... is why can't I find enough time to create beautiful quilts like these
349131
The only criticism is why can't I find enough time to create beautiful quilts like these...a treasure!
3814495
I just got a sewing machine and taught myself how to sew a few days ago.  Here is my first project it took me about 3 hours. The quilting squares were ideal! They made an entire quilt super easy.
1116886
Ii thought the day of the week would be printed. I didn't realize it was perpetual.
The quilt blocks are beautiful!
2092156
I love Paula Nadelstern's technique and designs.  I have yet to make a quilt using her technique but I love looking at and studying her work.  I will get one done someday!
2853264
I don't know about you (who does, right?) but sometimes I just have the urge (and the emotional need) to sit down and sew something from start to finish without getting bogged down with planning elaborate piecing, applique or borders. When that time arises, this book will come in handy because nearly all the quilts are designed to be completed (the top, that is) in one weekend. With a little extra time for the quilting and binding ... you're done!

The book includes 15 quilts that are presented in the order of how much time they take to make and they are all designed to take just one 40-strip  2.5 inch precut fabric collection but of course you can use your own strips, fat quarters or just use scraps. You will also need some background, binding, and backing fabric. Several of the quilts utilize left over strip scraps for the binding.

Three quilts (Boardwalk, Skyline, and Picnic Time) have a very modern esthetic (Skyline looks like a Coins quilt), a few quilts have a controlled scrappy feel (Norwegian Wood, Beach Life, and Tutti-Fruitti). The cover quilt, Sprockets, and the Circle of Friends quilt take the longest to make and are the last quilts in the book. Circle of Friends includes friendship stars arranged in circles. There is also a wall hanging (Honeycomb 55" x 65") that results in large strip-pieced hexagons. There are a few of more traditional quilts as well.  Quilts range in size from about 50 inches to lap-sized quilts.

Overall, I like the book for its simple designs and straight-forward piecing techniques. The book would be excellent for a beginning quilter or anyone who needs a quick quilt to give as a gift (some of the designs would appeal to a student or grad) or someone who wants to make charity quilts or even for someone who has been thinking about making their first modern-looking quilt.
1357265
I haven't had time to use on quilt.  I did try on a square. It did not work as well as I hoped.
2730591
I am not finished, but I am loving this quilt and the technique of making a whole quilt in-the-hoop.  I will make several of the other projects as well.
4229489
I love each of the patterns.  This is my first time to make something beyond an afghan.  That said, I have struggled to get the booties to come out right.  I have asked others what I might be doing wrong, and have been told they can't find anything wrong with what I am doing.  Maybe I need clearer directions or something.  I end up having to try putting pieces together and then take apart and adjust to make it right.  Still not sure if it is a problem with the pattern or with me.  I'm leaning toward myself, but can not for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong.  I really want these to be a fun project, but I am almost to the point of giving up.
1175151
This book is beautifully done.  Block sizes run from 8 inches to 16 inches for 55 different blocks.  Because all of the quilts use only a jelly roll to make the blocks, you end up cutting a lot of little pieces. The authors show two different colorways for the five main quilts so you'll have lots of ideas.  My favorite feature is the "Patchwork Ideas" inset that appears on the instruction page for some of the blocks.  This gives suggestions for interesting secondary patterns that are created when you repeat this block or combine it with one other block to make an entire quilt.  So you really get more than 10 quilts out of this book.  I highly recommend it.
4929938
Beautiful quilt  but there queen size is way to big . I was going to send it back but my husband opened the box and somehow the paper work disappeared now I can't get another one in a smaller size but the quilt is beautiful .
3913772
I loved the Irish Chain but it took me a lot more time to complete than a day. I am not a big fan of her quick turn method for putting the batting into a quilt "pillow Case". I gave it a try and it was a mess. I will always use the tried and true way of layering and binding the quilt.
246262
I really like the look of the three books you sent me so promptly. Due to show preparation I have not yet had time to make any of these delightful quilts but feel sure they are little winners. I feel sure that the authoress Carol Hopkins is a professional person, and probably a meticulous quilter. Errors in measurements are most unlikely and judging from the charming colours and patterns with their quaint names, her work will be superb. I am delighted to have these three books in my sewing room. Pure joy ahead!!
3230730
There are a lot of these cards that I have marked that I want to make using them as templates--nothing elaborate, but very pretty.  Probaby a 15-25 min. to make the 1st card and faster after that.  Have looked through it more than 10 times and have only had it a few weeks.  Lots of ideas!
4920532
Plan on being president of my quilt guild next year and wanted some modern, fresh designs to introduce. The hard part will be choosing which one to make because they are all clever and so pretty. I think I'll just make some of them on my own ;).
2670769
Absolutely love this book.  I just can't decide what quilt I am going to make first!
3848805
OH MY!  It isn't often that I get a book and immediately want to go run dig out my dyes and cloth and start playing!  The sad news is that three-plus months later I STILL haven't had time (and now it is winter, the basement is too cold to dye, etc), but boy do I want to!  That is what Melanie Testa's Inspired to Quilt has done to me, and that is a very, VERY good thing!

I'll also be honest... Melanie's art and quilting inspire me, blow me away, make me think--all of these are wonderful things!  The book, published by Interweave, is well laid out, with great page layout, graphics and color inside, truly enhancing Melanie's work, words, and instructions.  No boring white pages here, but creative inspiration all around.

One of the things I need to do a lot more is play, work in a sketchbook, and suss out different ideas, images and concepts.  I am usually so overwhelmed with stuff "to do" that I never give myself this freedom.  It is work, Work, WORK all the time, and then scramble to make any quilts at all.  Mostly for the past couple of years it has been samples for the book or classes, and not nearly enough creative development time.  Now that this book has sat for a while waiting review here, I think I need to go through it again, inspire myself all over again, and more than anything, follow Melly's example and work with my sketchbook. The book covers:

  * The Fabric Foundation
  * Technique Application
  * Creating Quilts Inspired by your Journals
  * Sandwiching and Quilting
  * Embellishment
  * Finishing
  * Smallworks, Series, and Exploration

One of the things I like best is how the illustrations show how Melly builds her cloth and designs, from white to finished.  I love that she shares her notebooks and sketchbooks.

One of Melanie's signature techniques is to screenprint and dye a sheer overlay fabric to work with the base fabric.  She has detailed information on dyeing, printing, creating stamps and screens-plenty of information to get you going without having to buy a separate book on surface design (tho it may whet your appetite for more!).

There are several projects that are just plain fun (merit badges for grown ups, including one that is a hippo-I love it!) and help you try out these techniques on a small scale to get a feel for them. I particularly like how she combines hand stitching with machine, and there are also many examples to inspire.

In sum:  If you are or want to be an art quilter, and are willing to just do it on your own, this is a great book for you whether you are a beginner or moving on to (or at) advanced!  There is plenty of instruction, more than plenty inspiration.  If you want your hand held...well..... buy the book anyway!  Be inspired, find out if Melly is teaching anywhere that you can reach, and give it a go.

Definitely need to put this one back on the (re-) read pile by the sofa before tucking it onto the shelf....or into the DO NOW pile!
2339467
I love the topic. It is so hard to find these sorts of paper pieced patterns. They're unique and look great. They're easy to do (as easy as paper piecing ever is.)

I would like more actual image patterns and less full quilt patterns, but the quilts themselves are beautiful too.