****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I love quilts and I love applique! Combine the two and I'm in heaven. By using the Look Inside feature and viewing the accompanying images, we can see the beauty of each project. I love books that have this feature available. When the book arrives, it keeps surprises at a minimum. If you love what you see, you'll love this book.In the introduction, Cheryl Wall says, "I hope the projects in this book look approachable and not intimidating...I believe that quilting, like life, is as much about the process as it is about reaching a destination...so, enjoy the journey!" In my mind, this attitude is reflected in her designs.When I make quilts, I predominantly choose designs, which reflect what I love even though they may not be illustrated in the exact colors I will use. If the warm, country, and deep, rich hues, of tan, red, blue, and black don't appeal to you, changing colors is an option. I like how Wall uses value to achieve the striking contrast in her quilts and the materials list for each project specifies yardage amounts for light, dark, and medium fabrics.I found the instructions for each quilt detailed and easy to understand. I would recommend this book for those with sewing experience. Instructions are given for cutting, sewing, applique techniques (fusible web or turned under), borders, backing, quilting, and binding. Further directions are included for every technique used in each project. In addition, sprinkled throughout, are "hint" windows with specific tips corresponding to the individual quilts.Another plus is that all the templates are full sized, NO ENLARGING necessary!For anyone who would like to find further instruction in quilt-making, I really like Harriet Hargrave's Academy books; freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior are available. Quilter's Academy Freshman Year: A Skill-Building Course in Quiltmaking. I recently purchased The Quilter's Bible, which is also good. Although, Hargrave gives information on selecting a good sewing machine for quilting while the Quilter's Bible does not. Check them out and see which you would prefer.
