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Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quiltmaking: From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops from your Favorite Designers

Editors at Lucky Spool (Compilation)

4.04 · Rating details · 75 ratings · 42 reviews

Can't travel to take classes from your favorite instructors? Looking to try something new on a retreat or getaway? Missing out on QuiltCon? Never fear! In Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making, Susanne Woods invites 10 popular quilting teachers to share their most-requested workshop. This book is the perfect way to enjoy 10 detailed classes with in-demand qu ...more

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Paperback, 192 pages

Published June 15th 2014 by Lucky Spool

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May 13, 2014 Hilary rated it liked it

Shelves: crafting, netgalley, non-fiction

3 stars for me, but someone in the target audience would probably rate it higher.

Although the title doesn't give any indication, this is really for people with a fair amount of quilting experience already. The introduction did send me to the publisher's website , but the promised free PDF with all the basics of successful quilting was nowhere to be found.

That said, a beginner may find some of the information useful: the first chapter goes into details about color, explaining the difference betwe 3 stars for me, but someone in the target audience would probably rate it higher.

Although the title doesn't give any indication, this is really for people with a fair amount of quilting experience already. The introduction did send me to the publisher's website , but the promised free PDF with all the basics of successful quilting was nowhere to be found.

That said, a beginner may find some of the information useful: the first chapter goes into details about color, explaining the difference between tints, shades, tones, hues, saturation and value; how to do straight-line quilting; explaining negative space; how to make and sew blocks; reading a pattern; and improvisational patchwork.

Intermediate quilters may find themselves pondering Magic Numbers, randomly floating blocks, various machine quilting designs (which include the stitch path, so you don't have to figure it out yourself), curves and circles and paper piercing (though I hope other people know whether that chapter is referring to laser or inkjets when it tells you how to print on your fabric).

Each chapter focuses on a different element of quilt design, and ends with a sample pattern for you to try. Most chapters were both interesting (even though way above my skill level) and inspiring, though the chapter on prints was weak compared to the others. The designs *are* modern, but they're not all completely removed from more traditional patterns, and some are more about tweaking a common design to make it more your own.

There are good tips for everyone for creating designs, including very simple ones like "stand back and squint" or "take a black and white photo", and the Paper Bag idea for improvisational patchwork had me itching to try it.

The final section begins with 50 Modern Quilts, inspirational pictures of completed quilts with brief comments on the design, and finishes
with templates for the paper piercing designs. Everyone should find at least a few designs they like here, as some are more traditional and others startlingly modern.

So if you have experience quilting and want to take it to the next level, this is probably a great book for you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 16, 2014 Stefanie Kamerman rated it really liked it

Disclosure: I received this book free e-book from the publisher through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I began my quilting adventure in 2010 when my husband was deployed in Iraq. Before he left, he bought me my beloved sewing machine, thinking I could keep myself Disclosure: I received this book free e-book from the publisher through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I began my quilting adventure in 2010 when my husband was deployed in Iraq. Before he left, he bought me my beloved sewing machine, thinking I could keep myself busy while he was away for twelve months. During that time, quilting became my outlet. I taught myself basic piecing via youtube.com videos and Internet tutorials. You can say the rest is history!

Lucky Spools Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making is essential! This book isn’t your normal nine-patch quilt book using fabrics from the ‘40s folks! Be prepared to see some new quilting patterns. From color theory to templates, this book gives you inspiration and wonderful quilting tutorials.

There is so much to be said for this book. The Real Life Examples (quilts) are gorgeous- loved the modern quilt blocks. The Quilter-to-Quilter blurbs offer pointers from well-seasoned sewers. The photography of the quilts is just down right fabulous. I can ogle at quilts for hours. Ask my husband; he loathes quilt shows when he gets dragged along.

While I am familiar with most quilting techniques, I walked away awed- “So that’s how they do it!” I felt that way a couple of times when the book addressed circles and curves (I haven’t gotten that advanced yet) and the paper piecing section. Paper piecing doesn’t seem so intimidating now-loved the step-by-step photography. Their tutorials and patterns are not too complicated and are easy to follow.

So what makes this book modern? Well, for starters Lucky Spool addresses modern color theory and how to pair solids and patterns with the color theory in mind. Modern quilts today seem to go for an asymmetrical approach unlike yester-year when the quilts were made with symmetrical quilt blocks. Not to mention the plethora of modern prints available in fabric stores you can chose from to make your quilt blocks.

Is it modern? – YES! Is it essential? – YES!

This book is great for any quilter’s stash of books or for first time quilters. Thank you Lucky Spool, The Taunton Press, Inc., and Net Galley for the opportunity for review. ...more

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May 26, 2014 Linda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crafting, how-to

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making takes a different tack from most quilting guide books. The editors at Lucky Spool asked ten popular quilt teachers at quilting retreats to share their most requested workshop. I've attended quilting retreats and, while they are always fun, they are also a big investment of time and monies. This is a great way to enjoy TEN workshops in high demand with quilters by investing in just this one book. What a bargain!

This book is aimed at the interme ...more

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Aug 05, 2014 Robbie rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Anyone interested in quilting

I never have been, nor will I claim to be, anything but a beginner at quilting. If possible, I would perhaps assign myself the name of pre-beginner. I enjoyed most of my quilting days with my grandmother and mother when I was younger. Since then, it has been sporadic at best, and then confined mainly to just squares. However, I recently read Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making (From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by Your Favorite Teachers) by the editors at Lucky Spool a ...more

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Jul 26, 2017 DelAnne Frazee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

Title: Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making - From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by Your Favorite Teachers
Author: Editors at Lucky Spool
Publisher: Tauton Press Inc. / Lucky Spool Media
Published: 6-18-2014
Pages: 192
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies
Sub-Genre: Quilting; Needlecrafts & Textiles; Reference;
ISBN: 9781940655000
Reviewed For NetGalley and Tauton Press Inc.
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars

A basic text-type book for those like myself that consider themselves beginner and n ...more

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Apr 17, 2020 Margaret Hotovec rated it it was amazing

This book covers so many aspects of modern quilting and is full of practical activities and projects you can try to stretch your quilting skills! And with so many beautiful quilts featured in it,this is definitely a wonderful tool to have in your arsenal!

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Jun 28, 2014 Shannon L. Gonzalez rated it it was amazing

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making
From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by Your Favorite Teachers
Editors at Lucky Spool
The Taunton Press, Inc.

For those with busy lives that can not schedule the time or manage travel expenses to the quilting retreats/conventions this is the next best thing. Ten talented instructors have been brought together to form a retreat in a book.

This book is set up as a series of workshops including The Principles of Colors, Working with Solids, W ...more

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Mar 14, 2015 Nancy rated it it was amazing

Modern: of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past: contemporary. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making, From Color to Quilting: 10 Workshops by your Favorite Teachers, including 16 Patterns, Complied by Susanne Woods is designed to aid the intermediate quilt maker to learn new skills for their toolbox.

The local quilt shop is home to the local Modern Quilt Guild. I have not done any 'modern' quilting myself. I hand quilt, hand ...more

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Sep 07, 2015 Cynthia Corral rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the most comprehensive quilt-making book I’ve seen in a long time, definitely worth the price. I haven’t looked at a new quilt book in over a decade, as after you’ve seen 200-300 of them, they no longer have new information. I’m so glad I decided to take a look at this one to see if there was anything new in the field now.

This book contains gorgeous simple quilt designs, as well as suggestions for very complicated on I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the most comprehensive quilt-making book I’ve seen in a long time, definitely worth the price. I haven’t looked at a new quilt book in over a decade, as after you’ve seen 200-300 of them, they no longer have new information. I’m so glad I decided to take a look at this one to see if there was anything new in the field now.

This book contains gorgeous simple quilt designs, as well as suggestions for very complicated ones. They are definitely modern designs, ones I’ve never seen before and would love to have in my home, hanging from my walls and covering my bed.

It is a book for beginner quilters and quilters with some experience who’d like to advance their skills. I’m sure advanced quilters would also find many new ideas in this book.

It covers all the sewing basics of course, and does so with much detail. There is a long chapter on color and how to choose what you need for what you are making, and there is a lot of new information in the last decade or two. The color chapter is very inspirational for everyone from beginners who want to take the next step in quilting, to even more experienced quilters who would like to advance to more dramatically individual designs.

It was the new modern designs that especially caught my attention though. These were quilts I would love to have in my more modern home. I’ve stepped away from the “homey” decor of my 20s and 30s (when I had kids at home), and have turned to a more quiet Japanese sense of simple decor, and many of these designs would fit right in. Don’t be disappointed though, there are many of the old style quilting patterns here too, in fact most of the modern quilts have just deconstructed the old designs, and simplified them.

There was one design called “The Aftermath” which basically portrayed a giant pool of blood on a light colored field. Some may find this distasteful, but I knew my grown children, who have inherited their mother’s morbid sense of humor, would love it. But then I read that it was in memory of the Boston bombing victims. Well then. There is morbid sense of humor, and then there is a constant memory of actual dead bombing victims hanging from your wall or covering your bed. Sooooo… that one will have to be a no for me.

Almost every other design was amazing though, and has inspired me to dig out my machine again and get my fabrics back in order. That’s right, family & friends, you all know what you’ll be getting for Christmas again. Hey, it’s been fifteen years, you need another homemade quilt by now, right?

FIVE STARS.

One caveat: That cover is the most UNinspiring cover I’ve ever seen. Do not judge this book by that boring cover! Inside is where all the value is, and that’s what is most important. ...more

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May 10, 2014 Ramie rated it liked it

Shelves: crafty, publisher-provided-free-for-review

The first lesson in this book is on color — dissecting colors, explaining hues / values / etc. It was something I must admit, I skimmed. The best advice here was to consult color wheels and a reminder that there are no rules (though you do want to stay within tasteful ranges, hopefully).

The second lesson follows up on the first lesson by explaining what solids can offer. This course seeks to remind you that solids can enhance prints or can be used to create patterns.

Lesson three takes a differe The first lesson in this book is on color — dissecting colors, explaining hues / values / etc. It was something I must admit, I skimmed. The best advice here was to consult color wheels and a reminder that there are no rules (though you do want to stay within tasteful ranges, hopefully).

The second lesson follows up on the first lesson by explaining what solids can offer. This course seeks to remind you that solids can enhance prints or can be used to create patterns.

Lesson three takes a different approach, focussing on prints.

Lesson four teaches us about improvisational patchwork. Probably my favorite chapter. It encourages sort of an organized chaos kind of quilting. Good for people like me who only barely sew and who find advanced techniques either intimidating or too time consuming and frustrating. This chapter/lesson really screamed “I am for everyone”.

Next up was The Alternative Grid. There was a lot of negative space here as well as traditional quilting spaces tweaked just slightly to look more modern.

Circles and curves was up next. A chapter where the title along frighted me. This lesson did little to make me feel more comfortable about working with things like circles but for those who love torturing themselves with such things, there are a few nice ideas here, though nothing here is a super memorable standout.

Paper Piecing - this is probably the best eye candy chapter. Instructions here will show you how to do things like make a dress and stiletto heel out of fabric.

Large Scale piecing - This focussed on blocks that were larger than 12”.

Modern Machine Quilting - here they focus on the ability to do some fancy stitching — some of which is more complicated than others. While I am in total awe of some of the stitching patterns here, I don’t think I feel any more confident about actually trying them just from reading this.

A study of Modern Quilts - pictures and blurbs of 50 quilts. Could be inspiring or just filler…

Overall I am unsure of who this book is for. For advanced quilters this would be quite the unnecessary book. For beginners it seems either too boring or too advanced. Perhaps for the intermediate quilter or those who like eye candy and the occasional tip and trick (those do exist here but I am not sure there’s enough unique ideas here).

A decent book but not a must add to most collections,

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate? ...more

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Jun 17, 2014 Anne rated it liked it

Ten extremely talented quilt artists have joined together to share their most popular classes in Lucky Spool’s Essential Guide to Modern Quiltmaking . In this effort, it’s not the Spools who are Lucky; it’s the quilters. Where else could we get the opportunity to attend 10 workshops by top teachers in the comfort of our own sewing rooms? And, at $28.95, I think that’s a deal.

As a long time, traditional style quilter, I was very excited to read this book. Fresh-modern looking quilts are poppi ...more

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May 15, 2014 Slee rated it liked it

Shelves: crafts

Beginning with a basic course in color theory which touches on the importance of both hue and balance, and helps to explain why designs work when both are in harmony, as well as walking designers through methods of fixing things when their palates are just a touch off, Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making is a treasure trove of accessible information. I began quilting in 1999, but didn't become serious about it until 2003. Some of my quilts have worked gloriously, and some have r ...more

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Jan 22, 2015 Georgina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: craft

The Quilter's Guild of Great Britain has just established a 'Modern Quilt' group, which unlike the 'Contemporary' Group focuses on creating quilts using traditional techniques, for traditional purposes, but in innovative and exciting ways - so this book is timely and most welcome. With inspired variations on traditional blocks, and some completely new methods, it would make a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who wants to freshen up their eye for quilting, and those who are new to the ...more

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Jan 14, 2015 Dr. Lillian rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, crafts, non-fiction, sewing, quilting

Lucky Spool's "Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making" is comprised of ten workshops shared by well-known modern quiltmakers. This book is aimed at the intermediate quilter, not something I realized until after I began to read it. I am a very raw beginner, so I don't have the skillset for many of these workshops that are geared at teaching modern quiliting techniques, but I can appreciate the utility of these classes for once I garner more skills. The introduction of the book recommended that be ...more

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Jan 15, 2015 Bec rated it it was amazing

A gorgeous quilting book.
Yes there are lots of quilting books out there and these days there are lots of books on Modern Quilting but this one just made sense to me.
It has a wonderful section on colour, all the hues, variations, saturations and so on, this is not my strong point but I read this section thoroughly and it was written really well with some excellent photo's and diagrams to help along.
Sections on working with solids, prints, structure, improvisation and just about anything you could ...more

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Jul 05, 2014 Brandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, craft-sewing-knitting, netgalley

If you have some experience with patchwork and/or quilting and are looking to improve your skill set, this book is for you. There are several workshops, laid out sequentially and building upon each other, contained within. The book culminates in a fabulous, inspirational, full color gallery of 50 modern quilts. Each course is designed to introduce you to the next stage in quilt making, or improve your understanding of a more basic concept. The lessons are written assuming some prior knowledge or ...more

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Jun 28, 2014 Claire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arts-and-crafts

This book has many potential audiences and uses. It is an introduction to many aspects of modern quilting; it provides tips to help those who wish to design their own quilts; it provides patterns for those who prefer to follow; and the final chapter provides eye candy by showcasing 50 modern quilts. In that chapter, blog URLs are given so that you can follow makers of the quilts you find to be especially appealing.

The book is not only for the modern quilter. Traditional quilters could benefit fr ...more

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Jan 23, 2015 Anastacia rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014

First, let me start off by saying I am NOT a quilter and am barely a beginner sewer. I'm obsessed with quilts, love looking at them & dreaming of making them, but I haven't made the plunge - yet. I was hoping that this book would help push me into quilt making; unfortunately, it's just not written for a beginner. That's fine; there should be books out there for every level of skill for every craft, and that's a good thing!

I didn't feel the quilts were terribly modern; most of them were things I' ...more

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Jun 17, 2014 Dana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-to-review, crafts, quilting

Provided by the publisher for review via NetGalley.

An excellent introduction to modern quilting. While beginning quilters might enjoy reading this book and being inspired by it (I did!), it is not a beginner's how-to-quilt book and will definitely be more useful to the more experienced quilter.

I like how it's written by different quilting instructors who use each chapter as a workshop for different modern quilting techniques. The book covers techniques such as using color, negative space, and ...more

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Jun 25, 2014 Judy rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, 2014, e-book, non-fiction

The ten chapters in this attractive book are presented by ten different quilt artists with each chapter providing a workshop in a variety of quilting skills. From “Principles of Colour” to ‘Working with Prints” to “Circles and Curves” and beyond, each chapter is well presented and informative. The text is straightforward and concise and the photographs and illustrations are attractive and inspiring.

It is not a book for the novice quilter. A certain skill level is assumed in the instructions and ...more

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Jun 27, 2015 Leyla Johnson rated it it was amazing

This book's cover did not appeal to me, therefore passed me by, how wrong can I be. The information from the guest quilters are really fantastic and very different from your normal quilt book. All relate to modern quilts, but even if your not a fan, the information is of merit. It will be something I will dip in at time. Unfortunately there are some downside, little in the way of photographs to go with the quilts, especially to go with the instructions. What there are are pretty small. Barbara W ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Kasey Cocoa rated it liked it

Shelves: review-requested

Since I don't quit I asked my good friend who loves to quilt to give her feedback on this particular book. She says the layout is interesting but not for any beginner. She likes the idea behind the book but feels there are much better ways to make your quilt look current, not that there is anything "wrong" with how quilts are already being done. She did not like some of the images and feels the cover would be more attractive with a full color image of a quilt made with the examples inside. I rec ...more

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Jun 16, 2014 Debra rated it liked it

Shelves: sewing-quilting, non-fiction

I received an advance reading copy of this ebook to review for my blog. The book is written for the intermediate quilter who is interested in modern quilting. It presents 10 design workshops for various aspects of modern quilting: color theory, curved piecing, etc. Each workshop is presented by a professional quilting instructor and can be used to work your way through a series of classes. Unfortunately, I was not able to view the patterns presented in my ebook, therefore was not able to review ...more

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Jun 21, 2014 Andrienne rated it it was amazing

I am quite new to quilt making, but what I like about this title is that it has a lot of meat in it so to speak. It's nice to look at but it has almost a technical aspect to it that makes it a truly indispensable reference. It talks about the creative process with actual steps and describes it for the reader why the suggestions were made. It also has the jargon on the kinds of patterns (which I love to know), making a beginner feel at ease talking to intermediate and regular quilters. Wonderful ...more

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Jul 13, 2014 Lyn rated it really liked it

Sleek, Challenging & Beautiful!
As an experienced quilter, I was anxious to learn more about “modern quilting.” This is a fantastic guide into that world. The book explains fabrics, color choices and the entire community of Modern Quilts. Ten artists each present a lesson and instructions on completing a modern quilt. While the instructions are easy to understand I think you should be at least a confident intermediate quilter to enjoy this book. This isn’t your Grammy’s quilt book – have fun and ...more

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May 10, 2014 Amy rated it really liked it

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making is full of stunning non traditional quilting designs and projects. There were some beautiful quilts in this book, accompanied with color pictures and instructions. It even includes instructions on how to finish your quilt. And it has different designs to use for your quilting. Though the book was well explained and pictures were beautiful, I don't think the book is for me. I think I will stick with tradition when it comes to quilt making.
4 sta ...more

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May 11, 2014 MAB LongBeach rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed, quilting, nonfiction

Not for the beginner, this is a good guide for intermediate-level quilters who wants to expand their skills. Topics include:

The Principles of Color
Working with Solids
Working with Prints
Improvisational Patchwork
The Alternate Grid
Circles and Curves
Paper Piecing
Large-Scale Piecing
Modern Quilting
A Study of Modern Quilts

Each chapter is designed as a workshop, with clear explanations culminating in a project to practice the new skills taught in that section. Templates are included at the end of the bo ...more

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May 16, 2014 Cas H. rated it liked it

Lucky Spook's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making by the editors at Lucky Spool is a creative approach to quilt making. If you are looking for quilt designs without all the strictness of lines and making sure everything is sewn together perfectly then this is the book for you. I liked the tutorial on curves and the information on paper piecing. (That has always been hard for me.) This book also goes into colors and selecting the right colors for your quilt.
I received a free copy of this book ...more

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Jun 02, 2014 Tina rated it liked it

Shelves: adult, non-fiction

It is really interesting to read the reviews of crafting books vs fiction. Crafters are really picky!! That being said, I wasn't wowed by this book. I got it electronically from Netgalley from the publisher, and while I enjoyed the layout, I was definitely not the target audience. I love modern quilts but hate the abundance of patterns that use so much negative space, and this book loves them. I do like how the actual quilting can change a quilt but for me that isn't the only element. I felt tha ...more

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Jul 26, 2015 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, crafty

Though the patterns in this book were a bit too modern for me, the basics that this book provides makes it a winner. The principals of color and building a color palette, as well as troubleshooting tips are perfect for a quilting newbie like I am. The chapters on prints and solids are also very helpful.

All in all, even though I didn't care for the patterns, this book has so many helpful tips it's absolutely worth having in your library.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher ...more

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