Book reviews
We would love you to submit a book review if you have found a book to be inspirational, helpful or you just delighted in looking at the images. Who doesn't like looking at quilts? All we need is the title, author, publisher, country and date (in case someone wants to purchase the book themselves) and your reivew sent to Jane. If you can include a photo of the cover, that would be terrific. We look forward to hearing about more of our wonderful books.
Blueprint Quilting by Anna Maria Parry
Quarto Publishing Group, USA, 2025
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Review by Jo Tregear, July 2025
Anna Maria was an artist first and then became a quilter. She spent years learning the traditional quilting techniques and felt like 'quilts made her'. She approached quilting like an artist, starting with the overall architectural vision (a blueprint), then added colour, print, value and scale to find her personal voice.
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The books is in three parts which is very useful.
Part 1
Is in two different groups:
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Elements of art which includes colour, value, line, shape, form, space and texture.
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Principles of composition which includes balance, symmetry, focus, emphasis, movement, repetition, pattern, rhythm, variety, harmony, unity, scale, proportion and contrast.
Part 2
Includes everything you need to make a quilt including: fabric, batting, tools of the trade, blocks, how to appliqué and finishing.
Part 3
Has patterns and templates.
Bundles of Fun — Quilts from Fat Quarters by Karen Snyder
Krause Publications, UK, 2006
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Review by Wendy Horton, April 2025
Quilters everywhere have a stash of fat quarters. "What to do with all those fat quarters" is an oft asked questions. Well, Karen Snyder's book holds some of the answers for you.
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All twelve paterns in this books use twelve fat quarters of fabric but also give instructions on how to increase from a lap size quilt up to larger sizes and measurements on how to downsize to doll size quilts!
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The cutting instructions are clean and accompanied by diagrams on how to get the best use out of the fat quarter of fabric. There are instructions on assembly, adding borders, preparing the backing, finishing, binding and labels too. One of the patterns gives an illustion of curves, when in fact it is squares with sew-and-flip corners. An added feature is how to make matching pillowcases or pillow shams to match the quilt.
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So, if you are looking to use up some of those fat quarters, this books is sure to give you some great reulsts.
Sewing Quilted Patchwork Jackets by Rae Cumbie and Carrie Emerson
Fox Chapel and IMM Lifestyle, UK, 2024
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Review by Ola Robertson, February 2025
When I first laid eyes on this book I thought it was just another book on quilted jackets. Being old enough to live through the sixties and all decades since (I won’t mention the previous three decades) but I do remember going to quilt and craft shows and seeing quilted jackets everywhere. Some were a delight and a marvel at colour co-ordination, proportion and the correct batting choice, and of course there were those that really were not a pleasure to see.
I’m glad to say that this book has different styles for different body shapes which will make the making of a jacket or vest a pleasure to make.
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There is also a QR code giving instructions for materials needed, plus suggestions on the batting used is given on every pattern. The patterns are there for tracing off and taping together. You can also use the link from the QR code to your phone. There is a page with how to lay the pattern pieces on the fabric and plenty of photos showing you the methods used.
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I am sure you will find this a good book and thorough in the making process. I am looking forward to seeing all the new jackets at our meetings next year!