet Hargrave
Excellent color pictures with lots of detailed instructions.
Mastering Machine Applique
One of the best instructional applique books I've every used.
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Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine applique    6. Machine appliquâe    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Patchwork & applique   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patchwork    5. Quilting    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    8. EDUCATION - Education TRD PB    9. Patchwork & applique    10. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful Applique at a Great Value!
This is a book that is jam packed with beautiful applique quilt patterns based on nativity themes. It includes instructions for a lovely tree skirt and other decorative quilt projects. I've seen patterns like these offered block of the month style at $7 to $12 per block ... Here you have many usable, detailed designs and configurations all for the price of one book. If you shy away from detailed applique, this book probably isn't for you. However, if you are a quilter looking for projects that focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and enjoy McKenna Ryan or Mount Redoubt style applique designs, you will enjoy making the projects in this book.

Nativity Designs & Journal Put the Spirit Back into Christmas
Rachel Brown's book, Adoration Quilts: Applique Nativity Projects, is much more than a how to book for Christmas quilts. While the illustrations and directions in this book clearly teach the reader how to construct attractive Christmas quilts, there is a story here. Ms. Brown takes you on a Biblical and personal journey with each quilt block. She puts the spiritual element back into Christmas by sharing her family traditions. After reading the role each block plays in telling the story of Jesus's birth, I felt better prepared to tell the story,creating my own nativity quilt.
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Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patterns    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Seasonal    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (21)

great book for beginning quilters
My daughter recommended this book and it's companion book "Quilts, Quilts and More Quilts."
Good, not perfect -- novice quilter review
I am a novice sewer and quilter who bought this book on the recommendation of a highly experienced sewer who used the book to learn to quilt.I know several novice sewers who have successfully learned to quilt from this book.Techniques that save time and effort are scattered throughout, and I found most to be easily understood.However, I have found some of the directions on piecing to be difficult to follow even for fairly simple quilts.Though I am generally able to follow directions in most books I found that I was unable to comprehend some instructions even after reading them several times.People more adept at space relations might have fewer problems than I experienced.
Great First Book
This was my first quilting book and the sampler quilt I made while taking the begining quilt work shop is still my favorite quilt. Everything you need to know is in this book and easy to understand. The quilts they have the directions for are in many sizes which is very nice. If you only purchase one book this should be the one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilting    9. Quilts    10. Quilts & Quilting    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    12. Patchwork & applique    13. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (3)

Great applique
Contains great instructions and patterns for modern applique.I love the printed patterns in the back of the book which eliminates trying to enlarge them for use as in some publications.Good book all around and I highly recommend it.

How to become a hand applique expert
Three lovely new titles provide quilters and embroiders with new project ideas. Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins' NEW APPLIQUE SAMPLER: LEARN TO APPLIQUE THE PIECE O'CAKE WAY tells how to become a hand applique expert, whether you're right-handed or left- handed. Beginners and those with some applique background will find the instructions easy - and packed with secrets of how to combine pieces, applique effectively, and choose designs.

Excellent Teaching Book
This book contains very good instructions and lots of clear pictures showing their method of applique. They cover techniques for different shapes (points, curves, etc) and styles (reverse applique, off-block methods, ect.) Easy reading as a text book- I read it cover to cover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patterns    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Patchwork & applique   

Reviews (13)

This book is beautiful
This book has a great variety of beadwork techniques that resembles a museum in a book. I can read it over and over and always feel inspired. I love this book.

500 Beaded Objects
Great book, wonderful way to spark creative juices.Amazing pieces, such fun to look through.Reccommend this for anyone who is even thinking about beading beyond stringing.Purchased this as a gift for many of my beading buddies, and my daughter and daughter-in-law.

BEST BOOK outthere for BEADING!!
The book came in excellent condition, as it should have, it was bought brand new.The contents seem to me to be excellent.I am not the one to whom the book is for, it is a BD gift for my daughter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Beads    3. Beads & Beading    4. Beadwork    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General    9. Decorative arts & crafts    10. FICTION - FICTION TRD HC    11. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

A real treasure trove of ideas
Have done raw edge applique for many years, but this book is just filled with great tips, ideas, and wonderfully creative projects.It is absolutely greeat ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Machine appliquâe    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilts & Quilting   

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (7)

lyrical, elegant and inspiring..

Fabulous Flowers
Another excellent book from Kumiko. Clear, precise directions and diagrams. The coloured pictures are worth buying the book for.

Best of Kumiko Sudo's books!
In this book, Kumiko has included the most fantastic flowers for applique based on origami, unique designs, and sushiko quilting designs.There is enough variety for even beginners, and several designs that are advanced or intermediate too.Her fabric choices are very artistic.With each design, Kumiko also includes her inspiration for the piece in the form of poetry or a story.This helps one to really feel a part of the design.There is room for much creativity.One can make a single square or a small quilt, or even full size if desired. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Flowers in art    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Patterns    8. Quilt Making    9. Quilting    10. Quilts & Quilting    11. Sashiko    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    13. Patchwork & applique    14. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (5)

I like it!
Wonderful combination of applique and embroidery. Emboriderystiches are simple, and the applique patterns range from simple to a little more complex ( but managable ). No boredom here!

Applique Masterpiece: Affairs of the Heart
Ms Rossmann's exploration of many possibilities using a heart motif results in an array of very interesting designs, and her use of color is fascinating. However, these are unlikely patterns for a novice, since the instructions for transferring the designs and the methods she gives are archaic. A person skilled in applique can do much with the patterns. A good basic book on hand applique is recommended for others.

Affairs of the Heart
Fabulous use of heart themes in applique, to which I am drawn. Unique uses of the patterns and great color use. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Heart in art    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patchwork    9. Patterns    10. Quilting    11. Quilts & Quilting   

Editorial Review

Trapunto, the technique used to produce raised quilting designs, is traditionally a time-consuming, labor-intensive task. Tiny holes must be made in the back of the quilt, stuffing added, then the holes stitched closed. But this handsome book demonstrates a different method that produces the same beautiful results with much less work. (One of the secrets to this approach is water-soluble basting thread.) In six easy lessons, we learn stipple quilting, machine trapunto, backtracking over stitches, shading with stitches, two-layer trapunto, and shadow trapunto. All of this is prefaced by a section on tools, accessories, choosing batting, and the basics of free-motion stitching. There are plenty of tips and helpful hints scattered throughout, and many lovely full-size trapunto patterns interspersed with color photos of finished quilts utilizing these patterns. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fabulous book
I have this book and Hari Walner's other book (Exploring Machine Trapunto: New Dimensions) and both are wonderful.Beautiful illustrations and detailed instructions.And the quilt I made is fantastic, going to make another one soon!I highly recommend either book.

wonderful ideas
I just received this book and can't wait to try some of the ideas presented. The book covers everything from simple (heart-shaped) designs to shadow trapunto to more complex quilting designs.The projects are verywell presented. Each chapter builds on the techniques presented in theone before.The book is very well organized and contains beautiful colorphotographs of finished quilts that are sure to inspire you.I wouldhighly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try machine trapunto. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine quilting    6. Patterns    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Trapunto    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (1)

Outstanding historical documentation of quilts in Tennessee-
If you are from Tennessee, or even if you just love quilts and folk art, you will enjoy this book for the information and fabulous pictures of the rich heritage of quilting. This project contains not only pictures, but information about particular quilters and their lives.A fine mix of utility quilts and extraordinary quilt designs are included in this book.The collection comes from a survey of 1,425 quilts documented from various counties of Tennessee. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilts & Quilting    5. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    6. American history: from c 1900 -    7. Patchwork & applique    8. Quiltmaking    9. USA