3-Fabric Quilts
Have you ever wanted to learn to make a quilt, but you just didn’t want to make those fussy traditional patterns your grandmother made? This book looks at quilts from a whole new perspective—fresh and modern, an updated approach using contemporary fabrics. I wrote this book for new quilters who have never made a quilt before, as well as experienced quilters looking for something different.
Each quilt is made from only three fabrics. Why only three? Because that is all you need to make a beautiful quilt—simplifying the process of choosing fabrics–you only need to think about three things—color, value and print scale. I will tell you how, and your quilt will be a “wow”.
And because so many fabrics have beautiful large scale prints that are lost when cut into small pieces, these quilts are made of larger blocks or strips, allowing the patterns to shine, and fewer blocks to sew together–which means the quilt goes together faster as well.
New quilters are intimidated by matching up points in their quilts, and experienced quilters often find it tedious and frustrating. No problem here, this book contains twelve projects that do not require you to line up seams and points, making them quick and easy for beginners–and experienced quilters looking for a fast project.
When I teach beginner quilting classes, I always start my students with a small, manageable project. Starting out with a queen or king sized quilt is just too overwhelming for new quilters, and they often become too frustrated to finish. For that reason, all the projects in this book are either small (the right size for a baby quilt or wall hanging) or twin sized. Instructions and yardage for all twelve projects are included. The illustrated instructions will make the whole process easy to follow.
The quilt projects are arranged in three sections; single block quilts, two block quilts and quilts made entirely from strips. Many of the quilts can be constructed using a either symmetrical arrangement or you can just have fun arranging your blocks randomly for more movement and excitement.
Never made a quilt before? This is a great place to start. Already a quilter? These designs are fresh and modern and will show off more of those gorgeous fabrics you want to buy.
For information about workshops from this book, please contact Leni
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Photo-inspired Art Quilts
Art Quilts are taking the quilt world by storm. Traditional quilters find the freedom of creating works of art using their quilting skills to be invigorating. People who have never made a quilt before are unleashing their creativity with fabric. This book will show you step by step how to create a fabric collage from a photograph, how to thread paint the details (if you want), and how to finish your work of art to grace your walls.
This book includes information that will guide you on your way to creating art — starting with the difference between a snapshot and a “photograph” and how just cropping your pictures can have a huge impact. You will learn how I make decisions about color, composition, and fabric selection. This book will show you everything from making an inexpensive design wall, creating a full sized pattern for your quilt, choosing your fabrics, and putting it all together with raw edge machine appliqué. Two different methods of thread painting the accents are outlined—what I call direct thread painting and thread painted appliqué–as well as finishing techniques.
Also included is specific instruction for faces, landscapes and still life studies. There is a special “artist’s shorthand” section that shows you simple solutions for things like trees, water, facial details and more.
Use the patterns provided in the book, or start with one of your own photos. You will love the results.
Since it is so much easier to learn by watching, this book comes with an instructional DVD hosted by Nancy Zieman and includes lots of images of my finished quilts.
For information on workshops on this book, please contact Leni
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Thread Painting
I didn’t invent thread painting, I just made it easier. Traditionally, thread painting begins with a blank piece of white fabric, drawn or simply stitched freehand. That is way too intimidating for me, I don’t draw, and tracing is such a drag. So I developed my own techniques for quick and easy ways to get spectacular results.
The book begins with a review of free motion sewing, (the good news is that precision is not as important while thread painting as it is for heirloom quilting.) There is lots of information on threads and machine tension, plus some other secrets for perfect results.
You will start with thread sketches and learn how to translate those skills into thread painting. There are lots of projects with easy to follow instructions, full sized patterns and scannable images. This technique is great for traditional quilts, art quilts, clothing, home dec–a wide variety of uses! This book also contains lots of valuable information on different kinds of threads.
For information on workshops from this book, please contact Leni