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).