Accompanied by beautiful pictures of sample quilt projects, the patterns in Gloria Nicol’s book are easy to follow and simple to complete. There are a wide variety of projects ranging from very small, such as the lavender sachet, to large, such as the family quilt. While some of the projects are a bit more involved than others, a beginning quilter would be able to complete any of the projects in this book. More experienced quilters will find a variety of quick quilting projects that can easily be made in a few hours, in most cases.
Machine Quilt Patterns
The book contains 25 different patterns of quilting items to be made with a sewing machine. Pattern categories include pillows and table linens, quilts and throws, curtains and cushions, and bags and gifts. The patterns go well beyond the traditional quilt; there are ideas for placemats, handbags, curtains, a bolster cover, a picnic blanket, a silverware roll, a star-patterned laundry bag, and more.
Each pattern is laid out clearly, with a brief introduction, a list of the quilting supplies needed, tips for completing the project, step-by-step instructions, and a variety of color photos. Most of the instructions are also paired with an illustration to help with following the steps. The illustrations are useful, and they can clear up any confusion the reader may have about completing the projects. Sample fabric ideas are also included with the patterns, showing how different colors and prints can be used to create the finished product.
Making a Sewing Machine Quilt
For beginning quilters, there is a section on quilting techniques in the back of the book. This section provides information on the quilting techniques used throughout the book, such as the equipment needed, how to use a rotary cutter, batting and interlining information, fabrics, joining patchwork pieces and machine quilting. Basic tips, like how to make a button hole are helpful for those who are not experienced with quilting or using a sewing machine.
Also provided are tips on making the binding, piping, inserting a zipper, hand stitching, and mitering corners. Care, storage, and washing information are also provided. This book is a thorough resource for beginning machine quilters and can be a valuable reference and refresher for more experienced quilters.
If there is a drawback to this book, it would be that it might be difficult to recreate some of the patterns exactly like the pictured samples. Many of the samples use vintage fabrics that might not be readily available. However, this can be seen as a challenge to try new fabrics, colors, and prints.
Publication Information:
Quick & Easy Machine Quilts: 25 Modern Heirlooms for the Home,
By Gloria Nicol
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Creative Homeowner, 2004.
Retail Price: $19.95
ISBN: 1-58011-174-2
Jeris Swanhorst - After earning a Bachelor's degree in English, Literature from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005, Jeris Swanhorst went on to earn ...
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