Recently, Stash Books/C&T Publishing had a sale where they were selling books for $5-10. Of course, I had to take advantage of the sale. One of those books I purchased was “Quilt Essential”, a book I had never seen before….somehow I missed it.
Review
Title: “Quilt Essential”
Author: Erin Burke Harris
Publisher: Stash Books
ISBN: 978-1-60705-793-2
This book was not what I expected, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. This is probably the best quilt reference book I have read, so far. I wish this was one of the first books I had purchased when I started quilting a year ago.
The book is made up of 4 sections.
- Section 1: Fabric
This section covers, in-depth, types of fabrics – quilting cotton, muslin, broadcloth, voile, calico, flannel, lawn, linen, velvet, denim, corduroy, silk, wool and hand-dyed fabrics. It also includes yardage and measuring (cutting and calculating various shapes, sashing/borders, and batting) and caring for fabrics. - Section 2: Colors
Starting with the basics on color theory, this section then goes into more detail with matching fabrics and colors; how to combine prints and textures. - Section 3: Designs
Detailed information is provided on the various shapes that we use in quilting, with information on angle types and examples of how to use the various shapes. I love the chapters on traditional and modern quilting and how to combine the block types. The various quilt types/styles that people have created, is a great collection for inspiration and introducing people to the various styles….such as Japanese Sashiko quilts, Hawaiian quilts, Art quilts, Abstract quilts etc. Finally, this section finishes off with various sashing and border techniques and embellishment options for quilting. - Section 4: Assembling
This is the core quilting techniques chapters. Again, such great details and photos explaining various piecing techniques, quilting techniques and binding options.
One of my favorite parts of the book, is the highlighted quilters and fabric designers, that are covered. I love the descriptions of their body of works and where they find inspiration. It is great to get to know some of the more prominent folks in the industry, a little more. These highlights, are great for breaking up all that detail/reference material and personalize it more.
The book is full of details, a great read whether you are new to quilting or not. It could easily be used as a general sewing reference, as well. This would be so great for a school library…I thinking of donating a couple to my son’s elementary school. This book for me is definitely a 3 star book, for sure.
No project this week, as the book is not a project book.
Give-away
Sponsoring this give away is Stash Books, who will provide the winner an electronic copy of Quilt Essential. All you need to do is leave a comment on what quilting information you would like more information on. There is a second chance to win if you are a follower, just leave a second comment. A winner will be chosen at random and announced next Tuesday, 15th April after 6pm.
A disclaimer, all reviews and opinions of the books reviewed will be mine, unless otherwise stated. Please note, I may not respond to all comments due to volume and bandwidth.
Linking up with Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts for Let’s bee social (see button on right side menu).
Factotum of Arts 
1. Binding options is a great topic to cover.
2. I would like more info on how to do monochromatic quilts without them looking “flat” when you get done.
3. Burning questions for me are how to baste effectively and how to be sure the walking foot is doing what it should. Taken precisely from my learning level at this point! Thanks for another honest review!
4. I’d like information on colour choices!!
5. Follower!
6. I need more help in color choice, with second being fabric choice. Thanks for the giveaway!
7. I’m a wordpress follower! Thanks for the giveaway
8. Sounds like a good book indeed. So, yes please, count me in! Thanks for the opportunity.
9. I’m always wondering how to improve my curves and appliqué….so any tips re these will come in handy….
10. I seem to have missed this book too – thanks for the review. This sounds like a good book to buy 🙂
11. Yay I am a follower so am happy to have a second entry to win this look 🙂
12. I love to read information on colour theory and trends.
13. I follow you on wordpress
14. I am a following and receive your email updates. You’ve only been quilting for a year? I missed that before – glad you are sharing. Thanks for the chance.
15. I’d like more information on organizing work space, and I guess time. I was sewing a little everyday, then I don’t know what happened. Now all I do is think about it. Thanks for the chance.
16. I’d like more information on quilting on a sewing machine, and tips on how to make it less stressful. When free motion quilting I feel like the machine is in control and I really don’t want to take out any stitches with a seam ripper.
17. A second chance just for following you. Done.
18. I would love more information on sewing mitered corners on binding. I just can’t seem to get this.
19. I need tips on machine quilting.
20. I need more practice doing machine quilting beyond straight line stitching so tips on that would be great!
21. Would love to learn more about alternative fabrics (not just quilting cottons).
22. I follow you
23. I would like more information on pretty much everything as I am a new quilter. Thanks for the giveaway! sarah@forrussia.org
24. Thanks for sharing another informative review! And for sharing at the linky party!
25. Color theory. I just go for pretty fabrics right now.
26. Sewing with wools and flannels would be nice.
27. count me in for a second chance I am a bloglovin’ follower
28. I’m interested in how to choose and combine colours.
29. I’m a new Bloglovin’ follower. I thought I was already following actually, I must have made a mistake somewhere!!!
30. I’d love information about color and match fábrics.
31. I always like and need more info on combining colors. Thanks!
32. How to spark creativity in an individual! How to come up with designs.
33. free motion quilting. But i love any quilting book!
34. I need color explained again and again. I hope one of these times it will resonate! Thanks
35. Been sewing forever, however new to quilting, I would love little tips on things like corners/points. I’m doing the Gypsy Wife QAL, too, and was so thankful for all the tips on keeping my points. Thanks! Jamie
36. I need color help, I always think I am picking great colors and then I look at other peoples colors and well any help would be appreciated.
37. Needing to learn English Paper Piecing. Can’t be that hard, can it?
38. I follow along through Bloglovin’.
39. Trapunto. I am just begging to try that technique. Thanks for the giveaway.
40. I would love more information on Binding, I’m not so good at it and I have seen and try stuff but still I don’t love it.
41. I follow via Bloglovin as Jessibeth vicenty 🙂
42. I’d love to learn free motion quilting
43. I follow you on wordpress!