Join the Elm Creek Quilters on their continuing adventures through American history past and present, told from the unique perspective of the creative artists known as quilters. The Runaway Quilt: Alerted that her family may have had ties to the slaveholding South, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson searches her attic for her great-grandmother's quilt, a log cabin with black central squares that, according to legend, was a sign of sanctuary to escaping slaves. She also discovers the memoir of her great-grandfather's spinster sister, Gerda Bergstrom. The record reveals not only the founding of Elm Creek Manor, but also a Pennsylvania farming community divided by the issue of slavery. With the help of the Elm Creek Quilters and the clues in her ancestors' quilts, Sylvia grapples with hard truths in coming to terms with her family's past. The Quilter's Legacy: Resolving to locate her mother's heirloom quilts, Sylvia embarks on a cross-country investigation of antiques shops, quilt museums, and some unexpected places, where offers of assistance are not always what they seem. As Sylvia recovers some of the missing quilts and accepts others as lost forever, she reflects on the woman her mother was and mourns the woman she never knew. The Master Quilter: Wedding bells are ringing in the ears of the Elm Creek Quilters. Their own Sylvia planned her holiday wedding with sweetheart Andrew in complete secrecy. Eager to honor the newlyweds, the Elm Creek Quilters hasten to stitch a bridal quilt for their favorite Master Quilter. As the quilt blocks accumulate, the Elm Creek Quilters celebrate the joys of new beginnings and the ongoing success of their business -- until forces conspire to threaten their happiness and prosperity. Will the burden of closely guarded secrets strain the bonds of friendship? "A shared love for quilting," The Hartford Courant has observed, "helps bring women together. Quilters always welcome new ones and share what they know...in the popular Elm Creek Quilts novels." Here in An Elm Creek Quilts Album, Jennifer Chiaverini's captivating storytelling enacts the enduring wisdom of a joyful sisterhood of family and friends.

    Critics and popular audiences alike marveled at these quilts that combined the best of contemporary design with a deeply rooted ethnic heritage and compelling human stories about the women. Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt is a major book and museum exhibition that will premiere at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), in June 2006 before traveling to seven American museums through 2008. The book's 330 color illustrations and insightful text bring home the exciting experience to readers while displaying all the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that have gone into these remarkable quilts.

    The projects produce high-impact quilts made with simple cutting and construction, therefore no fussy cutting or Y-seams are required.

    Divided into nine major quilt series, the book shows not only the diversity and dynamism of Crow's work, but also many of the artifacts and places that inspired her. With excerpts from her journals and sketch books combined with side panels that track important events in her life, this book also gives insight into how Crow's thinking and art evolved after major events in her life. Many of the featured quilts have never before been photographed.

    Using Eleanor's easy applique technique, grace your fall table with "Harvest Tablerunner," a cornucopia of the earth's bounty. Eleanor uses 5" charm squares to create the "Buckeye Beauty", a scrappy quilt that is as delightful to make as it is to admire. For traditional flair, the "Country Lane Quilt" fits the bill. From a 1930's Mountain Mist Batting pattern, Eleanor adds her special touch to make this quilt extra special.Winter brings to mind a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. A season to cozy up to a warm fire and sip cocoa. A season to take the chill off with a new quilt. What could be better on a cold winter day than to sit and stitch a traditional "Morning Star Quilt" or a "Lodgepole Pine Quilt" for festive holiday decor. Fussy cut a lovely motif for the center of your Morning Star, Eleanor shows you how! Embellish your Lodgepole Pine Quilt with a scarlet red Cardinal to add flair. For the perfect Victorian Valentine, Eleanor teaches a paper pieced wall hanging "My Crazy Valentine" that lends itself to creative embellishment with machine stitchery, laces, and antique buttons.Rebirth of barren trees and frozen ground signals that spring is just around the corner. Flowers abound in buds and new growth. Eleanor presents "Baskets and Bows" and "Twin Sisters" quilts, perfect patterns to show off lovely floral fabrics. To complete the season, "Gone Fishing" is a whimsical quilt that incorporates piecing and easy applique. Just the quilt for that special little boy.Summer months deliver warm sunshine and dreams of lazy afternoons. "Summer Porch" and "Pink Lemonade" quilts fit the bill for pleasurable sewing. "Summer Porch" is delightful with flowered fabric and crisp lattice and cornerstones. What hot summer day would be complete without a "Pink Lemonade"

    Braid a variety of fabrics into an eye-catching quilt.

    She presents her technique for achieving a hand-sewn look with machine applique."

    Photographed against the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean island of Malta, these quilts echo the bright sunshine colors in a glorious array of new designs from both Kaffe and his team, Liza Prior-Lucy and Pauline Smith. With each quilt comes illustrated step-by-step instructions with colored diagrams, a 'flat shot' photo, and the quilt template.

    Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston have made beautiful quilts together despite their physical distance from each other—the stunning photos of their many creations prove it. They reveal the secrets of their success, including how to bridge style differences and use each person’s strengths to best advantage. Freddy, an expert in color, discusses her specialty, while Gwen talks about design principles. In addition, each artist offers ten personal tips and structured and unstructured projects to try, as well as ideas for putting them all together. A gorgeous gallery of quilts is sure to inspire needleworkers to combine forces.A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

    Quilters can stitch small, antique-style projects as they read about the lives of pioneer children and their families. Fourteen patterns spotlight popular quilt designs from the nineteenth century. Projects include a game-board quilt, a schoolhouse quilt, a prairie-doll apron, and a schoolgirl sampler. See vintage photos of prairie children, and read actual diary entries from children who traveled with their parents to settle in the West.

    Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes. Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variationsVideo

    The traditional "Quick Trip" is based on a "Trip Around the World" format.A Bargello effect is achieved with the "Quick Quarter" pattern, and for the artist in you, piece a "Water Lily" which adds a bit of applique to a rippling water background. The patterns are easy enough for a beginner but will challenge seasoned quilters to achieve just the perfect effect for an inspiration quilt. Eleanor's technique for this quilt is fun and so easy that it is truly a "Quilt in a Day." Let your personality shine through in your quilt by fabric selection and placement. Yardage and cutting charts are included for all five-quilt sizes with bonus instructions to make table runners from your scraps. The book features sample quilts that symbolize locations from the desert to the sea. Take a trip to your sewing room and create your dream vacation wit!h a Quick Trip Quilt!

    It shows ways to use large-scale prints, novelties and panels.

    Renowned author and sewing expert Nancy Zieman shows you everything you need to know about serging through easy-to-follow instructions featured in Serge with Confidence.First build your confidence by learning the basic techniques and tools needed on your way to serging success, and then put those skills to use by creating one of the many showcased projects.Whether you are a beginning serger or you have been using your machine for years, Serge with Confidence is the No. 1 resource to have on hand in your quest for serging excellence.You'll find:Comprehensive overview of a serger and how to use itOverview of the types of stitches available, products and tools18 inspirational projects, from wardrobe pieces and accessories to home decor, and holiday ideas, all fully illustrated and beautifully photographedThrough guide to keeping your serger running smoothly and trouble-free

    It includes nine projects and 20 block patterns that represent the history of slavery, inspired by stories of the 'Underground Railroad'.

    This text contains 25 designs that will appeal to both novices and experts alike.

    Chapters include: Equipment and Supplies, Preparing Applique_, Stitching, Embellishing, and Projects. Seven projects showcase the Applique_ techniques. Full-size Applique_ templates are included.

    6 quilt and 6 signature blocks as described in the story. Includes book excerpts.

    At last, a detailed road map to skilled machine quilting, written by one of the top quilters in the field. Distinguished quilter Diane Gaudynski serves up a practical new approach to quilting by machine. Based on her popular machine quilting series in American Quilter magazine, this book gives readers the ins and outs of creating a design that instantly improves accuracy and fluidity of line. This international prize-winning quilter, author, lecturer, and teacher debunks six common myths about machine quilting. Holding nothing back, Diane includes techniques for several charming unmarked free-hand, free-motion designs, such as 'headbands, ' 'bananas, ' 'Dianeshiko, ' spirals, leaves, fronds, and clamshells. Quilters will especially enjoy the author's detailed description of echo quilting and echo-quilted feathers. Diane states her goal is to add to the quilter's knowledge of machine-quilting skills and solve some common problems. She says, 'Dispelling some myths, learning some simple aids and techniques, and tackling the job in an organized and informed way will allow you to master this most basic of machine task

    This book builds on the previous two by delving into how to make exotic and beautiful garments and accessories such as hats, shoes, and purses for art dolls. This is the only book available on making clothing for art dolls. Moreover, it not only includes a pattern for various wardrobe staples, but the author offers basic garment making techniques, as well as information on decorative fabric treatments and embellishments.Culea provides tips and techniques for creating everything from a vintage 1940's ensemble to a 1960's type of outfit. There are techniques for dyeing, painting, and stamping to create a beautiful evening gown and how to drape a doll body to create your own pattern. Professional tips, ideas for embellishments, cutting-edge techniques, short cuts, pattern making ideas, and more are also included.

    Each chapter presents enduring Thimbleberries patterns featured in Lynette's extensive fabric line from RJR fabrics. The quilts are grouped by size into three chapters: Weekend Wonders - little quilts displayed as decorative wallhangings with themes from harvest to holiday; Cottage Comforts - cozy-cottage throws to help you surround yourself with the comforts of Thimbleberries classics; Bedtime Bliss - 13 projects plus optional color ways to choose from to help you transform any room into a restful retreat.

    This book is printed individually on uncoated (non-glossy) paper with the best quality printers available. The printing quality of this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated. The information presented in this version is the same as the latest edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. If the pullout patterns are missing, please contact c&t publishing.

    You do not need to be an artist. The process of creating a fabric portrait requires no paint at all. The realistic effect is achieved strictly with fabric, repositionable fusible web and thread painting. With the step-by-step help provided in this book you will learn how to select a workable photograph, use the computer to enhance the photograph, choose and apply fabric, bring the portrait to life with thread painting, and complete all of the final touches. With this book you can successfully produce a fabric portrait that you will be proud to hang in your home.Marilyn Belford is an award winning creator of portrait quilts.

    just like a painter!This easy-to-use book includes:14 projects with easy-to-follow instructionsSimple techniques for fabulous special effects, including adding applique, layering tulle and adding bordersEasy step-by-step instructions for creating your own landscape design135 plus full-color photosA photo guide to selecting the best fabricsQuilt the world like a master painter. Teacher, artist and expert quilter Cathy Geier shows you how with "Watercolor Landscape Quilts."

    Inspired by Lynette's Thimbleberries fabric collections, each project is accompanied by complete step-by-step instructions, full-size patterns and dozens of full-color photos and illustrations.

    Georgia Quilts showcases the diversity of quilting materials, methods, and patterns used in the state from the nineteenth century to the present and reveals how quilts serve as conduits of history and culture. From plain bed coverings of fabric scraps to exquisitely wrought pieces made for the "best bed," each of the 120 examples featured in the book tells its own story of abundance or want, peace or war, tradition or novelty.Instead of the usual chronological approach taken by many quilt histories, Georgia Quilts looks at a number of themes through which the common story of the state, its people, and its quilting legacy can be told. Chapters follow various threads of the craft, including Civil War-era quilts, the cotton economy, quilting groups, feed sack quilts, everyday and fine-craft quilts, and special-occasion quilts, including those made as gifts to honor athletes at the 1996 Olympic games. The volume's contributors have a deep knowledge of, and strong personal ties to, quilt history and quiltmaking in Georgia.The Georgia Quilt Project, beginning in 1990, has documented more than 9,000 quilts. Volunteers conducted dozens of Quilt History Days around the state, interviewing quilt owners and examining and photographing their quilts. The 120 quilts included in this book have been chosen from the thousands seen by the Project. Some are notable for their beauty, rarity, or workmanship; others are simple, functional objects that have been cherished for their ties to family history. All have their own stories to tell about family, community, and the desire to leave something tangible behind.

    An overview of dyeing starts with fibers and fabrics and discusses all aspects of the dyes favored by textile studios—fiber reactive, acid, vat, and disperse—before explaining discharging, screen printing, monoprinting, stamping, stenciling, resist dyeing, dévoré, and painting. Would-be fabric artists are advised along the way to identify a personal approach to dyeing—free spirit? rule-follower?—and color photographs of work by today's top fiber artists elucidate prevailing styles. Recipes and techniques are accompanied by step-by-step instructions with photographs, and a concealed spiral binding allows the book to lie flat. Ten appendices include a worksheet for recording chemicals, procedures, and costs for all projects; a guide to washing fabric; descriptions of stock solutions, thickeners, and steaming; a metric conversion table; and a guide to water temperatures.

    The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. A Puzzle Quilt is a Sampler with a Secret! - Finally...Paula Nadelstern's signature look in blocks any quilter can create - Choose special fabrics to create a variety of effects - The PUZZLE is in the PAIRS-identically pieced blocks look amazingly different! Everyone loves Paula's complex, optically challenging quilts. Now, Paula strips construction down to the bare bones, so you can focus on fabric selection, then use special techniques like symmetry, mirroring, and seam blending to create stunning, exciting designs. The six blocks are featured in a sampler, or combine them with your own ideas to create unlimited projects.

    Thimblelady's innovative quilting technique eliminates all physical pains! A teaching course of 10 exercises and trouble shooting enable you to master the technique in just hours! Plus Liuxin's secrets of making a perfect quilt from designing to finish!

    And Margaret Beal is the pioneer of the practice. For the first time, she gathers her expertise in book form, with photographs showing finished pieces and diagrams and drawings illustrating the process. All the principal techniques are thoroughly explained, from choosing and cutting fabric to using three-dimensional materials. Appliqué, reverse appliqué, shadow work, piercing, weaving, and bead making all receive in-depth coverage. Projects range from a pocket mirror to a variety of brooches.

    Now you can cast your own sewing spells with paper-pieced designs to enchant the young and the young at heart.

    From quilted armor of the 17th century to crazy quilts of the 19th century, these personal family and museum treasures include homespun work of slaves and fancy work of freed women and First Ladies. The eight Virginia-born U.S. presidents are each represented here, with work from George Washington's great great grandmother to quilting by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson. The contents derive from the study of more than 3,000 quilts statewide that were meticulously examined by the Virginia Consortium of Quilters' Documentation Project. This book is an important contribution to quilting history and Virginia heritage, and will be inspirational today for enthusiastic sewers everywhere.

    Easy-to-make projects are combined with ideas for giving that will warm the hearts of givers and receivers alike.Create 20 projects with traditional patterns and repeated blocks-perfect for whipping up quilts in multiplesDiscover helpful tips for organizing charitable quilting bees for quilters of all skill levelsFind ideas for choosing charities, from pediatric centers to nursing homes, plus advice on sizes and materials

    Besides sharing the amazing history behind the antique quilt's construction on the battlefront by Sorbian soldiers—who used materials from their uniforms to piece it together—this book also shares the technique Holland used to successfully replicate the quilt. Quilters who are looking to incorporate her new technique—called inlay appliqué—into their own work can use the included patterns, each of which were inspired by the original 1776 quilt. Featuring both incredible designs and a compelling story, this is a captivating read for quilters and historians alike.

    The log cabin quilt is one of the oldest and most ppular designs - and the beloved style gets an exciting twist here: a selection of modern interpretations to accompany the traditional favourite.

    Often created to celebrate the changing seasons and bestow good fortune on a household, these innovative Kake-jiku designs featured are made with contemporary fabrics. Each image is a picture-window into Japanese culture, and the accompanying text explains the symbolism of each design. All patterns can be constructed using a unique style of Japanese appliqué, and several are embellished with fabric-origami flowers. Several of the patterns included are enhanced by beautiful and intricate sashiko stitching, and a section on technique describes appliqué and stitching methods and provides instructions for making all-in-one wraparound borders. Glorious photography, step-by-step color drawings, and watercolor drawings enhance this art-inspired craft book, and a bound-in template pack—complete with full-size templates made from durable, reinforced paper—allows for multiple uses of individual template pieces.

    This work shows how these designs become dramatically different from one to the next, depending on the settings and scraps you choose.

    This special collection of projects was designed specially to complement her sisters house. Youll be inspired to showcase your own favorite finds with projects from this book. 22 new projects Clear, reliable step-by-step instructions More than 400 full-color photos and illustrations

    Also includes a selection of templates, appliquC) and quilting designs--"some classic, others modern--"for you to try.

     8 quilts: Make Your Point (color placement makes Pinwheel and 16-Patch blocks appear to be set on point); Broken Dishes (showcasing favorite fabrics); Enjoy the Simple Life (appliqué message and blocks in country prints); Trail Mix (combining Four-Patch and Nine-Patch variations); Square Dance (a diamond pattern emerges from simple squares and triangles); Living in the Past (inspired by a circa-1885 Ohio Star quilt); Centennial Pineapple (Log Cabin variation); and Country Charm (X blocks with floral appliqué).

    Let the foremost authority on fabric beading show you how to create incredible works of art.

    The book celebrates our favorite feathered friends with 12 blocks, finishing instructions, plus an assortment of related projects including needlepunch, purses and a hooked rug.

    Here are 25 period-style designs that are easy to follow. They range from the simple to the more challenging and alternative colorways are often given. Each of the designs is accompanied by clear stitch-by-stitch charts, suggestions for the best needle size and canvas mesh, details of precise yarn requirements, stitch types, and order of work. The practical reference section provides complete information on framing up and basic techniques. Arts & Crafts Needlepoint is both practical and inspirational with many photographs taken in William Morris' former home and National Trust property, Red House in Bexleyheath. Those new to needlepoint will find the instructions simple and clear, while those who are more experienced can use Beth's beautiful patterns to create some of their own unique interpretations.

    Quilters will discover sections devoted to more than 200 stitches including random, zigzag, basic, open chain and more! Plus, each technique includes a list of materials and equipment, and tips on planning, Finishing and caring for quilts.

    Thirty base elements are provided in several sizes for easy tracing, scanning, or photocopying, and step-by-step instructions explain how to arrange copies of the chosen element to create border, corner, block, or frame designs. Illustrations show examples of assembled patterns, and the last chapter provides directions for adding trapunto, a padding technique that adds depth and definition. The DVD counterpart brings the discussion to life as the author creates a custom quilt design based on a single geometric figure, marks a quilt top, and demonstrates three different trapunto projects.

    Includes patterns for 15 blocks in 2 sizes, projects and tips.

    Author Betty Alofs provides 10 projects with full-size patterns to get your started, all inspired by her own photos. She also provides instructions to turn your favorite photos into quilts. With her easy numbering system and fabric tips, you can easily turn your photos into fabric masterpiece for yourself or as gifts for special friends and family members. 10 projects with full-size patterns Instructions to turn your own photos into quilts Tips for choosing fabric to add realism to the quilts Gallery to quilts to show the endless possibilities Showcase your travels, your home or your favorite memories in a quilt that you can display for years to come.

    Written by five respected quilting experts, this is a complete guide for those wanting to take up the hugely popular hobby of quilting.

    These cherished, keepsake cards are suitable for framing or displaying in a treasure box.

    It is generally agreed that quilts in this category are characterized by strips, bright colors, large designs, asymmetry, multiple patterns, symbolic forms, and improvisation and have their roots in African textile techniques and cultural traditions. But this tradition is as much shaped by process as by materials. The folk process--whereby people live and work together, and thus learn from and influence each other--is nowhere more evident than in quilting, where the art and craft are passed down through the generations. A communal exercise that moves a medium from necessity (keeping warm at night) to art, quilting has survived, changed and prospered into the twenty-first century, becoming a flagship of Alabama folk art. In conjunction with the opening exhibit of a collection of forty-eight quilts made by African American quilters working in Alabama and its environs during the last half century, this book presents a contexual history of African American quiltmaking, along with brilliant reproductions of the quilts themselves.