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The Weekend Quilter: Fabulous Quilts to Make in a Weekend

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A book of master quilters' ideas for quick and easy quilt projects presents step-by-step instructions for twenty-six quilts, along with photographs of finished quilts and troubleshooting tips. Rodale Main & BOMC Crafter's Choice Alt.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1997

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23 people want to read

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Rosemary Wilkinson

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5 stars
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20 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Annie.
4,633 reviews82 followers
October 26, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Weekend Quilter is a tutorial guide and project book edited by Rosemary Wilkinson. Released 15th Oct 2019 by Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint, it's 192 pages and available in paperback format.

Time is a precious commodity. There are very few of us who have enough time to spend in creative pursuits and it can be daunting (for some of us) to contemplate a quilting project which might take years to complete. In addition, there are many of us who like to have short, medium, and long term projects going concurrently. This book fills that niche. It's full of well designed, attractive, and quickly finished projects which have a nice range of difficulties (mostly slanted toward the easier end of the spectrum). The projects also cover a broad range of techniques and would be ideal for quilters looking to expand their repertoire to learn sashiko, applique, etc.

The book is laid out in a logical, easily accessible manner. An introduction covers basic quilt parts, materials, and general construction. The following chapters are written by the editor and 4 other artists and the projects are grouped roughly thematically: rail fence variations with Greek key type contrast patterns and layouts, seasonal color themes and subjects, relaxing (mostly Japanese inspired) color schemes and layouts, pioneer/scrap quilts, and contrast based projects (including one tone on tone small banner/wall-hanging that is absolutely gorgeous). The projects instructions are all very well written and with a thorough read-through I saw no glaring errors. The book also includes a links section and index.

The photography and illustrations throughout are clear and illustrative. All of the projects have multiple full color process and finish pics. Each of the projects includes an introduction, materials list in a bullet style sidebar, finished size (in metric and American standard units), as well as step-by-step instructions. All of the projects also include an estimated completion time in hours.

These are worthwhile projects and most of them can easily be adapted to full size quilts or other projects.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Profile Image for Cynthia D.
89 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2019
*** I received this ARC in exchange for a review through NetGalley ***

OK, so I've been absent from books for a while... the reason being that I've taken up sewing. Quilting has been one of those areas of sewing that's seriously intimidating: I've seen some seriously amazing quilts and the rules of doing a quilt aren't entirely clear.

Thumbs up to the author(s) of this book, though, because off-the-bat this book does an amazing job of explaining some of the 'scary' basics of quilting and gets you through how to make a variety of quilt designs. I really appreciate the drawings because they're so explanatory and well done, even when it comes to how to cut the pieces out of the fabric. It makes sense now that I've looked through the instructions.

I also like the instructions. They're clear and straight to the point, which is something that isn't always there when you look at resources online (and has been a struggle for me).

BIG points for me: sashiko + the bits on Japanese tradition + the pioneer and Native American blankets! I want a hard copy of this book PRONTO. Can't suggest it enough for the sewing enthusiast who wants to step into quilting.
Profile Image for Debbie.
678 reviews
December 18, 2019
Disclaimer: I was provided a digital copy of this book by NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This really is a lovely volume of quilts with clear instruction and great step by step photos. I loved some of the patterns and will probably purchase this for my own library.

There are many blocks that are unique and the instructions on some of the handstitching is terrific.
Profile Image for AcademicEditor.
797 reviews24 followers
December 26, 2019
This is a beautiful, inspiring book. Many of the projects look much more complex than they really are. I have already begun the Winter Wall project!

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC!
Profile Image for Claudia.
882 reviews22 followers
December 10, 2019
I received some very good tips about fabric selection in the book The Weekend Quilter. I was unfamiliar with the effect fabric with geometric designs has on the way one's eyes travel over the surface of a quilt, or the impact monochromatic prints have compared with solids in the overall look of a quilt. The author gave, what I am sure are very clear instructions regarding some quilting basics like creating a straight edge before cutting from a new piece of fabric;cutting strips, squares, triangles and rectangles; and hand quilting among other topics. For me the directions were difficult to visualize, but I typically need to watch someone perform tasks of this type rather than just hear words directing motions. (I have made 10 to 15 baby and lap quilts, and am not a total novice, but still had difficulty visualizing from these instructions.) The illustrations were not helpful to me, but would likely be so for most. I browsed through the twenty-six patterns included in this book, and saw two or three I might like to make. I did like that more than one color scheme was given for many of the quilt patterns.

I am grateful to Landauer Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Weekend Quilter in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
2,714 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2019
I have never made a quilt but have often admired them. They are a practical, beautiful art form. So, I was intrigued by this title which looks like it might be for beginning quilters as well as those who are more experienced.

The book starts with a brief history of quilting. I learned that quilting came to Britain by way of the Crusades and that different styles of quilting developed in the U.S. and Britain, though these distinctions faded over time. The book goes on to talk about the tools and materials that are needed for the projects along with an explanation of what tools and techniques make it possible to make a quilt in as little time as a weekend.

After this, there are many projects. Each comes with complete instructions. Every quilt is shown in a photograph and these makes for a fun look.

This appears to be a good title for a novice quilter although some reviewers felt that they were more for advanced beginners. I am not qualified to answer that question but will say that this looks to be a good resource for those who want to make quilts from baby crib to twin bed sized.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest rev
112 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2019
The Weekend Quilter is a great addition to the library of any busy craftswoman who longs to complete quilt projects but has been intimidated or overwhelmed by the complexity of many quilt projects and/or the time necessary to complete a quilt. This terrific book is full of pictures and detailed instructions for smaller quilt project, and uses modern tools (rotary cutter, sewing machine) to speed up and simplify many of the most time consuming aspects of quilting. These projects are smaller--baby quilts, wall hangings or twin bed sized quilts, but there are lots of great designs here, sure to get your creative quilting juices flowing! The book is very organized, with a detailed table of contents and index. The instructions are detailed and thorough, and the pictures and drawings really help you to know what to do. As a less experienced quilter, I don't know that I could complete most of these in a single weekend, but they are definitely smaller projects that I could complete in a couple of weekends. I am very inspired by this book, and am confident you will be too!
Profile Image for Michelle Mallette.
490 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2020
See my full review here.
This edited collection offers suggestions for fast quilts - "fast" being relative, of course. With trails and meetings and movies, who has a whole weekend to devote to anything! If you have an urgent need for a quilt, or simply want ideas for new designs, this book offers relatively quick designs using simple piecing, large blocks and rows, and interesting patterns to make crib, lap, or wall quilts. Too bad there weren't instructions for upsizing these. There are a couple designs I really liked, and there is also a good section with instructions for those brand-new to quilting. I generally didn't love the colours chosen, and I would love to see some more alternative colour options. But a small quibble. My thanks to Landauer Publishing for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anjana.
2,496 reviews57 followers
August 18, 2021
I wanted to write this post with proof of my use of it. I found the instructions in the book so straightforward that I wanted to deploy them, make an actual quilt, pose it appropriately and then take pictures. Then winter was coming to an end, and I convinced myself that I would work on it in the hotter months and then by the following winter, I could do all the aforementioned things.
This year proper summer seems to have completely skipped us by. We might have a few warmer days, but it is not enough for someone who was banking on a month or so of heat. This is not an excuse per se, but just a reflection. The bottom line was that I saw this book as an ARC then purchased my own copy because there is no other way to actually follow all the suggestions. I have waited long enough to review it (almost one year), so I decided it was high time I talked about it.
This is a simple book with a few quilting tips and ways to make quilts that can be accomplished in shorter periods. It is colourful, and the suggestions are sufficiently varied to make a beginner like me feel like I got a good deal in picking up ideas.
I would recommend it to anyone on the lookout for quilting books.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Profile Image for Katarina.
872 reviews23 followers
November 6, 2019
Not a beginner’s book. It features some very cool and interesting patterns, but they all look quite work intensive to me. I’m sure an expert quilter can make these in a weekend. It would take me much much longer.
I do like the book. Instructions appear to be detailed enough to follow, and the book starts with general instructions about equipment and how to cut fabric into common shapes.

I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
328 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2020
This is a great book if you want to make quilts in just a weekend.
Perfect little projects to get your fingers moving and sewing machine humming.
There are 26 projects, with step by step instructions that are clear and easy to read and make one quilt in just a weekend.
There is plenty of information if you are a newer quilter. Lots of good ideas and inspiration for all quilters at any stage in their quilt making life.
Profile Image for Roseanna.
338 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2019

I am a fairly new quilter. I found this book to be good but not excellent at explaining things in a way a new, new quilter would understand. So maybe an advanced beginner level. Some techniques needed more explanation and illustration. However overall I thought this quilting book was thought out. The quilts themselves are pretty and detailed.
Profile Image for Leyla Johnson.
1,357 reviews16 followers
November 7, 2019
Great book, beautifully presented and suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters. The patters are big and bold and can be made to look modern or traditional, there are different colour examples and the instructions are very easy to follow and well imaged.
I really like this book, it is honest and easy to follow.
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,100 reviews28 followers
October 30, 2019
4.5 stars

Lots of interesting projects. First time I've reviewed a pdf file...normally I'm a kindle person. I think I'll look to buy a hardcopy version there's lots of excellent ideas here!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Clare.
514 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2019
A great book for new and experienced quilters with many diagrams.
Personally I'd have preferred a few more photographs instead of the diagrams but all in all a very informative book
#TheWeekendQuilter #NetGalley
Profile Image for Audrey.
27 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2019
The Weekend Quilter by Rosemary Wilkinson is a great resource for the beginning quilter. The step by step tutorials aren't overwhelming so anyone can do one in a weekend.
Profile Image for Dawn.
584 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2020
Absolutely one book for quilters whether you are a beginner quilter or expert quilts. Delightful hints and designs.
Profile Image for Diane.
274 reviews
November 17, 2020
Very handy, easy to follow book. A good reminder that simple is often fun and amazing!
Profile Image for Lynn.
554 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2019
Do you love making handmade quilts but don’t like how much time it takes, then this is one book you want to pick up. Patterns from traditional quilts to the more the more modern quilts grace the pages of this beautifully written book. There are step by step photos to help you along with great quilting tips for the novice and the seasoned quilter.
As an experienced quilter I gained new insight into not only new patterns, but tips and tricks to make quilting simpler. I loved the traditional patterns along with the watercolor quilts. I even learned how to stamp on a quilt which I am anxious to try. I can’t wait to make one of the quilts and I am sure it won’t be my last. I am so inspired after reading through the book. It’s definitely going into my treasure quilting book collection.
Thank you to Rosemary Wilkinson, Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of the book to read and review, it was fabulous.
Profile Image for Katarina.
872 reviews23 followers
October 17, 2019
Not a beginner’s book. It features some very cool and interesting patterns, but they all look quite work intensive to me. I’m sure an expert quilter can make these in a weekend. It would take me much much longer.
I do like the book. Instructions appear to be detailed enough to follow, and the book starts with general instructions about equipment and how to cut fabric into common shapes.

I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
793 reviews
January 14, 2022
This book will inspire anyone who is ambitious and organized enough to accomplish great things over a long, cold snowbound winter weekend. The quilts are small, piece quickly and there is very little hand work, unless you tie the quilt or count the fabric cutting. Too many designs were too modern for my taste, but the directions were easy to follow and would give anyone a successful taste of quilting.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
451 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2017
To actually make these quilts in a weekend, you would have to be a much better, and quicker, quilter than I am. But the book is useful and encouraging for the armchair quilter, and I fully enjoyed thinking about the quilts I might make in future.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
812 reviews15 followers
October 18, 2019
Loved this book. Nice quick projects for gift making. I found the patterns easy to understand and follow and most important the quilts were fun to work on. wuld recommend this book for anyone who had a little free time and wanted to get a gift done fast.
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,100 reviews28 followers
October 30, 2019
4.5 stars

Lots of interesting projects. First time I've reviewed a pdf file...normally I'm a kindle person. I think I'll look to buy a hardcopy version there's lots of excellent ideas here!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
888 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2019
The Weekend Quilter is a great resource for the beginner quilters. There are many numerous projects that can be finished quickly. I especially enjoyed the modern touches to a timeless craft.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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