The Complete Book of Machine Quilting (Contemporary Quilting)
by Robbie Fanning, Tony Fanning
review by L.
This is an extremely useful book for people just starting out with machine quilting. It contains all of the basic information for quilting as well as information relevant to certain specific fabrics, such as knits, nylon, napped fabrics, leather, etc. Novelty threads, novelty battings, innovative techniques. In addition, eleven projects for quick gifts are given, and some exercises in designing both quilts and fabrics. There's a good section on problem solving and tips. Another novelty in this book is its bibliography and index. An excellent purchase.
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  The Weekend Quilt
by Leslie Linsley
review by L.
Wonder of wonders, you can make a quilt in a weekend! (If you push yourself just a little). The quilts in this book are relatively simple, traditional patterns. The methods which are used are pre-rotary cutting, but are adaptable to that technique. Speed piecing methods are used and instructions are very clear. There are color illustrations of the finished quilts.
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  A Communion of the Spirits : African-American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories
by Roland L. Freeman
review by L.
This is a book to read. Contains fascinating stories of the quilters themselves, and wonderful photographs in full color of both the quilts and the quilters. For people interested in the story behind the quilts, the history of the average (in this case African-American) woman, this book is a treasure.
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  Dear Helen, Can You Tell Me?...All About Quilting Designs
by Helen Squire
review by L.
This oversize book is bound in spiral format to make it particularly easy to use. It is printed on lightweight card stock, and includes designs in multiple sizes which makes these designs quite adaptable. Since the book is oversize, it permits truly large designs - such as will fit an 18 inch block. Tidbits of information about quilting appear throughout the book. Patterns in the book are feathers, cables, curve designs, designs for borders, designs for blocks, and grids.
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Click here for more Ask Helen books

Nelly: I am the bookshop dog. My hobbies are gardening (two-legs call it digging up the lawn), eating the two-legs' food, walking, and finding exquisite scents. My favourite author is Jack London. I sound the alarm whenever any two-legs try to deliver books, guard Sandy when she takes books to the post office, and look erudite and cultured to make up for the scruffy appearance of the other creatures involved in this bookshop. I can't understand the two-leg fascination with electronic mail - now when they bring out olfactory mail...

  Take Away Applique
by Suzanne Marshall
review by L.
Suzanne Marshall has a sense of humor. This book is unusual among quilting books in that it is predominantly an idea book, rather than solely a pattern book. For example, the cover of the book is a quilt of medallions using various insects. The book includes ideas for storybook type of quilts, quilts featuring animals (with many good animal patterns), etc. The mastectomy quilt, which she discusses in some detail, might be of particular interest to women.
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  Miniature Baltimore Album Quilts
by Jenifer Buechel
review by L.
This book uses a small amount of applique, but is largely a silk ribbon embroidery book. Silk ribbon embroidery instructions are clear, and the block designs are gorgeous. The pictured quilt looks like a very elaborate version of the original Baltimore Album design.
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  Smoothstitch Quilts : Easy Machine Applique
by Roxi Eppler
review by L.
Lavishly illustrated color which includes full-size patterns and good instructions. The "Texas Tulips" quilt appeals to my upbringing. The Ohio Rose is lovely. Wonderful appliqued hearts quilt, Drunkard's Path variations, and others.
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  Wrapped in fabriqube (TM) : the new magic of fabric embellishment, machine embroidery, and applique
by Glenda D. Sparling
review by L.
A how-to book of embellishment, using many techniques, including puckered applique, scrunching, pin tucking, concertina tucking, several kinds of couching, cable stitching, dribbling, making spiral tubes, etc. For people who want to make designer clothing, this is a wonderful resource book. Has a large color section, showing examples of the various techniques made into garments. The technique instructions are clear and easy to follow.
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  Machine Quilting With Decorative Threads
by Elizabeth Hendricks, Maurine Noble
review by Jenny
A well-written resource to help you control your machine stitching techniques, so that you can produce gorgeous quilts that rely heavily on the stitches as an integral part of the art of the piece. A quilt should have stitches that enhance its beauty!
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  Take Away Applique
by Suzanne Marshall
review by L.
Suzanne Marshall has a sense of humor. This book is unusual among quilting books in that it is predominantly an idea book, rather than solely a pattern book. For example, the cover of the book is a quilt of medallions using various insects. The book includes ideas for storybook type of quilts, quilts featuring animals (with many good animal patterns), etc. The mastectomy quilt, which she discusses in some detail, might be of particular interest to women.
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  Conway Album Quilts
by Irma Gail Hatcher
This is the book you wanted Mom :) What's it about again?
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Once upon a Quilt : Fairy Tales in Fabric
by Bonnie Kaster, Virginia Athey
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Jacobean Applique : Exotica, Book I
by Patricia B. Campbell, Mimi Ayars
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Jacobean Applique : Book 2 - 'Romantica'
by Patricia B. Campbell, Mimi Ayars
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