Cutting Curves From Straight Pieces

Curves catch the eye. Learn to elevate your quilts beyond the ordinary using what the author calls 'bent pieces.' Transform even your favorite traditional patterns using the three simple types of cuts demonstrated here. Sixteen projects and easy to follow instruction will have you bowing to rave reviews in no time. Even learning these techniques offers immediate rewards - the practice segments become a wallhanging. Instructions are included for bending such traditional favorites as Triple Rail Fence, Churn Dash, Log Cabin, and Thelma's Choice. Bent segments make interesting borders and sashing strips, too. It's easy. Just stack fabrics and using a rotary cutter, cut gentle curves. Sew strips together and enjoy the results.

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf

Two left feet? No problem with this smooth technique. Partner up odd-shaped pieces to create a rhythm all your own. The combination of two simple geometric shapes produces 'dancer' segments, which align beautifully into lively quilt designs. Fabric contrast, placement of the piece on the background, tilt, and placement of the segment in the quilt provide endless variations on more than 10 projects. Several projects contain additional photographs to illustrate these variations. Get carried away with Debbie's spirited approach to quiltmaking in projects such as Sash Dance, Rock & Roll, and Electric Slide. Creating the segments in dancing quilts is fun, inventive, and unpredictable, making each quilt uniquely yours. Decorative stitches and threads can be used to energize the small pieces in the quilts. The nature of the technique allows you to work on small segments at one time rather than the whole quilt, giving you more freedom to experiment with these stitches. Detailed instructions and illustrations give you the confidence to step out on your own and create an original movement in fabric.

Explore new options in improvisational piecing and empower your creativity! Cut and combine solid-color fabrics to create your own “prints”—stripes, polka dots, chevrons, plaids, and more. Forget the rules (and even your ruler) as you piece colorful solids into compelling quilt designs. Use color, pattern, and repetition to develop your personal design aesthetic as you stitch freely to create unique quilts that pack a punch!

Recycle Found Treasures into Fun Little Art Quilts to Give, Trade, and Show Off. 17 small-scale projects give you a quick and inexpensive way to play with new fiber art techniques and materials. Have fun making artist trading cards, fabric postcards, wallhangings, journal pages, luggage tags, or pin dolls. Enhance your creations with found objects like wine labels, driftwood, feathers, costume jewelry, even beer cans! Make beautiful beads from fabric scraps, stabilizer, wool felt, or recycled-plastic felt. Includes informative sections on tools, techniques and supplies. Is that a broken thrift store necklace, or the perfect centerpiece for your next artist trading card? Is it an old wine label, or a witty embellishment for a fabric postcard? Learn how to use supplies from your stash (and maybe your trash) to make charming little quilts. You'll find art all around you, once you learn to Embellish with Anything.

From planning to binding, learn the right way to do patchwork with best-selling authors from Piece O’ Cake Designs. Before they taught appliqué, Linda Jenkins and Becky Goldsmith shared a love of patchwork—and they’re still avid piecers today! Start with simple shapes, and then stretch your skills with diamonds, curves, and improv piecing. This visual guide to quiltmaking basics includes 10 colorful quilt projects, skill-building techniques, and tips for fabulous fabric selection.