Quilts & Quilting Books

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques

Cate Coulacos Prato

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

More than self-portraits 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I could not wait for this book to come out. I am always looking for new sources of inspiration. This book is a keeper! The book has a nice selection of artists with different perspectives. There are different self-portraits using different media. Cate Prato has done an excellent job with this book! It is not often that I find an art book that I keep going back to as a reference and for inspiration in what I am currently working on.

It can be a difficult thing to look at yourself in the mirror and turn that into a piece of art. This book gives you a great jump-start on the process.

The book starts out with a bit of history behind self-portraits. Don't skip this part. It was very interesting to me to read about other artists' self portraits. There is a little section on getting yourself out there and on blogging. I am a huge blogger myself. Love to keep one and love to read other artists' blogs.

Some of the artists do not do just one self-portrait. Some do several different ones and some do variations on the same picture. There are all sorts of tips in the book to help you - such as digital imaging. I enjoyed reading the thoughts behind each self-portrait. Some of the reading was very personal. You could see it in the very revealing self-portraits.

As I said before, there are a lot of tips and techniques to help you get started on your own self-portrait. There is even a short quiz to help you think about yourself. There are some detailed exercises to help and inspire you. The techniques are easy to follow.

You do not have to be able to draw to make use of this book. I am a mixed media artist that cannot draw diddly. I used a headshot I had, altered it on the computer, and used that to create several different self-portraits of myself.

I really liked how different materials are used in the self-portraits. The pictures are very large and are in color. I love to work with fabric. I really loved seeing how I could incorporate fabric into a self-portrait quiltie or art doll. I will have to see how I can create my own copper self-portraits.

I loved the details and colors of Kelli Perkin's journal dolls. It was a very original idea that I am going to have to try. Kelli's section on how to draw your own self-portrait looks very fun. I am going to try that and see if my self-portrait comes out as well as hers does.

I recently bought Kelly Rae's book. Her part in this book was an added bonus. She does a wonderful job of layering, making use of textures, and blending colors. Debbi Crane's masks really spoke to me. I thought about the different masks we all wear every day. I do a lot of assemblage and thought it was great that there was an assemblage section to the book. Self-portraits can make use of found objects and be 3D!

Editorial Review:

Featuring artwork from a wide range of contributors, this resource explores creative self-portraits through fun and easy exercises and essays that instruct and inspire artists working in all media. Examples of collage, fiber arts, and mixed-media artwork offer visual inspiration while essays throughout the book act as a guide to personal and artistic self-discovery. Step-by-step techniques and creative prompts are used to direct artists through different approaches to creating self-portraits while exercises utilizing collage, drawing, photography, and stitching will jump-start the creative process and get ideas flowing on paper and fabric, encouraging artists to express themselves in new ways.

Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts

Ranae Merrill

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Holy Cow Girlfriend! That's one fantabulous book! 5 out of 5 stars.
36 of 37 people found this review helpful.

I received my copy in the mail yesterday. I put it down just long enough to sleep and go to work. My head is still spinning! Rarely do craft books come packed with so much information. I know, because I have lots and lots of them. Rarely are they so detailed and clear. This is not merely a "make this project" kind of book. This is a "here is a new concept and how to use it" book. I love those kind of books!

The book shows you how to make curves using only straight lines. Spirals swirl in, out and around, point to point, and nest inside one another. The quilts in the gazillion and one photos are original works by RaNae and the group of Spiromaniacs who worked alongside her, tested her theories, and put her techniques into practice. All there for you to drool over, then jump up and run to your sewing machine!

The quilts (66 of them!) and their designers/creators truly are Simply Amazing. No pun, no exaggeration. The quilts are individual, inspiring, challenging, and just plain ole' gorgeous. [...]

The book is divided into four sections: Meet the Spirals (20 pgs), Designing with Spirals (52 pgs), Sewing Spirals (26 pgs), and Projects (22 pgs). Each section is lavishly illustrated, making the exciting concepts easier to understand and sink your teeth into. RaNae hands you concepts and tools, then sets you free to express your creative instincts in a totally unexpected and new direction.

There are numerous side-bars of "extra" information that magically answer the question you're just about to ask. The page layout and format is eye-friendly, and sucks you into reading all the juicy bits. My only complaint is that I wanted to read everything all at the same time! My favorite line from a troubleshooting section on p 102 is "Solution: First, scream! Next, take a deep breath." and then calmly walks you through fixing the problem.

Many of the quilts have a very contemporary feel. I personally love very traditional quilts. RaNae has managed to design several that fill my love for traditional and at the same time put me squarely in the 21st century! Some are vibrantly alive with color, a few are calming and comforting. I can't even start to point out my favorites, because I might miss one, there's so many!

To describe this book in just a few words: exciting, innovative, breath-taking, creative, mind-expanding! A must have for the quilter who loves to design and wants to take his or her work to the next level.

Editorial Review:

Learn to create six foundation-pieced spiral-based quilts--with no math! This one-of-a-kind technique for spiral quilt design allows you to create fascinating and beautiful art quilts. The bonus CD includes the basic shapes for the spiral patterns and the pattern insert helps you set up the perimeter shape, or draw free-hand irregular shapes without a template.

Choose your technique from any of three methods:

• By hand, completely freehand, using only a straight
• By hand, precisely, using a ruler to measure increments in each spoke
• On the computer -- Electric Quilt works great for all types of spirals

No matter the technique, the results will be simply amazing!

Jelly Roll Quilts

Pam Lintott, Nicky Lintott

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: David & Charles Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $14.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A great go-to book! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I recently was going on a weekend quilting retreat, and hadn't gotten my project cut out that I wanted to work on. So I grabbed this book and two of my unopened Jelly Rolls, and I was set! I got the blocks for two tops together, and one set of blocks set together and ready for borders. This book really makes good use of the 40-strip Jelly Roll -- all but two quilts will use the whole Jelly Roll, and some may require the addition of a background fabric or borders. Many of these are traditional designs, or variations on traditional designs, but the authors have done all the arithmetic to know how many blocks you can get, and what size quilt you can make, from one Jelly Roll's worth of strips. They also tell you how to figure out how to make a larger quilt, if you'd like to do that. These designs would also easily translate to strips that you cut from your stash, or to scrap strips, if you're like me and have a collection of those as well. I've been quilting for about 20 years, but I still really enjoy projects that go together quickly and simply, but don't look like they're "quick and easy" quilts. The patterns in this book give me that. I'll definitely be making more of the quilts in this book, whether with Jelly Rolls or with strips I cut myself. Enjoy!

Editorial Review:

Jelly rolls are the new fat quarter bundle! They consist of 2 ½ inch strips of color-coordinated fabric, rolled up to create a solid disk and tied with a ribbon. Jelly Roll Quilts is the first book to show quilters the best ways to use these desirable, laborsaving fabric packs. The author shows how to make 15 quilts; each perfectly suited to the color-coordinated jelly rolls and includes variations in color, style and size for each project. Jelly roll quilts are suitable for quilters of all skill levels, especially those quilters with a passion for a variety of fabrics. With names like Bars of Gold and Blue Lagoon, the quilts demonstrated in Jelly Roll Quilts are on the cutting edge of the craft.

Kaffe Fassett's Country Garden Quilts: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting

Kaffe Fassett

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $15.09

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Gorgeous! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've just developed a taste for Kaffe's fabrics. This book is just the perfect way to focus them. The designs are one step up from simple as only a true artist can do. The simplicity of the designs let the fabrics sing. This is a great book for quilters and fabric lovers!

Kaffe does it again! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The newest in the Kaffe Fassett book line is a new standard of color, vibrancy, and pure delight. When the phrase eye candy came into vogue, it must have been first said about the wonderful colorful interpretations Kaffe gives to the old art form of quilting, making it fresh and new. I found that having new contributors to the book makes it even more approachable. I can do it, too!! With his deceptively simple patterns, and somewhat crazy color and print variations, everything is possible.

Editorial Review:

Kaffe Fassett presents 20 magnificent quilts bursting with floral themes and his trademark color combinations -- all luxuriously photographed against the stunning backdrop of lush English country gardens. Based on Fassett's signature line of Rowan fabrics, the pieces have been designed by some of the world's finest quilters, including Liza Prior-Lucy, Pauline Smith, and Robert Horton. And the gorgeous photography is just the start: Complete instructions for creating each museum-quality quilt are also included. Plus, Fassett draws from his 30 years of experience to offer tips and techniques that every quilter will treasure. This new collection from a master will be eagerly embraced by his fans worldwide.

Design Explorations for the Creative Quilter: Easy-to-Follow Lessons for Dynamic Art Quilts

Katie Masopust

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Editorial Review:

Always wanted to design a quilt of your very own…but didn’t know where to start? Let this book show you how! Ten innovative approaches to designing art quilts make it easy for any quilter, beginning to advanced, to free the artist within. These “game plans” help quilters create a design, then turn that design into a pattern, then complete the quilt. World-renowned artist and teacher Katie Pasquini Masopust offers inspiration and practical guidance in Design Explorations for the Creative Quilter.

The Quilting Arts Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating One-of-a-Kind Quilts

Patricia Bolton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Beautiful eye candy, but nothing new 3 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I am huge fan and subscriber of Quilting Arts Magazine. I have every issue and re-read them many times which is why I pre-ordered this book when it was announced. After reviewing it last night, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed because the articles and the techniques are the same ones that can be found in the magazine. This book is actually a compilation of all of their best articles and techniques over the past years. I would highly recommend this book if you have not been a subscriber to the magazine.

Editorial Review:

Beginners and seasoned crafters alike will find inspiration and instruction in this definitive quilting resource that combines foundational techniques for quilting and fiber art with tips and tricks for creating one-of-a-kind works of art. Showcased here are some of the most popular topics, articles, and artists from past issues of Quilting Arts magazine, as well as new and fresh methods from today's most respected contemporary quilt artists. Hands-on workshops introduce crafters to each facet of the art-quilt trade—from creating abstract, pictorial, and landscape quilts to in-depth techniques on surface design and stitching applications. Each chapter showcases various art-quilting concepts and ends with quick creative exercises and tips guaranteed to get both quilters and mixed-media artists creating with cloth right away.

Masters: Art Quilts: Major Works by Leading Artists (The Masters)

Martha Sielman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

It's A Master of A Book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book is one of the best I have seen on contemporary quilt making. Martha Sielman chose the creme de la creme of the quilting world to include in the book- an arduous and difficult task I think! This is a book that you will look at again & again and always find something new. Fabulous! Well done! A must have for any contemporary quilter's library. Also, I think, a "must have" for libraries....come to think of it !

Editorial Review:

These art quilts showcase such versatility, innovation, and beauty that readers can’t help but be truly inspired. The gifted artists come from across the globe—including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America—and their work displays their varying sensibilities, backgrounds, and talents.
Abstract appliquéd shapes cascade across the surface of Ita Ziv’s brilliantly colored quilts, creating vibrant celebrations of life. Noriko Endo captures her deep feeling for trees in a stunning interplay of light, shadow, and leaves. Gloves appear in nearly every quilt by Jane Burch Cochran, representing probing hands and, sometimes, angel wings. John Lefelhocz’s fantastic imagery—including an airplane silhouette that lights up—grabs viewers’ attention.
Esteemed curator Martha Sielman contributes an illuminating essay for each of the 40 featured artists, who are showcased in eight-page features.
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Machine Quilting Made Easy

Maurine Noble

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Recommended to machine quilting class 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I teach a machine quilting class and while there are superb books out there to learn machine quilting, the cost and content are excellent for someone learning the basics. I highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking about trying machine quilting. It has exercises to practice that start building confidence in skills.

Great workbook for quick learning and reference along the way. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I needed help with quilting designs; this workbook helps newbies like me and will be a great reference later. I have followed every practice and have my small practice quilts to look back to as I choose designs for particular quilt tops. It's also helped me get to know my new machine. Excellent all around.

Great Beginner's Machine Quilting Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I learned, on my own, how to quilt from this one book. It is well worth the investment.
TWyles

Everything I need to know is here 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I'm pretty new to quilting and I would not have been able to finish the quilt tops I've made without this book. I've gone from simple quilting in the ditch to free motion quilting by referring to this book alone. It picks right up where books that just give patterns for quilt tops leave off. You will learn how to layer your quilt, baste it, quilt it and finally bind it, all from this book. There are quite a few photos of completed quilts that will help give you ideas on how to quilt your quilt also. The instructions are super simple yet the results are beautiful.

Editorial Review:

Anyone can learn to machine quilt! Lessons in quilting with a walking foot, freehand quilting with a darning foot, and quilting with decorative threads are included.

The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide: From A to Z-- Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Rodale Books Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $11.79

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 59 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Step by Step Visual Instructions 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Great book for the beginner as well as the expert. It shows detailed information with photos so you get an accurate picture of how to do it. Make those precious gift items that will be treasured for years to come. I ordered the book and gave it away. After my friend showed me what she made I had to go out and get one of my own. It gives such detailed photos that it makes the craft easy and fun. I have made numerous things now and given so many as gifts. I have save so much money by making these things myself and in the long run they mean so much more to the people I give them to. They have told me they will keep them in the family for years to come. If you think you don't have the talent -- don't worry. I thought that too about myself. But, with the easy to follow directions the only talent you need is knowing how to read. Plus, you will enjoy every second and get a real sense of accomplishment with the finished product. Great gift item for that stay-at-home loved one who can't get out. Even for the busy person who thinks they don't have time because this book makes the steps simple to follow. Well worth the money.

Editorial Review:

Everything you ever wanted to know about quilting!You've hit the jackpot with this quilter's ultimate answer book. From A to Z you'll find combined wisdom from a star-studded cast of 60 expert quilters. Lavishly illustrated, this fun "look-and-learn" reference book covers every aspect of quiltmaking:* Basic quiltmaking techniques* Hard-to-find information on specialized techniques* Reviews of tolls and supplies* Basic quilt types explained and illustrated* Definitions of terms every quiltmaker should know* Creativity and inspiration

Foolproof Machine Quilting

Mary Mashuta

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Absolutely Wonderful 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I took both of Mary's classes that correspond to this book. It is an incredible way of machine quilting. Mary is wonderful, the book the wonderful, the system is wonderful. Even if you have not taken the class, the book contains beautiful, vibrant colors of examples and Mary's directions are very easy to understand. They covers it all. Can't recommend this book enough. 5 stars without question!

A must for beginner quilters 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought the book because I was taking a class from the author. It's has easy-to-understand steps for the beginning quilter to get started machine quilting.

Editorial Review:

Intimidated by free-motion machine quilting? Forget it. Who needs it? No one, not with Foolproof Machine Quilting, the book that gives step-by-step directions on using your machine’s walking foot and heavier-weight threads from the top (not the bobbin) to create dimensional effects without sewing from the back side of the quilt. Paper-cutting techniques, tricks for choosing needles, threads, and batting, tips on using preprogrammed decorative stitches, and much more make Foolproof Machine Quilting truly foolproof…and truly full of innovative ideas.