Sunday, September 27, 2009

Quilting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time by Katherine Bell, Thayer Allyson Gowdy (Photographer)

Published 2009

As crafters of all ages take to their sewing machines in unprecedented numbers, many of them join a movement to distribute hope and warmth to those in need through quilting. These are volunteers who have inherited a tradition of comfort and protest, and a belief that they can make the world a better place one stitich at a time. Quilting for Peace, the follow-up to STC’s Knitting for Peace, profiles these quilters in more than 25 essays about individuals and organizations devoted to making quilts and other necessities for the needy. The efforts range from Newborns in Need, a group that makes clothing for premature babies at nearby hospitals; to Quilts of Valor, which makes quilts to honor wounded soldiers; to the Sleeping Bag Project, which distributes 100,000 homemade sleeping bags to the homeless every year. This timely book also includes 15 projects and guidelines for quilters who want to contribute to an existing effort or establish a new one.

Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting by Kaffe Fassett

Published 2009

Taking a journey back in time, Kaffe Fassett presents 20 glorious new quilts that feature all the romance of a time gone by. The eleventh in the series of best-selling quilt-pattern collections, Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance is a study in pastels and tradition set against the dramatic Italianate architecture of a tiny Welsh village. 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, Robert Horton, and introducing Kim McClean, an Australian quilt designer and teacher. The stunning photos by Debbie Patterson are just the start: complete instructions for creating each museum-quality quilt are included along with tips and techniques that Fassett has gathered in his more than 30 years of experience. Every quilter will treasure this next book in the series from an international favorite.

Quilting Art: Inspiration, Ideas & Innovative Works from 20 Contemporary Quilters by Spike Gillespie

Published 2009

20 remarkable quilters describe their inspiration and methods, show us examples of their best work, and offer advice.

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: 55 Letters and the 111 Blocks they Inspired by Laurie Aaron Hird

Published 2009

Be Inspired by the Stories

In 1922, The Farmer's Wife magazine posed this question to their readers: "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in light of your own experience, have her marry a farmer?" The magazine at that time had 750,000 subscribers, and received over 7,000 letters. The best answers to this question are included in this book, along with the traditional quilt blocks they inspired.

Laurie Aaron Hird provides everything you need to be inspired and create your own sampler quilt:

  • 111 six-inch quilt blocks, with construction diagrams for piecing the blocks and template cutting directions
  • Complete instruction for making a sampler quilt in any traditional size: lap, twin, queen or king
  • CD with easy-to-print, full-sized templates for all 111 blocks, and printable quilt construction diagrams
  • 42 letters from the 1922 Farmer's Wife contest to give you a priceless glimpse into our country's past

Super Simple Quilts #4 with Alex Anderson & Liz Aneloski: 9 Applique Projects to Sew With or Without a Machine by Alex Anderson, Liz Aneloski

Published 2009

Whether you're a new quilter about to make your first quilt, or an expert looking for a quick charity quilt design, you'll love these super-easy applique quilts.

Paradise Stitched--Sashiko & Applique Quilts by Sylvia Pippen

Published 2009

These glowing quilts bring together two of quilting's best-loved traditions: Japanese Sashiko and colorful applique. A large quilt gallery will inspire you to design your own Sashiko/applique creations.

Next Steps in Altered Photo Artistry: New Ways to Transform Images for Fabric & Quilt Art by Beth Wheeler

Published 2009

You've learned to print photos on fabric-now you're ready to explore the full artistic potential of altering images to create quilt art. Learn to transform ordinary photos in a dozen exciting ways with photo editing software. Bonus CD with Beth's original photos and graphics add-ons helps you alter photographs as never before!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Teens & Tweens: Quilting Fun with Family & Friends by Anita Shackelford, Jennifer Perdue

Published 2009

Experienced quilters who want to share sewing and quilting ideas with tweens and teens will love these fresh ideas for accessories, home dec items, and quilts. A total of 17 projects include styles for boys or girls, young children or older, traditional or trendy colors, and bed or wall-size quilts. Projects such as the quilted laptop cover and the message board will appeal to quilters of any age. Several of the projects combine traditional art forms of collage, rubbings, and mosaic patterning, along with the techniques of piecing, appliqué, and embroidery. Both hand and machine techniques are included throughout. Because beginners and especially children are visual learners, every project is laid out with good basic quiltmaking instruction in easy to follow step-by-step photos.

Patchwork Party: 10 Festive Quilts &: the Recipes that Inspired Them by Sandy Bonsib

Published 2009

11 mouth-watering new pieced quilts with matching dessert recipes create luscious color effects from basic blocks every quilter knows.

Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Applique: 2000 Traditional and Modern Designs, Updated History of Applique, Five New Quilt Projects! by Barbara Bra

Published 2009

Treasure trove of 19th- and 20th-century applique patterns, newly updated, includes 2000 applique designs and 5 quilt projects.

Alex Anderson's Hand & Machine Appliqué by Alex Anderson

Published 2009

Learn to create beautiful applique quilts with one of America's best-loved quilting teachers. 7 charming projects get you started.

Patchwork Table Runners by Jeanne Stauffer (Editor), Sandra L. Hatch (Editor)

Published 2009

Beginning to intermediate level quilters will love this rich collection of runner designs with concise instructions that guide them through each exciting project. Several of the provided patterns are reversible, adding an extra layer of functionality to the finished product. Directions for adjusting patterns to fit a specific table, dresser, or trunk are included—ideal for displaying projects in almost any room of the home. As a special bonus, patterns are provided for matching napkins and rings.