Colorful Quilts For Fabric Lovers: 10 Easy-to-Make Projects with a Modern Edge

Aug 11

A book for those who happily describe themselves as modern quilters or those who would like to give this style of quiltmaking a go. The 10 projects included here are characterised by very easy patchwork based on strips, rectangles and squares - you don't even have to tackle a triangle! The simplicity of the shapes allows the colours and prints of the fabrics to take the starring role. Amy and Janine have chosen to work with saturated colours in rich jewel hues and some neutrals to provide a backdrop for them. Each project includes suggestions for alternative colourways and guidelines for how to make the quilt in diiferent sizes, from 36in baby quilts all the way up to the 102in king size.

March 12

I love colour and I love fabrics, so this book is right up my street. It looks at ways of using commercially produced, shop bought fabrics and colour. Amy gives lots of tips and suggestions for putting fabrics together. I love the samples of the work shown in this book. The instructions for making the projects are clear and easy to follow. The photographs are excellent. What's more is you also get alternatives - both on colourways and on size - that's a big plus - you are really getting more than ten projects. The tips extend to all aspects of quilting - fabric, colour, batting, top quilt construction, an excellent quilt basics section, finishing and more. There are only 10 projects, but they are so good I would make all ten, much better than having more but not liking many of them! If you have ever struggled with putting fabrics together you should definitely read this book. I think most quilters would benefit from the advice in this book. The designs are not complicated but rely instead on use of colour and top stitching for a fabulous effect that is achieved every single time. One of my favourite quilt books of the year.

Jan 12

We all have our own idea of what we like in a quilt. Some like traditional while others rush to embrace the newer edgier modern quilting style and some of us just love about every style of quilting there is. The one thing we all have in common is our love of stitching and fabric...especially fabric. In Amy Walsh & Janine Burke's new book Color- ful Quilts for Fabric Lovers they share their passion for fabric. The book offers advice on collecting fabrics, choosing fabrics, working on a design wall, washing fabrics and washing quilts. Once you have your fabric safely tucked away, it is time to begin design- ing. Here the book guides you through color basics such as: working with a focus fabric, using a variety of textures, having extra fabric on hand. The projects in the book are all relatively simple, using squares and rectangles. These basic shapes are combined with favorite fabrics to create beautiful contemporary designs. The instructions are excellent with tips and hints on basic quilt making skills. The beautiful photos of the projects, with their rich jewel tones juxtaposed against the cool neutrals, will make you want to run to your sewing room and start playing in your fabric stash.

Amy has been sewing and quilting ever since she was old enough to sit at the sewing machine. As a little girl, she used to sneak down the stairs after bedtime to spy on her mother's sewing bees. She started her fabric collection at an early age by storing it in her bedroom closet.

Throughout her years of college and teaching, sewing, and especially fabric, remained her passion. In 2004, Amy left her job teaching history and started working as a longarm quilter. Amy started Blue Underground Studios, Inc., with fellow longarm quilter Janine Burke in 2005.

Amy resides in Chicago with her husband and daughter.
Janine's grandmother taught her to sew while she was in grade school. She spent many hours embroidering dishtowels and pillowcases. Eventually her love of stitching led to a love of quilting, and she started collecting fabrics. After many years as a hobby quilter, Janine turned quilting into a career when she started longarm quilting. In addition to pattern design, she also teaches classes and workes in the industry in several different capacities. Janine resides in the Chicago area.