Book Review: Modern Quilt Bible

Modern Quilt Bible by Elizabeth Betts, is another new book that has been added to the Mahone Bay Quilters Guild library. It has lots of colourful photos of quilts and illustrations for piecing them. The book is divided into two sections. The first one focuses on ten design concepts and ideas for modern quilting: (or any quilting)

1. Colour
2. Fabric
3. Compositional Elements
4. Grids
5. Negative Space
6. Symmetry and Asymmetry
7. Optical Effects
8. Playing With Shapes
9. Modern Traditionalism
10. Making Your Way

Each one of these also includes a project to make.

The second section features techniques and step-by-step illustrations that are used to make the quilts. For example: various ways to piece together blocks (paper piecing, curved piecing), applique and then finishing of the quilt.

This book is an excellent resource for those of you who are interested in making modern quilted projects. If you are a beginner or have been quilting for a long time, it is worth a look!!

• Modern Quilts   
• Modern Quilts on Pinterest HERE     
• FaveQuilts  28 Modern Quilt Patterns and Ideas 
• Modern Quilt Patterns  (some great ideas)  

Enjoy!!

Book Review: Modern Memory Quilts

Suzanne Paquette is a modern quilter, designer, and creative director. Her book, Modern Memory Quilts, 'a handbook for capturing meaningful moments' in someone's life, contains 12 projects accompanied by stories that inspired them. These quilt projects have all the information and directions you will need to make and finish the quilt. 

I find it quite helpful to go to one of the on-line book sellers and have a virtual look inside the book I'm interested in purchasing. Usually the table of contents will give you a good idea if the book is what you are looking for.

If you would like to incorporate some special clothing into a modern memory quilt, this book, with its colourful photographs, will assist you in doing this. 

As she writes: 'Creating quilts made with fabric that is woven with memories and emotion is meaningful and rewarding work'. 

• Memory Quilts     
• How to Make a Memory Quilt   
• Using T-Shirts   
• Memory Quilts from Clothing  
• Tips for Making Memory Quilts 

Enjoy!!

Squash Squad: Sue Spargo's Stitch Along on Instagram

Yesterday was the first day of Squash Squad, another of Sue Spargo's Stitch Alongs on Instagram. This is my progress so far. The metallic braid, by Kreinik, is couched on the squash with Valandi #8 perle cotton, colour 18. The chain stitch on the stem is Valandi O154.

Hopefully, I'll get the vine and leaf stitched tomorrow as well as playing catch-up!

• Free Projects for Fall
• Autumn Stitching     
• Fall Sewing Projects on Pinterest    
• Autumn Embroidery with Mary Corbet    
• Embroidery leaves on Pinterest (lots of inspiration for stitching)

Enjoy!!

 

 

 

Book Review: Cuppa by Sue Spargo

Today's new guild library book is Cuppa, by Sue Spargo. This quilt pattern book has detailed instructions and full-sized applique / embroidery designs for stitching and embellishing the quilt shown on the front cover (see below). The finished quilt is 38 inches square. Techniques for making this quilt, include wool applique, layering and hand embroidery. However, I can see using some of the cups and mugs in a mini wall hanging and on a tote or book cover. A bonus pattern is included to make a zippered embroidered applique project bag for holding threads, notions, and project blocks. (Also shown below).

Today, Sue Spargo launched a new on-line, free project to stitch, called Squash Squad.  To view the first block check HERE.  

Enjoy!

Book Review: Free-Motion Quilting 101

I'm back with another book review from the NEW books that have been added to the Mahone Bay Quilters Guild Library. This particular one, Free-Motion Quilting 101, Techniques & Patterns for Beginners by Ashley Nickels, is the ideal book for the beginner quilter and is a good resource for those who teach free-motion quilting.

To become comfortable with free-motion quilting, it needs to be practised frequently. In other words, set aside time to 'play' with your sewing machine, threads and fabric. This is where this book comes into 'PLAY"!! If you are new to free-motion stitching, this one can help guide you along in the quest to quilt your own project pieces.

Inside the book, you will find:

• workbook- style practise sheets which contains 15 foundational designs. For example: wonky hexagons, waves, whale tails. . .
  
• a project session containing 3 simple projects and 1 larger project that is a culmination of the techniques learned in the book
• and detailed information for finishing a quilt

I used this book as a reference when I taught a class of free-motion quilting techniques at my guild earlier this year.

Look inside the book HERE  

Please note: I have no affiliation with promoting or selling this book.  

There are lots of You Tube Videos HERE. 

Enjoy!

Quilt Book Review - Mahone Bay Quilt Guild

This is my second year as librarian for the Mahone Bay Quilt Guild, Nova Scotia. Part of my job is to purchase new books for our library. Of course, members give me recommendations on what to get! Last evening, the guild met virtually via Zoom and I did have a chance to show the books.  However, since we aren't meeting in person yet, I decided to start writing about them here.

I'll start with this one. 

If you have any hesitation about straight-line quilting, this book is for you! I'm not associated with the selling or promotion of this book, but I can definitely see it's value to any quilter. Natalia Bonner, expert quilter and author, has over 'sixty new linear patterns for triangle blocks, square blocks, borders, and allover designs.' You will learn to quilt on your domestic or long-arm machine, with only straight lines, using your walking foot or doing free-motion quilting with rulers. How great is that!!

The book has lots of step-by-step photos that any level of quilter can follow. If you wish to see inside the book, check out any of the popular on-line books sellers.  

Natalia also has a BLOG that is worth a look.

Enjoy!