by Linda Kopp
Lark Books (May 5, 2009) ~ 144 pages
Edition Reviewed / Special Thanks: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
Perfect for : Personal Use, Gift for the quilter/crafter
In a nutshell: This is not your standard pink or blue fluffy bunnies and lambs baby quilt book. Instead, it has wonderful animals and designs that children (and babies) will love. The technical information contained within Quilts, BABY! was very helpful to me as a beginner in quilting using applique and piecing work. I found the directions to be easy to follow with plenty of helpful tips for saving time and making things easier. The book contains 20 designs with full color photographs, plenty of helpful illustrations and detailed instructions. Plus, the designers worked hard to design quilts that could be completed over the course of a weekend. . . for the seasoned pro and the beginner alike.
Not the biggest fan of the country feel to these quilts, with their earth tones and calico prints? Not a problem! It would be no trouble to use the patterns, making simple changes to the colors/fabric designs to give them a different feel (more modern, make them fit the color scheme of a nursery, etc) while keeping the fun aspect that will be so eye-catching.
Extended Review:
Content: From the table of contents: Introduction, Basics, [Listing of 20 projects], Templates, About the Designers, Index
Format: The Basics section contains explanations on assembling a quilt (quilt top, batting, backing), fabric, batting, thread, scissors or rotary cutting systems, sewing machine, needles for hand sewing, quilting frame, other supplies, and information on applique and embroidery supplies and tools. Next is a section on Getting Started (planning, sizing things up, using quilting charts and templates, cutting), Putting Things Together (sewing, piecing, attaching a border), Applique (fusing fabric, turning the edges, sewing the edges), Embroidery (transferring embroidery patterns, creating the stitches), a Stitch Glossary, Basting, Quilting (straight-stitch quilting, free-motion quilting, tying), and Finishing Up (binding, hanging, cleaning). Interspersed are some really great tips and tricks, as well as some facts and explanations.
Each project has a title, description, list of fabric needed (for the quilt top, appliques, backing, binding), notions and extras, and the finished size. it also has the name of the designer, plenty of pictures and illustrations, and step-by-step instructions.
Readability: The book is written for people with any level of quilting experience, and contains enough basic information to help both the novice and the expert.
Overall: A nice book with a more non-traditional take on baby quilts - with lots of shapes, animals, colors and patterns. With lots of helpful information, it may be geared more toward the beginner, but will surely provide even experts with fun projects and new ideas.
About the Book: (From the publisher's site)
Modern, innovative, and exciting: if you’ve never associated these words with baby quilts before, you will now! Here’s a collection of fresh designs that aren’t fussy, cutesy, or old-fashioned, but that still have that “aww” factor. Best of all, every one is easy to make, and most take only a weekend to complete. Try a round “Peekaboo” blankie with fanciful creatures hidden under fabric flaps, the clever two-in-one “Good Morning/Good Night” quilt, and a funny “Monkey Monkey” block quilt. Plus, there’s helpful information on choosing baby-friendly and safe materials.
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1 Comments:
Thanks for this review, Wendi! I am a new quilter too...and I have not yet tried applique because it seems hard! Maybe I should check this book out.
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