Saturday, April 28, 2012

Quilting Modern - Book Review

I've been waiting very impatiently for my pre-ordered copy of Quilting Modern to arrive.  I've mentioned before that Jacquie is a friend and the former president of my local Modern Quilt Guild chapter.  I've had the pleasure of seeing her work in person on many occasions and am always inspired by it.  She has encouraged me so much as a quilter.  While I don't know her co-author Katie Pederson, I've favorited many a quilt of hers on flickr, like Stepping Stones.  So, when the book finally showed up this week, I read it straight through.  Click the photo below for an affiliate link to the book.

Now, I do buy quilting books, but I rarely follow a pattern from one.  This book is exactly the kind of quilting book I have been waiting for.  It explains and illustrates improvisational techniques and shows you how to use each technique to create several different modern quilts, allowing you to use the method on your own rather than follow a strict pattern.  I'm excited to try several of the projects, but my favorite has to be the one that first caught my eye on flickr - Stepping Stones. It was quilted by the fabulous Angela Walters.  Look at those pebbles!
I love that the book includes a diagram of each quilt and basic dimensions, without giving specific measurements for every little piece.  It gives you enough information to create the feel of the quilt while making it really your own, not a replica.
Interweave has formatted the book beautifully, and the illustrations are really well done.  I am definitely a visual learner when it comes to techniques, and I can understand each method at a glance.  If you're interested in modern quilting and want to try improvisational piecing, this book is a must own!
FYI, I have not received anything for this review, but I loved the book so much, I had to spread the word.

7 comments:

Nadine said...

Ha, you too? I did the same. fell in love with the book and had to write about it. I didn't really write a review like you but I mentioned it on my blog. I can"t wait to try all those projects myself. Great minds ....

DianeY said...

Thanks for your review! I've been so curious about this book & I much prefer an unsolicited review than the standard blog hop reviewa

Annabella said...

Great review and this has been on my wishlist since Katie first blogged about it. I love that it gives a framework for a design rather than a pattern. A must buy.

Debbie said...

haha. I just posted about my visit to a book-signing with Katie, and I'm equally impressed.

rachael {imagine gnats} said...

i need to get my hands on this book!! looks great :)

jacquie said...

Thanks Alex! So great to hear your thoughts on the book. You definitely "get it." Enjoy!

CitricSugar said...

Thanks for the heads-up! It has been on my wish list since it was announced.