Dancing Quilts From Straight Pieces

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.

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.

Daring, Dramatic, Dazzling-Dragonfly Quilts! Make 12 stunning contemporary quilts from the traditional Dragonfly block. Expand the design possibilities with 6 variations on the basic block. Learn how to create dramatically different looks by playing with your fabric's colors, textures, and values. Assemble your Dragonflies with traditional piecing, templates, paper piecing, or modified paper piecing. Everything you need to create dazzling new quilts from the traditional Dragonfly block is here in this comprehensive workbook. Try any of the 12 complete quilt projects, or use Sue's design techniques to make your own original Dragonfly designs.

The square root of these quilts is simply a square! Machine piece squares together; then recut the piece and stitch into an eye-popping quilt of dancing squares.

“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

An exciting journey into the world of design, The Visual Dance is a presentation of nature's design basics to help you build a foundation for your own style. This inspiring book clearly explains the how-tos of design for quilters and artists alike. Gallery of spectacular quilts, hundreds of detailed drawings, and 11 of Joen's original designs illuminate the discussion. Exercises guide you in understanding and using the design principles.

Photo tutorials show stitching in action for 50+ free-motion quilting designs to create modern quilts with classic style! Popular blogger and designer, Natalia Bonner, illustrates her instructions with detailed photos that make it easier to get beautiful results on your home sewing machine. Learn how to quilt all-over, as filler, on borders, and on individual blocks…using loops and swirls, feathers and flames, flowers and vines, pebbles and more! Includes tips for choosing batting and thread, layering and basting, starting and stopping, and prepping your machine are included. After you’ve practiced, show off your new skills with six geometric quilt projects.