November 2015
A comprehensive guide to patchwork starting with the essential equipment, covering fabric, threads, needles etc. There is a good section explaining the parts of a sewing machine. Many close up photos and clear instructions help you progress from a simple Rail Fence block to a Sampler quilt. Quick piecing techniques e.g. chain piecing and half square triangles are taught on the
way. Applique and reverse applique, plus English paper piecing are also covered. Hand and machine quilting are mentioned briefly. It is a good introduction to the craft.
* British Patchwork and Quilting *
October 2015
This book is a great introduction to quilting. Divided into three sections, it covers all the basics, from setting up a sewing machine to safe rotary cutting and binding and caring for your quilts. Jessica introduces a huge range of quilting techniques, from simple seams and English paper piecing. There are tips and helpful photographs to help new quilters have hours of stitching fun while they master the craft. A great book to have in your library.
* Love to Make *
This book is designed so that anyone that wants to learn to quilt they can. You are taken through everything you will need to know so that you can start quilting. Chapter 1 starts out by giving you quilting essentials. It talks you through everything from choosing your fabrics to familiarising yourself with your sewing machine. The 2nd chapter gives you all the quilting techniques you'll need. You'll learn the most important techniques and each one is demonstrated with it's own quilted block. You can dip in and out of the book learning each technique when you need to. Or you can choose to follow the book through from start to finish. Chapter 3 is jam packed with projects for you to practice you new found skills. Each of the techniques are used and every project has step by step instructions. As someone who is new to quilting I cannot recommend this book enough.
When I first started looking at making a quilt it seemed daunting. With this book you can take it step by step and it seems so much simpler. The projects are fun and interesting and you can choose you own choice of fabric to make it match your own decor. Or why not make something for one of your family or a friend. I've only just started on my quilting journey. If you want to start your journey then there is no better place to start than with this book.
* Crochet Addict UK *
June 2015
Jessica Alexandrakis is featured in this month's designer showcase on page 71. We think you'll agree her eye for good design makes her exactly the sort of person you'd like as a guide on your quilting journey Thankfully The Complete Quilter provides just such an opportunity. The trouble with many how to guides is that they can be impersonal and removed, but jessica presents us with a book that is not only a wonderfully detailed and precise guide, but also warm and insightful in tone. It really is the next best thing to having a personal tutor. She stresses in her induction how personal and expressive quilting can be and you get the impression she wants the reader to learnt he techniques, to see what clicks, as an extension of a personal quilting vocabulary. This context makes the advice easy to take on board and the guidance is technically astute as well as perfectly pitched. Indispensable and packed with great ideas, this book is thoroughly recommended to all those interested in starting or improving their quilting.
* Popular Patchwork *
July 2015
Find all the essential information, techniques, instructions and more to enable anyone to quilt. Great skill-building projects. Find out how to make a block and how to use applique techniques. I really enjoyed this book with its selection of traditional and contemporary projects, advice and tips.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
