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Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects
In Denyse Schmidt Quilts, the ultimate resource for the home quilter, Schmidt reveals the secrets behind her most popular designs. Thirty projects range from the simple to the challenging, from patchwork slippers and aprons to tote bags and pillows to her beloved quilt patterns, offering something for every level of quilter. Schmidt reviews the fundamentals of quilting and provides easy-to-follow instructions, patterns, sewing tips, and an artful approach to design basics. With engaging wisdom and beautiful step-by-step color photography throughout, Denyse Schmidt Quilts will inspire beginning and skilled crafters alike to embrace this age-old tradition with a new and modern twist.
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 28, 2008
You can love quilts and be a modernist!
I love Denyse's style of clean lines and geometric shapes. Such a breath of fresh air from all the nasty froo-froo quilting going on out there. I am a good quilter but gave it up a few years ago because my tastes are more contemporary. I've been picking it up again lately, due in part to the inspiration from this book.
What a Bunch of Squares is my favorite quilt in this book that I am going to make, maybe in just a throw size though.
I would've given this book 5 stars except for the fact that Denyse uses pattern pieces (given in the book) for her asymetrical geometric quilts. It's just not necessary to cut out your pieces with a pattern--WAY too much work. That's the whole point of this type of quilting--you do it all freehand.
I love Denyse's style of clean lines and geometric shapes. Such a breath of fresh air from all the nasty froo-froo quilting going on out there. I am a good quilter but gave it up a few years ago because my tastes are more contemporary. I've been picking it up again lately, due in part to the inspiration from this book.
What a Bunch of Squares is my favorite quilt in this book that I am going to make, maybe in just a throw size though.
I would've given this book 5 stars except for the fact that Denyse uses pattern pieces (given in the book) for her asymetrical geometric quilts. It's just not necessary to cut out your pieces with a pattern--WAY too much work. That's the whole point of this type of quilting--you do it all freehand.
July 20, 2007
This book is not just for quilters, but for crafters in general. Many great gift ideas including: coasters, bags, pillows, and quilts. Very modern styles! Totally recommend as an idea sparker.
May 17, 2019
Order this book back in to read one of the books credited with being the first modern quilt book. It looks a bit dated, having been written in 2005, but has a section on hand stitches that may be informative.
June 25, 2017
from library / varied projects / more about color & design
October 4, 2017
20 projects and 10 quilts the title is misleading
December 19, 2014
Denyse Schmidt is my favorite modern quilt designer. That said, I think her Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration: 20 New Designs with Historic Roots is a much better book in terms of showcasing her particular talents and aesthetic.
This book isn't bad per se, it's just not focused. There are highly advanced projects next to cutesy hand-sewn toy projects that anyone could do, which meant this title isn't practical as either a quilting text or a design text. I really like some of the projects (the riff on flying geese is particularly fabulous), and of course Denyse's fresh take on color and traditional re-interpretation shine through here and there. But I much prefer her later book (above) for an in-depth exploration of her aesthetic and influences.
This book isn't bad per se, it's just not focused. There are highly advanced projects next to cutesy hand-sewn toy projects that anyone could do, which meant this title isn't practical as either a quilting text or a design text. I really like some of the projects (the riff on flying geese is particularly fabulous), and of course Denyse's fresh take on color and traditional re-interpretation shine through here and there. But I much prefer her later book (above) for an in-depth exploration of her aesthetic and influences.
March 25, 2008
Denyse Schmidt seems to be on a mission to single
handedly get young people interested in quilt making. Her designs are simple and elegant and have interesting color combinations. The emphasis is not on matching points precisely, but making quilt projects with a lot of movement and fresh color choices. She also has a variety of different projects, one of which made me think that I actually could make a tote bag. Her writing style is fun. While some of the directions are a bit confusing, I think a beginner could walk away from this book with some nicely completed projects. I don’t usually buy project based quilt books, but I bought this one, because the designs stuck in my mind. And it is proving to be a good investment as I keep looking at it over and over.
handedly get young people interested in quilt making. Her designs are simple and elegant and have interesting color combinations. The emphasis is not on matching points precisely, but making quilt projects with a lot of movement and fresh color choices. She also has a variety of different projects, one of which made me think that I actually could make a tote bag. Her writing style is fun. While some of the directions are a bit confusing, I think a beginner could walk away from this book with some nicely completed projects. I don’t usually buy project based quilt books, but I bought this one, because the designs stuck in my mind. And it is proving to be a good investment as I keep looking at it over and over.
March 26, 2008
I have to admit that I haven't made anything from this book yet since I'm still working on my quilt with Asian fabrics. I however have a collection of Japanese indigos and tea-dyed muslin ready for her string quilt. I honestly want to make everything in the book.
I used to work in a quilt shop and this book made some of the ladies there uncomfortable. Denyse's modern aesthetic goes against many conventional ideas in quilt-making. I found it refreshing that she mostly uses solid fabrics to show off her bold designs.
I would recommend going to the author's website dsquilts.com to view a larger range of her quilts.
I used to work in a quilt shop and this book made some of the ladies there uncomfortable. Denyse's modern aesthetic goes against many conventional ideas in quilt-making. I found it refreshing that she mostly uses solid fabrics to show off her bold designs.
I would recommend going to the author's website dsquilts.com to view a larger range of her quilts.
October 3, 2008
Maybe you are like me and like contemporary or modern country design and want to make a quilt. Well this is perfect. No ugly fabrics, or amish designs. Very contemporary and graphic designs. And although denyse gives no guidance once you've got the quilt sandwich basted together, at that point, you feel like a superstar because you are essentially looking at something close to a finished product. Besides, get yourself a walking foot for sewing machine and you are good to go.
There are also small crafts, like photo frames, etc.
If only i could find a pattern for schmidt's single girl quilt (a modern take on the double wedding ring)......
October 19, 2007
I thought the best part of the book was the first section where she talks about how she does things - pieces, quilts, etc. Very straight forward and got the point across in a very different way than other quilting books which are so technical as to be confusing. This would be excellent for someone starting out. The book itself was more valuable to me as a 'foster of ideas' than to make her quilts, which are cool, but are very much hers. It's a gorgeous book quality-wise and I'll definitely buy it if I can find a second hand copy along my travels. Enjoy!
September 13, 2015
Not my favorite of Denyse Schmidt's books thought I'm loving her book on traditional quilts made modern (will post that review later), but need to post my review of this book so that I don't check it out again from the public library. If you're brand new to sewing and are looking for simple and easy projects to make in a day or an introduction to what quilting is and how to incorporate that kind of stitching into functional, everyday objects like the Zigzag Bag or a scrap wrap, muffler, apron, oven mitt and others then this might be the craft book for you.
May 6, 2011
I actually sat down and read this book cover to cover. I think there is a ton of inspiration in it as well as practical knowledge about quilting/sewing.
Perhaps if I had more experience with quilting I would have skipped a lot of it, but I have sewn just enough to understand what Schmidt is talking about and be able to pull new tidbits and tricks to make my work better. I love her style and I would make 95% of the projects she has in this book.
Perhaps if I had more experience with quilting I would have skipped a lot of it, but I have sewn just enough to understand what Schmidt is talking about and be able to pull new tidbits and tricks to make my work better. I love her style and I would make 95% of the projects she has in this book.
August 6, 2016
Adding a review as notes to myself:
Very well done book with clear intro to quilting for the beginner. I appreciate her aesthetic but it isn't mine. I've never really made a minimalist quilt and although I could see making one, I don't think I'd need this book to show me how, but I've also been quilting for 25 years. Overall, a pretty book that doesn't need to sit on my bookshelf any more. Hopefully it will make a secondhand bookstore shopper happy!
Very well done book with clear intro to quilting for the beginner. I appreciate her aesthetic but it isn't mine. I've never really made a minimalist quilt and although I could see making one, I don't think I'd need this book to show me how, but I've also been quilting for 25 years. Overall, a pretty book that doesn't need to sit on my bookshelf any more. Hopefully it will make a secondhand bookstore shopper happy!
December 11, 2007
I'm ready to leave behind my editorial career and librarian aspirations for a career of quilting after reading this book. I enjoyed piecing together patchwork quilts when I was younger, but left the hobby behind as "old-fashioned" as I grew older. This book revived my passion and made me look at quilting in a whole new way.
March 6, 2011
This is a great book for a beginner quilter that wants to learn how to make quilts with a modern twist. It gives in depth information on tools and techniques that will help you get started. I checked it out from the library since there are so many books on quilting, but I will definitely buy this one.
August 21, 2014
I love this book! Great instructions and tips on quilting,nice photos and clear directions. Great array of projects from simple little pieced projects to an entire quilt, including wearables and crafts. I personally love the Scrap Wrap scarf, the coasters, the Three Faces of Steve stuffie, and several of the quilts. A great addition to a Modern Quilter's bookshelf!
September 12, 2007
I wish I had more time to do some of the projects in here. This is on my wish list to own! I love her clean lines and geometric shapes. She also has a range of projects that include quilted cards!
Denyse Schmidt Quilts
Denyse Schmidt Quilts
February 23, 2008
This book is full of beautiful pictures and ideas. However, many projects involve a fair amount of hand sewing, which I just don't believe in. I made one quilt from the book as well as a set of coasters. They were time consuming, but look great, if I do say so myself.
June 10, 2008
I love the designs in this book, but I do not love that the patterns have to be blown up to huge sizes only done by special order at the copy shop! :)
It has lot's of good quilting fundamentals for the beginner like me.
It has lot's of good quilting fundamentals for the beginner like me.
April 16, 2009
Got this book from the library and I love it!!! It is a perfect inspiration for the kind of modern simple quilts that I am attracted to. I am in the process of making one now that is a take off of one in this book. Wish me luck.
February 18, 2010
I like the end result of the projects, but think that strip piecing would be better for most projects than using the templates. Either the goal is to make quilts just like hers or to get you to buy the book for the templates.
November 4, 2010
I'm not super excited about most of what is in this book, but there are a few quilts that caught my eye...that I'd love to try out once I learn free-motion quilting:
A day at the beach (109); Flock of triangles (113); the big zig (141). She uses really fun colors.
A day at the beach (109); Flock of triangles (113); the big zig (141). She uses really fun colors.
September 25, 2011
I've had this book for years. It's full of awesome projects that are explained in easy to understand way as long as you have at least a basic understanding of quilting. Still haven't gotten around to making my quilt, but hopefully this summer I will!
January 28, 2012
As a novice quilter, I found this one to be inspirational and super easy to use. I've made a couple versions of flying geese (one crib size, one queen size that is nearly complete) and will keep making more based on some of the other patterns. Highly recommended!
March 30, 2013
Everything old is new again: not since the 60s have I seen so many patterns for aprons and cushions, with a Marimekko influence on colors and fabric choices. Nicely done if you like this kind of thing.
June 8, 2007
Man, am I ever in love with the quilt designs and projects in this book. Bright bright colors, and I really like the Flea Market Fancy fabrics from Denyse Schmidt's line.
July 23, 2007
I recieved this as a gift and I heart it.
August 15, 2007
Denyse's projects remind me of the Quilts of Gee's Bend. They look like contemporary art pieces. http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/
I also love the different craft ideas. She is so creative.
I also love the different craft ideas. She is so creative.
September 14, 2007
Wonderful for beginners and experienced alike. Denyse Schmidt's quilts inspire me to move outside of what I think a quilt is. I have made several projects from this book and am never disappointed.
October 15, 2008
A book I don't own, but lust after. Update -- I now own it. Thanks, Mom!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews