Design your own successful quilt by learning balance, focus, and color in this well-written text.  Then choose a "recipe" for your placing blocks.  Directions for easy filler blocks ito coordinate with your feature fabric are included. Next  add some applique if you wish.  Finish with embellishments if that makes you happy.  Stand back and enjoy your masterpiece!  The possibilites are endless. 

When Marilyn Altenbach caught this author on Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims' THE QUILT SHOW (check out  the eight seasons of DVDs in our library!) she told me how excited she was about this different technique.  A special ruler can be usesd to make these blocks, but I believe we can all figure out how to make them without the ruler if we choose not to make the extra purchase.  Everyone who sees the quilts in this book will want to start cutting 1-1/2 inch strips to have on hand for these exciting quilts. 

You won't believe how many different looks a Kaleidoscope block can make!  There is a lifetime of ideas in this skinny little book.  Marti  Michell fills each page to the fullest.  Thank you, Georgiann Morrissey, for suggesting this book for our library. 

15 skinny quilt designs to be used for tablerunners, at the foot of the bed, over the back of the couch, to decorate a narrow wall.  Some pieced, some appliqued, some scrappy, some color-controlled.  Something for everyone.

This book is by another quilter that I saw on THE QUILT SHOW (Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims' DVDs, which we have in our library).  While traveling in Mexico, Cheryl fell in love with tiles.  Here she teaches us to turn tile designs into quilt blocks with the use of fusible applique.  As always, if the thought of a large quilt is too much, use her patterns for placemats (some embellished with prairie points), tablerunners, and pillows, some with rickrack and other dimensional elements.  I particularly enjoyed the photographs of how the tiles are used in the villages, the explanation of how they are made, and their history.  Almost makes me want to pack a suitcase (and note I started the sentence with "almost"!). 

A visit to a small village in England, Nayland, dating back to before Columbus sailing the ocean blue, captured the author's heart (and the photographs capture mine also!).  The projects in this book were influenced by the colors of the flowers tucked in among the charming cottages.  Quilts of all sizes, plus pillows and wallhangings are included.  There is even a recipe of a Lavender Tea Cake!  I am thrilled to have had this lovely book donated for our library.

After viewing Edyta on The Quilt Show DVD,  Episode 802,  (Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims) I knew we should have her books in our library.  She teaches a fool-proof method for making perfect half-square triangles.  If you do not have enough variety of fabrics in your own possession for your project, try her hints for triangle exchanges. 

Watch Edyta on Episode 802 of Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims' THE QUILT SHOW and you will know why I wanted her books in our library.  Her projects make me want to paw through my fabrics and sew strips to turn into blocks that turn into baskets, stars, flowers, spools, houses, thimbles, kaleidoscopes, nine-patches, and more.  Or you may use her instructions for purchased fabric jelly rolls.  For more variety, start a strip exchange per her hints.

Even though we have the excellent book of the same title in our library, there are many who enjoy watching instructions on a DVD.  The right fabric, batting, thread, needles, frame, hoop, thimble all are discussed here to help make your hand quilting a success. 

Marilyn Altenbach has come through once again to obtain these terrific DVDs for our guild with her Quilt Show membership, and I thank her.  Even though I may sit down to watch an episode thinking that I am not going to be interested in the topic, I am always proven wrong as there is at least one very valuable tip in every show.  I was so impressed with Ricky's tutorial on the machine blanket stitch that I watched it a second time, then a third while I was taking notes.  Everyone who wants to machine applique MUST watch this!  I will even email you a copy of my notes if you want a headstart. 

The following is just a hint of what you might find in an episode:

801:  Susan Carlson - "Painting with Fabric - Free-Style Quilts" (her books are in our library)

802:  Edyta Sitar - Triangles and Strips (and yes, those two books are now in our library)

803/804:  Rhapsody Quilt by Ricky Tims (and the excellent information on machine blanket stitching)

805:  Dara Williamson and Christine Porter (Depression-era quilts, 30s fabrics)

806:  Verna Mosquera (hand applique)

807:  Ronda Beyer

808:  Jo Morton and David Taylor

809:  Alex (foundation piecing)

810:  Sue Spargo (folk art, lots of embellishing)

811:  Cheryl Lynch (Mexican tile-inspired, also Jewish imagery)

812:  Rob Appell (very charming surfer-quilter guy!)

813:  Wendy Grande (silk ribbon applique)

When Sandy Klop spoke to our guild she gave us hints about this new book, and we just could not wait for its publication.  Sandy has such a charming, cheerful way of putting together  bright colors and designs.  These thirteen quilts are not strickly for the kitchen! 

Whether you quilt by machine or hand, here you can learn to use curved crosshatching by reading the book and/or watching the enclosed DVD.  Included are 128 designs to mix and match to make your project unique. 

Sharon Mills, thank you for requesting this book for our library.  Floor tile designs in Venice, Italy, are the inspiration for these beautiful quilts.  Some are quite easy to construct, and others are very complicated, but do-able with Christine's precise instructions.  Be sure to see a Medallion quilt made by fellow guild member Judy Mathieson, and a Honeycomb design made by guild speaker Cathie Hoover of Modesto.  The Tumbling Blocks quilt  is made without those dreaded Y-seams.  We are fortunate to have batiks and hand-dyed fabrics that resemble marble.   Remember that you do not have to travel far from home to find lovely floors.  I recently encountered a unique tile design on the floor of the  Luce restaurant at the new Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco and was given permission to photograph it. 

The cover quilt looks complicated, but taken block by block a neighborhood of houses, trees, stars, and flowers is soon built, all surrounded by fillers of traditional blocks.  Patterns are also included for wallhangings, pillows, and tablerunners.  Extra instructions are given for making half-square triangles, embroidery,  finishing the project, and working with wool.  I had a hard time giving this book up.  Someday maybe a similar quilt will hang in my home.

To make my life easier, as the front flap of this book states it perfectly, I quote:  "Women in the 1930s created beauty during very tough times in the form of quilts to keep their families warm.  They hand penned letters to family and friends in far away places to stay connected.  They were busy and it's no wonder that some of their quilts never got finished . . . left as orphans for another generation.  Can I pay homage to those quilters I so admire by finishing what they started?  Is it possible to add my style of simple lines, contemporary fabric, and unexpected color blending without compromising the original intent?  Can I write plausible stories in the form of letters to celebrate their lives?"  The author not only has written a thoughtful book, but has inspired me to set a collection of basket blocks from our Auction Table into a quilt top.  This book allowed me to work with the blocks without being compelled to re-make them where points did not match perfectly.  I was given permission to enjoy the finished project and not call in the quilt police.   Gyleen is also the author of THE DREAM ~ A MAGICAL JOURNEY IN COLOURFUL STITCHES. 

Even if you do not have little ones to read this to, check it out anyway and read the sweet story  yourself as you enjoy the colorful, embellished blocks that make into a sampler quilt.  Gyleen is also the author of QUILTS: UNFINISHED STORIES WITH NEW ENDINGS. 

To quote the back of the book:  "Influenced by graffiti, collage, and nature, Alisa burke brings her own twist to every project and technique, encouraging you to be free and imaginative in your creations."  Try her  fun techniques such as fusing plastic bags (sounds interesting, doesn't it!),  Use her ideas to create hats, wreaths, pillows, bracelets, aprons, belts, laptop cases, and of course, quilts.  Watch the DVD to learn to make 3-D flowers to embellish the art.

The author's friend said "When all else fails, sew strips."  They call this strip therapy sewing, and it works.  The "sew don't think" process can make one feel immensely better.  I inherited a pile of blocks that just did not work for the maker.  I sewed them together and discovered that the intersecting patterns were not a good idea.  Remembering this technique, I grabbed the rotary cutter and started slashing and inserting contrasting bands.  I am glad that I took a "before" photo to illustrate the difference.  Give this book a try -- it might be just what you need to "save" some of your projects.

When reading Jennifer's novels I avoid glancing at the book description and just jump into the story so that the surprises are not ruined.  I do suggest that you read these books in order that they were written so you can get to know the characters.  If in doubt, you can check the list taped to the end of the library cart to learn the sequence of the novels.  And to prove that I really do read our library books, on page 100 I have noted a mistake, which I verified with Jennifer.  She thanked me as this will now be corrected in subsequent publications.  As you read the Elm Creed Quilts novels you may wish to check out the projects books Jennifer has written with patterns for the quilts that were inspired by the novels. 

Jennifer shares her inspiration for the characters in her last six novels -- their quilts and their stories with these 13 quilt projects to piece and applique.

Here are 99  new 12-inch  block designs  to piece, applique, embroider, and/or paper-piece.  I had my doubts that there could really be so many new ideas, but I was wrong.  The fresh colors make these blocks very contemporary, but tweak the color combinations to suit your personal desires.

Mary Wood taught us the terrific method  BACKING AS SELF-BINDING at a TSW.  If you were unable to attend, or need a refresher, check out page 84 of this book for details.  Thanks to Phyllis Gallaway for locating this book for our library.  It is filled with, as the title states, the basics!

Menehune?  A theory:  it could be that the original creators of Hawaiian quilting were, quite possibly, the Menehunes (a tiny race of Polynesians known for their sweet, but at times mischievous spirit and their unending work ethic, who spent the daylight hours in caves and dense forests through the Hawaiian islands avoiding the curiosity seekers.  You must read the charmingly written and illustrated book to learn more.  Twenty patterns are featured, such as Forget-Me-Not, Passion Flower, and Plumeria Blossom.  A donation.

Curves running through blocks can be arranged into a quilt resembling roads that toddlers can drive their miniature cars over -- this is just one of the patterns in this oldie-but-goodie book that has been donated for our library. Also included is a long-time favorite of mine,  the 3-D Nine Patch, as well as  several  star patterns, a pinwheel, windmill,  memory chain, and of course, a Double Wedding Ring. 

Grandmother's Flower Garden, Double Wedding Ring, Drunkards Path, Dresden Plate, Double Irish Chain, Friendship Star, Nine Patch, The Fan, Churn Dash, Job's Troubles, Ocean Waves, and Basket -- all Traditional quilt patterns, with their histories as a bonus.  A nice donation of an older book to our collection.

If machine or hand quilting a large quilt overwhelms you, you might just want to try lap quilting.  Learn how to quilt small pieces then join them together.  The pattern for the Jersey Cow quilt would make for a fun Friendship Block project.  A sampler in the shape of a house shows a unique way of putting a quilt together.  "Round and Round We Go" might just be something we need for a "no brainer" quilt made with lots of strip scraps.  The "Itsy Bitsy Spider quilt is a favorite of mine.  More than 20 projects included.  A nice donation for our library.

Learn to easily make chenille fabric, then use the patterns to turn it into a vest or  tote, of which patterns are included.  Let this donated book be a stepping stone for your own creations.

44 designs for traditional appliqued rose quilt blocks.  Make one for a wall quilt, or combine many for a king-size quilt.  A donation.

Even if you are left-handed you can learn many tips for using a rotary cutter accurately in this newly donated book.  Learn to cut strips, squares, half-square triangles, true rectangles, half rectangles, diamonds, parallelograms, equilateral triangles, trapezoids, half-trapezoids, prisms, hexagons, octagons, kites, and more -- and put them together into a variety of star quilts, including my favorite, Feathered Star.  A very nice donation.

Double Wedding Rings, Baskets, Flowers, Dresden Plate, Garden Wedding, and more patterns -- all very romantic quilts. A pretty donation to our library.

More than 25 projects from the TV series "Cutting from the Heartland," 800 Series, including a braid, chicken coop, holly wreath, Christmas ornaments, Scotty dogs, hearts, fish, pansies, a wonderful butterfly, snowflake blocks, Churn Dash, and more.

While traveling and hitting all of the quilt shops you should also search out the more than 3,200 painted quilt blocks decorating barns in 30 states.  This book not only tells how the practice of painting quilt blocks on barns started, but also tells charming stories of people who own barns, shows photos of many different styles of barns, gives patterns for blocks, plus instructions for projects including aprons, dish towels, recipes, and of course, quilts!

Use the applique method of your choice to add whimsical posies, birds, and all things garden to quilts, mug covers, banners, pillows, table runners, tea towels, aprons, and more

With the dues our Santa Rosa Quilt Guild pays annually to the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG) we receive this book, and we do have all 32 in our library.  In-depth reports in this issue include such diverse topics as "The Dublin Quilt:  A Civil War Textile Document," "Tivaevae:  Women's Quilting in the Cook Islands," and one that will be of particular interest to many, "The Collaborative Relationship between Professional Machine Quilters and Their Customers in the Contemporary Quilt Movement," plus four more. 

10 Quilt Patterns (all spectacular), some with alternate setting suggestions of the blocks. all with other coloring ideas, variations in sizes for each pattern, most with pieced borders

Ideas for Quilters' Gatherings (such as classes, "reveal" parties, quilts for a cause, etc.

12 Potluck Recipes from salads to desserts

How does Judy keep coming up with these new ideas?  As always, a lovely book!

The story of quilting from Alabama to Zimbawe, plus 20 block patterns.  Foreword by Karey Patterson Bresenhan (Director of the International Quilt Festival.  A lovely keepsake for your coffee table or as a gift.

The Quilters Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions to the world of quilting (quilters, authors, historians, and others).  A few of the 42 legends included in this book are Joyce Gross, a Charter Member and Honorary Life Member of our Santa Rosa Quilt Guild!  Also read the stories of Cuesta Ray Benberry, Helen Kelley, Nancy Crow, Georgia Bonesteel, Virginia Avery, Jinny Beyer, Barbara Brackman, Michael James, Jean Ray Laury, Bonnie Leman, Yvonne Porcella, Jean Wells, and so many more.  Definitely coffee table appropriate, and a wonderful gift.

Mickey has been painting cloth for over 20 years.  Many have purchased her fabrics but loved them too much to cut them up.  Being well aware of that problem, Mickey has written this, her second book, to show you how to use those pieces.  As a bonus she also shares a dozen of her fabric painting techniques.  Besides the well-written instructions and beautiful gallery of quilts, I found on page 68 a tip I had not run into before regarding a technique of placing tracing paper over a photo of your quilt to audition quilting ideas!  THAT was worth the price of the book right there!

Combine the favorite traditional blocks of  Dresden Plate and Grandmother's Flower Garden to create this new combination "Dresden Flower Garden." Simplified cutting and piecing techniques make sewing these hexagons easy.  Many size and setting options are included.  This donation is a nice addition to our library

Parents, teachers, and group leaders will find more than 40 quilting projects for children in this donation from Tera Antaree. 

The quilt designs in this book  look more complex than they really are because the easy piecing and colorful fabric do all the hard work.  Rich jewel tones juxtaposed with cool neutrals make these quilts pop.  Recipes are included for alternative sizes, and color variations are so helpful.  Thank you, Joyce Wood, for requesting this book for our library. 

This skinny little book is full of helpful hints for designing quilting for your top whether you are a hand or machine quilter.  Each project is  analyzed with the possibility of at least  three different quilting designs with explanations of why some of them work, some don't, and how to choose a combination for prize-winning results.  Thank you, Diana Roberts, for recommending this book for our library. 

I have chosen the category of BASICS to file this book under, but please do not be scared off thinking that this book is just for beginners.  It offers is so much in the way of designing quilts from an artist's viewpoint that every quilter will want to read this book over and over again.  Activities and exercises are provided after each chapter that can be used by the individual reader, or in a group with the curriculum already spelled out for classes.  153 quilts from a wide range of artists are included to illustrate each point. 

Skansen Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, is the inspiration for yet another fabric line and twenty more quilts by Kaffe and his friends (including Liza Prior Lucy, Pauline Smith, Roberta Horton, and Mary Mashuta, Sally Davis).  If you can't pack your bags and hop a plane for Europe, enjoy these photographs from your own home.  The quilt patterns are simple, but the choice of fabrics make them very exciting.

Cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, falling leaves, flying cranes, exquisite fans, wisteria, camellias, a bamboo grove, and more glorious images set on geometric backgrounds reflecting this quilt artist's poetic nature.  Our thanks to Tera Antaree for donating this beautiful book to our library.

Taupes, browns, creams, grays, blacks, whites - NEUTRALS - can make stunning quilts, mantel scarves, bolster pillows, woven pillow shams.  Learn more about the "value of value." 

Quoting from the book:  "Arguably, the American quilt is the quintessential example of folk art.  And beyond argument, quilting is crucial to the study of the history of American women.  Like all folk art, quilting established a defined culture with tangible traditions."   "This book examines the vocabulary, sayings, folk beliefs, superstitions, folk poetry, historical significance, and even the graffiti of the American quilter.  Find out what quilters do "in the ditch," what they do with "betweens," and where they hide their "pigs." "  Start from the beginning and read to the end, or pick up and read a page or two whenever you have time.    I learned , among other things that the acronym WOMBAT stands for "Waste Of Money, Batting, and Time." 

I quote the author:  "Decide-as-you-sew methods appeal to many people who are neither patient nor careful by nature, to those with a somewhat haphazard approach to creativity, to the easily frustrated, and to quiltmakers who have grown bored with traditional methods.  This is not a book for the perfectionist, but for the rest of us."  And the back cover goes on to say:  this "is not an invitation to sloppy workmanship.  Instead, it offers a new style of quiltmaking built on the belief that beginners and seasoned quilters alike can make beautiful, unique quilts without being ruled by the demands of technical perfection."  I hope this gives you enough of a carrot to check out this book that Tera Antaree pointed out for us.

Marilyn Altenbach very generously donated this for our library.  This hefty book tells the history and display more than 300 quilts created between 1825 and 1960.  Each beautifully photographed quilt is accompanied by a description of the materials used, the maker's name (when known -- remember to sign and date your quilts!), the date made, and the collector value.  Extra information in the book includes:  advice for starting a collection, tips for spotting fakes and reproductions, guidelines for dating quilts, recommendation for storage, display, cleaning, and repair.  This is a book that can be picked up and glanced at when there is just one minute of extra time, but be careful as it is hard to put down. 

When Linda Hooper gave us a demonstration of some of the things that our  guild website can do, she threw in a bonus of how to navigate another website ( wwwQuiltville.com ) .  At that time I learned that one of our favorite authors, Bonnie K. Hunter, has had published another book, which introduces more projects to help reuse, re-purpose, and recycle scraps.  Learn how to search for great fabrics in unexpected places and  the best way to cut, store, and make them into new treasures.  Once again, I am really excited by Bonnie's color combinations.  Thanks to Jan Andrews for first putting us on to Bonnie's books.  Be sure to check out her other books:  SCRAPS & SHIRTTAILS and ADVENTURES WITH LEADERS & ENDERS.

Grab those charm packs (a.k.a. 5" squares) or those layer cakes (the ones with no calories - the 10" squares of fabrics) ~~ or make your own combinations from your existing collection of materials.  Carrie is back with more "schnibbles"  (and to refresh our memories:  The Pennsylvania Dutch were referring to a scrap of fabric or a leftover bit of cloth when they used that fun-sounding word).  See each of the dozen quilt patterns made up in two color combinations and two sizes -- all yummy!