Boost your quilting skills with this innovative book and see how some of today's top designers work. Learn seven new techniques and use the enclosed patterns to make sixteen beautiful modern quilts. There is a lot in here and it is all rather entertaining to read, a bit like a magazine in places. As well as the projects we get in insight into the way twelve designers work and how they put their ideas together, a change from having a book with one author. Each project introduces a designer with a short bio, a few pictures of their work and step-by-step instructions on how to make the item. Make quilts while learning how to do raw edge, turned edge, reverse, bias tape, free form as well as the basic type of applique, all of which are described in staged photographs. Learning new techniques is easiest when you are making an actual item and the chatty style of the instructions makes it seem fun and more accessible. All the pieces in here are modern; colorful innovative quilts that have a true designer look to them and are sure to appeal to people who think traditional quilts look rather... traditional. Not that this is all edgy; expect lush florals and plenty of nature-inspired pieces such as the squirrel block and lovely broderie perse floral ring. Even non-quilters can find ideas that have all sorts of other applications, and I enjoyed the freer way of working than many more conventional quilting books. A book to make you think outside the box.
Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com
May 2016 Casey York is well knwon for her modern applique designs; her first book was published in 2014 and showed an exciting new approach to applique. This, her second book, is a compilation of 16 patterns by designers, and is full of instructions and tips to mkake applique easy. It covers a number of techniques including needle-turn, fusible and reverse applique, so is good for reference. I do like a book that comes with a full size pattern sheet, something which is especially true with applique patterns. The aspect of the book I most enjoyed was the interviews with designers such as Vanessa Christenson and Betz White. That are interspersed throughout the book. This turned it into not only a project book, but something inspirational I could read on the train or on my lunch break. My favourite project is the quilt; Belle the Squirrel , Circa 1975 by Jennifer Dick. The design is based on a block from 1938, and also then inspired by a 1970s quilt. The description uses the term 'modern traditionalism' and this sumks up what attracted me to this book. Although the designs are forward looking, they use tried and tested techniques firmly rooted in the past. The best of both worlds.
Popular Patchwork
A book of applique designs featuring bold modern patterns on wall hangings, runners, cushions etc. There are five sections each devoted to one technique, raw edged; needle turn; reverse; bias tape applique. 'Shards' has free cut radiating long thing triangles on a white background. A bias tape quilt 'Paper Chains' has large loops falling down. Each section has contributions from different quilters plus some projects to make. All the quilters explain their methods well and some discuss their quilting designs.
British Patchwork and Quilting