Temecula Quilt Company - Quirky Little Quilts: Patchwork from the Past, Projects for the Present
S**S
“Make Do” Done Right: Classics with a Colorful Twist
Zing. Pop. Wacky. Civil War repro prints.Which of the above is not like the others?Amazingly, they all go together in Quirky Little Quilts by blogger and shop-owner Sheryl Johnson. Classic blocks dominate each of the 14 “quirky” projects, resulting in many divine designs to please the traditionalist’s eye. Ms. Johnson jumbles and juggles war-era reproduction prints until they land in pleasing - but occasionally odd - layouts.(Please note that I don't follow the author's blog, had never heard of her before pre-ordering this book based on its title, and did not write this review at anyone's request. I did, however, go to Temecula once for an hour and it's a really neat town. But that was long before the author ever even opened her shop. My travelling companion was far more interested in dinner than quilting. Sad, but true.)Some of the quilts thrive on asymmetry. Rules of value, balance, and color get broken in others. Poison greens and ick yellows frolic shamelessly amongst the pinks and reds in “19th-Century Nine Patch” (13.5”x13.5”). Scrappy happenstance leads to already-eaten cakes and invisible pedestals in “Calico Cake Stands” (35.75”x28.75”), whose unusual finished dimensions make for a terrific wall quilt. Carefree trumps careless with “Shoofly Sampler” (21.5”x21.5”). 2 or 3 of its blocks are so low in contrast that they are muddy, technically speaking. And yet this quilt happily graces the book’s cover.~ ~ ~Many of the 14 projects are quite beginner-friendly. But do take note that basic quilting skills are assumed or dependent on other resources. Quirky Little Quilts has only 1 chapter of instructions, and that is for single-fold binding.~ ~ ~Although these quilts are small in their bound dimensions, a few are daunting in block sizes and number of pieces. For example, “Patchwork Potpourri” (24.5”x 31”) is a sampler of teeny tiny blocks, 1 of which is 2”x2” 9-patch block made of 9 half-square triangles. It will be a joyous challenge for lovers of miniature quilts.My favorite quilt is super simple and a rare example of Ms. Johnson paying attention to color theory. “Prairie Patches” (15.5”x19.5”) features an array of 1”x1” postage stamp squares arranged in a Trip Around the World pattern. The chosen colors are subtle, sublime, and fantastic. (And who cares if 1 of the directionally striped brown pieces is facing the “wrong” direction? Remember, no rules, just fun and love of fabric.)But my favorite favorite is “Mini Medallion” (20.5”x20.5”). It is a lesson in built-up stripped and pieced borders; 7 of them surround a single 3”x3” 9-patch block. 1 border is made of adorable tumbler blocks, while the outermost border is composed of piano key bars. I have gazed at this quilt's photograph for a certifiably nutty amount of time. I WANT and MUST HAVE those exact fabrics.More surprises await in this charming twist on tradition. I highly recommend you discover them on your own.
E**R
A Great Way to Use Up Scraps
This book provides patterns for 15 small quilts ranging in size from 13 1/2" x 13 1/2" to 36 3/4" x 47 1/2" (most are closer to 18" x 24"). Each pattern is preceded by a brief paragraph describing the inspiration for the quilt. The photos are clear, as are the instructions, which include dimensions for not only the finished block, but the intermediate steps that make up the block, row, etc., as well. If you love old quilts, as I do, you will love this book.
T**E
Quilts with a history.
I enjoyed the stories and descriptions of these beautiful vintage small quilts. I was taken back to a time when scraps were few and precious and piecing and quilting were done mostly by hand. After reading about these wonderful little quilts, I couldn't wait to get out my scraps and start cutting and sewing!
J**R
Fun Little Quilts
Sheryl's first book surely won't be her last. This fun book includes something for everyone, and introduces a unique quilter to the rest of the world. I've earmarked several quilts to make immediately. That T quilt is calling to me!
M**R
Great Book for Making Sweet Little Quilts
I love this book as I knew I would. The quilts in it are very small and are copied from little quilts from the 1800's showing how the makers either had to make do with the fabrics they had, or they weren't as fussy as we are today in ensuring that all fabrics go together perfectly. Love the 'feel' of these cuties.
L**N
Inspirational
I enjoyed reading the book and reviewing the patterns. The scrappy and small quilts are intriguing. I looking forward to make some of these small treasures with my own scrap stash.
W**E
A Must Buy
Great book! This is a must have if you like scrappy quilts. Sheryl has done a wonderful job of collecting the perfect little quilts to adorn your home.
D**K
Joy of finishing my small quilt.
I love this quirky little quilt book! I love making smaller quilts. I can use fabric from my stash. I can have the joy of finishing my small quilt and start another one.
K**G
A great addition to your collection.
This a lovely book, with some great projects in it. Clear photos and instructions....I would thoroughly recommend it.
S**E
Fun and more fun
Love this book. Am working on my first project and have two more lined up. Lots of inspiration. Designs are well done and instructions are well written.My copy arrived with a torn cover. Amazon’s service for replacing the damaged copy was amazing! Prompt, efficient service with a quick turnaround time.
L**C
Excellent!
I love small quilts and this book doesn’t disappoint, full of wonderful projects to make and lots of beautiful photos! Very well done!
L**
Patchwork 1
Adorei
L**O
Bom
Lindos projetos
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