I'm not a patchworker but I love this book! It makes me think that I could be one! The instructions are fantastic, so clear, with lots of pictures and diagrams, and tables to show you exactly how many blocks and how much fabric you need for each type of quilt. So, I decided to have a go at the Ripple quilt. A small one. I chose this one because it was all straight lines and no diagonals so I thought I'd have a chance of getting it right! It starts off with an insight into how to collect, prepare and store your strips, which would be really helpful for someone with a larger stash, and suggests steam ironing them before use to reduce the chance of shrinkage. The book then talks about each quilt design and gives some ideas for how to select fabrics to make them look effective. It also has some pages of general instructions, including some great pictures on how to bind a quilt using straight-grain binding. Each section of the book is a complete project. This makes it easy to concentrate and not get lost! It also tells you the size of your finished block, which in the Ripple Effect version is 12ins x 16ins. I knew I didn't need a full size quilt, so wondered whether I should just make a couple of blocks and turn them into cushions or bags ... Or whether to make a long thin one to go across the end of the bed ... which would also mean it would fit in the sewing machine! Decisions! I had an absolutely awesome fun time making this and I LOVE my new cushion! I even managed to put in a zip! For the full review and pictures of Jane's project go to: http://www.janecameron.co.uk/blog/search-press-book-review-strip-your-stash-dynamic-quilts-made-from-strips-gudrun-erla
Jane Cameron
Strip with precision. 12 designs in multiple sizes. Easy to follow, clear instructions. Styles to suit everyone. If you have a collection of strip rolls in your workroom, here is how to store, design and make strip quilts. Each project has at a glance materials, construction, fabulous photos and beautiful designs. I love Stash books, they know just what quilters want - colour, design and ease of use. It isn't often that I can say I like every design in a book - but this one is a classic keeper - I love them all. This is an inspired book that is well designed and perfect for stitching the quilt you'll love.
Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk