Book Review
For a small book, The Joy of Quilting is jam-packed with ideas
and information beginning with the intro by Alex Colville.
Photos of quilts begin on the front cover and continue on subsequent
pages before any instructions how to make quilts are given.
It is very important to read the preface of the book because in
it, two chapters are referred to specifically. Chapter four
and six are respectively about basic techniques and projects to
start off with slowly, moving gradually from simple to more difficult
pieces. Also in the preface "If you can sew, you can
use this book", the author speaks about how she intends this
book to be an inspiration and provide incentive for all quilters
(novice to seasoned quilters and sewers).
Laurie Swim, the author, gives common sense advice, recommending
the reader start off slow, not to be too ambitions so you don't
get discouraged and abandon your project. This advice sets
the tone for the rest of the book because the common sense approach
continues with hints and tips throughout the rest of the quilt projects.
The author also takes a do what feels comfortable approach to quilting
because everyone has their own way of doing things that makes sense
and works well for them.
Portions of the chapters following the preface are very important
to read because they may affect the outcome of your quilt project.
Chapter 1, The Quilt - The textile sandwich and its history, covers
the origins and history of the quilt but also mentions the techniques
of quilting that you might want to consider. The author uses
her own quilts as examples to demonstrate the techniques she uses
and the process of quilting in which she engages. What I like
is that she isn't telling you whether to hand-stitch or machine
stitch, just what each method offers you and how it will affect
your quilt. Chapter 2, Imagery & Inspiration - From the
tradition of quilting to individual interpretation has a section
on Fabrics and how to collect them that educates you on the properties
of various materials you can use in quilts and where to find great
pieces of material from retail stores to thrift shops and garage
sales. This chapter also covers the design aspect of the quilt
and the author's "rule of thumb is, "Simple is best?"
You can also get design ideas in the subsequent pages from examples
of her artwork in the section on Inspiration.
I like the chapter called Playtime in which the author demonstrates
that quilting isn't only for blankets and creates dolls and clothing
that are very colorful and interesting. It is also important
to read up on the Materials and Tools section of the final chapter,
Projects - Step-by-step Instructions because you will learn about
what is necessary to make your quilt and various methods you should
consider before you begin to quilt. The author also includes
various quilt making tips to help you make a successful quilt, (i.e.
tools and threads to use that will work with your project).
She also suggests saving up decorative materials such as buttons,
beads, trim and ribbons for future projects so you always have something
on hand when you are designing and making your own quilt.
This book is a great resource for all quilters whether they require
patterns, ideas and inspiration for designing their own quilts or
instruction on how to make quilts. As the author says, "It
is up to you to decide whether you use this as a pattern book or
as a guide for developing techniques to execute your own ideas."
Other important sections to read are how to hang and care for a
quilt and the process of creating a pattern from your own design
if you are that ambitious and creative. |
