Reviews:

 

Inspired to Quilt: Creative Experiments in Art Quilt Imagery by Melanie Testa (Interweave Press, 2009, ISBN 978-1-59668-096-8, $24.95, 136 pages)

Need to get your creative juices flowing?  Spend some time in Melanie's world - journaling, experimenting, and playing with your ideas and materials.  Includes a good overview with step-by-step directions of dyeing, printing, soy wax resist, and painting on fabric.  The strength of this book is Melanie's explanation of how to use your journal of ideas to put all the techniques together to create a work of art.  She explains and demonstrates how she uses her signature technique of layers of sheers to create layers of design, and how a single image pulled from her Journal can be used in a multitude of different designs.  I found this section fascinating as I've always thought of using images as "one and done."  Melanie mines each image for a variety of uses.  Instructions on how to use quilting and embellishment to highlight elements of your design, several small projects, and a gallery fill the last section of this book.  Inspiring!

 

Clare Plug: Look South (Hawkes Bay Museum & Art Gallery, Napier, New Zealand, 2009, ISBN 978-0-473-14879-9, $20)

"Look South" is an exhibition of Clare Plug's work at the Hawkes Bay Museum & Art Gallery in Napier, New Zealand.  The works in the exhibition are the result of three years of new work following a artist residency in Antarctica.  Three essays explore different aspects of the exhibition.  Lucy Hammonds (Curator of Design Collections at Hawkes Bay Museum & Art Gallery) describes Clare's artistic pathway and how the Antarctic residency affected her work.  Douglas Lloyd Jenkins (Director of Hawkes Bay Museum & Art Gallery) describes the history of the Robert Scott expedition to the South Pole and the importance of flags and textiles to the expedition and how that affected Clare in her response to the Antarctic environment.  Ursula Ryan (Information Advisor, Antarctica New Zealand) looks at the Heroic Era and its periods of exploration and how the artifacts from that time affected Clare's work.  A fascinating body of work and a fascinating catalog.

 

Photo-Inspired Art Quilts: From Composition to Finished Piece by Leni Levenson Wiener, Krause Publications, 2009, ISBN 978-0-89689-804-2, $29.99 includes DVD hosted by Nancy Zieman, 128 pages, list of resources, index.

Not only will this book inspire art quilts, it will inspire you.  Leni shows clearly how to evaluate your own photos to find interesting ideas for art quilts, to use cropping to eliminate extra visual information, and how to combine several photos to create a stronger composition.  Digital cameras allow us to capture so many wonderful images.  But they're not all great art quilt candidates.  Being able to follow Leni's thought process as she evaluates different photos and combines them to create a composition is extremely helpful.  Good instruction in art quilt construction and thread painting shows the reader how to translate the photo collage into fabrics.  Especially valuable is the section on creating faces.

 

 

 

The Art of Stitching on Metal by Ann Parr, Search Press, 2009, ISBN 978-1-84448-225-2, $40.00 hardcover, index.

I used to claim that I included glitzy, glittery items in my quilts because my kids liked them, but I've been forced to admit that they're there because I like them.  This book is filled with ideas of additional items that can be added to my collection -- types of metal that can be stitched through and both added as an embellishment to textiles and used metals used as decoration that can be embellished by using stitches to create patterns on the metal.  Parr gives descriptions of the types of metals that work best: copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, pewter as well as wires and threads.  She then shows how to manipulate the surfaces with heat, chemical treatments and paints, as well as various textural additions.  And finally she shows how to attach the metals to your projects.  She also covers the use of foils and embossing powders.  Parr gives step-by-step instructions for 11 projects.  One of the most beautiful is the lid for an oval box made of pewter where the surface of the metal has been decorated with machine stitching.  I can't wait to start playing...

 

Fearless Design for Every Quilter by Lorraine Torrence and Jean Mills, C&T Publishing, 2009, ISBN 978-1-57120-576-6, $27.95, 96 pages.

This is a great book to work through in order to learn more about design.  Lorraine taught a long-term course, working with 8 quilters over several months to explore principles of balance, composition, scale, and color.  Photos of the responses to each month's design challenge are included along with the group's collective critique.  You can see how different artists responded to a design problem and the strengths and weaknesses of each solution.  In the second section of the book, Lorraine challenged the group with various inspirational ideas: words, photos, working in a series, using borders, working with patterned fabrics.  Again each quilter's responses are shown and critiqued.  Fascinating and very educational.

 

Art Quilts at Play by Jane Davila and Elin Waterston, C&T Publishing, 2009, ISBN 978-1-57120-530-8, $29.95, 112 pages, participating artist bios, resource list

I really like the emphasis on play in this book.  Too often I go into my studio and feel that I have to create something that's "Art" with a capital A.  I reject idea after idea as "not worthy" and end up accomplishing very little.  When I remind myself that it's okay to play, my artwork is much freer and actually better.  If you're looking for ideas and techniques to jumpstart your play date with your studio, this is a great source of inspiration.  There are basic instructions for dyeing, printing, screenprinting, and discharge, as well as how to use paint stiks, fusibles, gel medium, foiling and other fun extras.  The last part of the book lists various group play activities - challenges, collaborations, and online groups - ways to take your play and stretch your horizons.  Playing is tremendous fun!

From Image to Stitch by Maggie Grey, Batsford, 2009, ISBN 978-1-906388-02-7, $27.95 hardcover, 128 pages, Resource List, Index.

While the illustrated pieces have beautiful hand and machine stitching, this book is all about the various ways one can create images, both on paper and on fabric and combining the two.  She covers the use of InkAID, using Japanese and tissue papers, using fusibles, distressing, decals, liquid Sculpey, transfer papers, monoprints, sgraffito, and on and on.  If you're looking for some exciting ways to add imagery and texture to your work, this book is sure to inspire you to try some new ideas and techniques.

Picture Quilts by Ed Larson, self-published, 2009, $35.00,
56 pages, Introduction by the artist. Available through the SAQA Bookstore (http://www.SAQA.com).

Images and descriptions of 49 of the artist's works from 1975 through 2006.  Larson's work is done in a folk-art style with lots of humor and wonderful details. His work is unusual in that he creates the art quilt designs, but other artists do the applique and quilting.  For many of the earliest works, the quilter is unknown.  "Daniel Boone Fights a Bear" (1978) was chosen as one of the 100 Best Quilts of the 20th Century.  Eight of his recent works were featured in the recent "Houston Patchwork Politics" show.  It's wonderful to see so much of his art in one place.

Stitching to Dye in Quilt Art: Colour, Texture and Distortion by C. June Barnes, Batsford, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7134-9070-1, $ 27.95 hardcover, 128 pages, Resource List, Index.

The surface texture that C June Barnes achieves is fantastic.  This book demonstrates two techniques that she uses: creating and heavily quilting a patchwork of various textiles all in whites and then dyeing the whole piece at once; and using the differing shrinkage rates of various fibers and non-fibers to manipulate the texture of the surface.  The book is chockfull of technical information about dyeing and shrinkage rates.  The author has created an easy-to-follow set of exercises to guide you through a series of experimentations that will show you the possibilities of what you can achieve through the use of these techniques.  The examples are stunning.  The way in which different fabrics react to the same dye bath creates an infinite array of possibilities.  The contrast of fibers with a high-shrinkage rate and those that don't shrink creates wonderful surface contrast.  I especially liked the contrast Barnes creates between the heavily textured cloth and the textures created using covered buttons and metal zippers. This is one of the most exciting new technique books I've seen.

Layered Waves: A Fresh New Way to Quilt by Karen Eckmeier, self-published, 2009, ISBN 978-0-9792033-2-9, $24.95, 96 pages

Karen's designs are always so uplifting and cheerful.  This is the third book that Karen's published with techniques from her very popular workshop classes.  As always her instructions are clear and easy to follow.  Her layered applique technique is similar to that taught by several other teachers, but she uses the results differently. Karen creates her curved layers and then slices them up and recombines them to create exciting new designs.  Easy and fun!

Think Like an Artist DVD by Pamela Allen

6-28524-00010-0, Running Time: 120 minutes, $29.95

It's fascinating to watch Pamela Allen create a still-life art quilt in front of the camera.  Unlike some DVD's where the project is planned ahead of time, this is clearly an artist working through visual problems as you watch: how to create enough contrast between foreground and background, what elements should be added to make the composition pop, feeling free to discard pieces that aren't working.  It includes sections where Pamela explains her approach to creating a stash (she doesn't; she depends on a minimal collection of fabrics culled from the local thrift store); on embellishments (Pamela never met an embellishment she didn't like - if she can figure out how to attach it, it's fair game); and on technical tools (I want a laser level like hers to help with squaring my quilts!)  This is not a how-to - this is a rare peek over the shoulder of a working artist.
Special features:Trunk Show, Photographic Retrospective, Outtakes - you've got to see Pamela saying, "RIIIIIIGHT"!


Contemporary Quilt Association  Contemporary QuiltArt Association: 20th Anniversary
ISBN-13: 978-0-9798939-0-2, 216 pages, full color, $30.00

This book is a showcase of more than 200 art quilts from five recent Contemporary QuiltArt Association (CQA) exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest.  CQA members are all from the state of Washington and many are also SAQA members.  While I enjoyed all of the work shown in this book, I was particularly taken by the works in "Visual Verse", a series of collaborations between pairs of CQA members and poets.  Seeing the interplay between poetry and quilt art was very interesting.  Some collaborations were fairly literal, some interpretive, and some were two different takes on a theme.  Particularly moving were a series of three poem-art quilt pairs (Margaret Chula-Cathy Erickson) dealing with aspects of the Japanese American internment camps experience.

Color Mastery by Maria Peagler

ISBN:  978-0-9816277-0-0, 112 pages, $26.95

Color Mastery is a helpful addition to any quilter's library.  We all struggle with color choices in designing our quilts, and this book provides a wealth of helpful advice on how to make your fabrics' colors work for you.  Maria's best advice is to keep a color journal to record color combinations that appeal to you and then to use color theory to analyze why you like them.  Her recommendation to audition swatches of potential fabrics is also a life saver - it's so much better to sacrifice a few small pieces of fabric to discover that the colors aren't working together than to wait until you've cut out all the pieces.  I especially liked the explanations of which parts of standard color theory only work for paints where the colors are mixed together and which parts are important for designing with fabric.

Maria is teaching her color mastery techniques as a pre-conference workshop in Athens, May 18-20.  You can sign up here:
http://www.saqa.com/newsebulletins/Conf09.aspx

Faux Applique by Helen Stubbings, American Quilter's Society, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57432-971-1, $26.95, 96 pages, patterns, resource list.

Sometimes you just need to do something fun!  Colourque is the term given by Helen Stubbings to her method of using color pencils to create lovely, fun faux applique designs.  Color in the designs (Helen recommends Derwent colored pencils), seal with textile medium (FolkArt Textile Medium made by Plaid), and then use Helen's stitching tricks to create the illusion of hand-stitched applique.  The results are gorgeous and the process extremely satifying.
Color Mastery by Maria Peagler
ISBN:  978-0-9816277-0-0, 112 pages, $26.95

 

Portfolio 15
Editor: Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Published by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc., 2008, ISBN 978-0-9788853-2-8, $29.95, 244 pages, Available only through the SAQA Store: http://www.SAQA.com
This isn't a review since SAQA publishes the Portfolio series, but this is a gorgeous book to add to your library. 228 artists each have a full-page image of their art in glorious color, so it's a feast for the eyes. Introduction was written by Warren and Nancy Brakensiek about the joys of collecting and living with art quilts. Index.


Dream Landscapes: Artful Quilts with Fast-Piece Applique
by Rose Hughes, That Patchwork Place, 2008, ISBN 978-1-56477-859-8, $26.95, 96 pages, Patterns, Gallery, List of resources, Bibliography.
Rose Hughes creates wonderful color-drenched landscapes filled with sinuous curves and circles. Since fabric is woven in a grid, it tends to resist attempts to make it curve gracefully, but Rose shows you how to create beautiful curves using her fast-piece applique methods. By stacking the fabrics, sewing the desired curve, cutting away the top selvedge and securing the seam under a couched yarn, even the most extreme curves come out flat and luscious. Rose provides patterns and clear step-by-step instructions for several quilts, as well as a strong section on creating your own designs. Her own work is liberally featured throughout the book, and it's a real treat to see it all in one place. A Student Gallery rounds out the book, providing examples of how others have used this technique to great effect.


The Quilter's Book of Design, expanded second edition
by Ann Johnston, www.annjohnston.net, 2008, ISBN 978-0-9656776-3-9, $25.95, 166 pages, Glossary, Bibliography, Index.
So many of us come from a quilting/sewing background, so our technical skills are excellent: our seams are flat, our quilting stitches are even, our quilts are square. But sometimes when we're working on a piece, it doesn't work as well as we had envisioned it. What's needed is a review of the principles of design to figure out what isn't working and how to fix it. That's where this book is essential. Ann Johnston has been creating art quilts for over 30 years. This book is a distillation of what she's learned in her work. It explains and analyzes the principles of design, but most importantly it illustrates each point with a work made of fabric. Other design textbooks explain the same principles, but use examples created in pencil on paper or in paint on canvas. It's then very difficult to see how to apply them to quilts. In The Quilter's Book of Design, the examples explain each point very clearly, because they are made in fabric. Chapters cover balance, unity, variety, line and shape, value and color, pattern and texture, and how different decisions using each principle affect the final quilt. It's fascinating to see how Ann has explored different approaches within a series of related works. I love seeing how she found inspiration in some photo or textile or architectural element, and then played with different designs to explore how best to create her own artistic work. Each chapter includes a brief workshop exercise to help you learn how to apply the concept to your own work, including suggested techniques and projects. This is also a beautiful book: it's made of high-quality paper, the color is rich, and there are over 350 inspiring illustrations of gorgeous artwork.


The Quilting Arts Book
by Patricia Bolton, Interweave Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-59668-099-9, $24.95, 144 pages, List of resources, Index.
Patricia Bolton is the Editor-in-Chief of Quilting Arts and Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazines. She has taken some of the best of Quilting Arts articles and added additional new chapters to create an informative and inspiring introduction to art quilting techniques. Now instead of having to search through all your back issues to find that article you remember, it's all in one place: places to find inspiration from Linda and Laura Kemshall and Melanie Testa, basic principles of design from Lyric Kinard, construction techniques from Laura Wasilowski, Judy Coates Perez, Robbi Joy Elkow, and embellishment ideas and techniques from Pamela Allen and Linda Schmidt. There are also sections on surface design from Jane Dunnewold, Karen Williams, and Julie Hirota, and on types of art quilts: still life (Esterita Austin), landscape (Rose Hughes), portraits (Maria Elkins) and abstracts (Liz Berg). And more and more. The examples are inspiring. The explanations and instructions are clear. As the back cover says, "[It's] Art Quilting 101 - in a book!"

Digital Essentials: the quilt makers must-have guide to digital images, files, and more! by Gloria Hansen, The Electric Quilt Company, 2008, ISBN 1-893824-64-0, $29.95, 208 pages, glossary index

Gloria Hansen designed my personal web site and the web site for Fiber Revolution.  She's the person that I (and almost everyone else in the art quilt world turn to for advice on anything having to do with computers.  Her answers are always clear, informative and easy to understand.  So a book by Gloria on how to use digital image software is a surefire hit.  If you have Photoshop, Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro and are having trouble learning how to work with your images, buy this book.  Gloria shows you step-by-step how to calibrate your monitor, resize, work in layers, crop, adjust the color, and choose the best format to save to.  She explains everything clearly and gives plenty of additional resources for information once you've mastered these basics. 



The Surface Designer's Handbook by Holly Brackman (Interweave Press, 2006) ISBN 978-1-931499-90-3, $29.95, 140 pages, spiral bound, glossary, bibliography, list of resources, index.

If you dye, paint, or print on fabric, this book is a must-have.  This is an all-in-one resource that you'll refer to again and again.  Holly Brackman begins with explanations of the differences among all the different types of dyes, which work best for which effects, what safety precautions to take, etc.  She gives information on preparing different types of fibers and how to calculate stock solutions and dye quantities.  Then she reviews similar information for screenprinting, discharging, devore, monoprinting, stamping, stencilling and resists.  The samples are gorgeous and inspiring. 




Bodacious Applique a la Carte by Margie Engel, American Quilter's Society, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57432-962-9, $26.95, 96 pages, list of resources, patterns.

Flowers, gorgeous flowers, plus a few birds, lizards and a cat jump off the quilts of this book.  Some simple applique tricks make these designs anything but ordinary.  Marie Engel teaches how to create appliqued elements separate from the main quilt, so that the use of a fusible stabilizer allows you to embellish, embroider and thread-paint a design to your heart's content without worrying about causing distortion to the rest of your quilts.  She also gives directions for how to effectively use colored pencils to add depth to your designs.

BOOK REVIEWS

www.SAQA.com now offers an exciting array of books for sale in the SAQA Store, including hard-to-find copies of "Quilting Transformed," "Leslie Gabrielse," "Rags to Riches" and "Contemporary Quilt Art." Buying my book "Masters: Art Quilts from SAQA donates 55% of the purchase price to SAQA.

NEW BOOK: Fuse-and-Tell by Laura Wasilowski, C&T Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57120-502-5, $21.95, 64 pages, patterns.

Even if you’re a fusing fanatic already, this book is fun just for Laura Wasilowski’s outrageous journal stories that she created to go along with these fun small art quilts. If you’re not yet into fusing, clear step-by-step instructions are included for several projects to get you hooked. Helpful advice includes keeping a sketchbook of inspiration and ideas, creating your own patterned cloth with small fusible patterns before cutting out a major element for your pieces and the use of tweezers to position tiny pieces exactly where they need to be.





NEW DVD: Jane Dávila & Elin Waterston Teach You Art Quilting Basics, C&Y Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57120-620-6, $20.95.

Jane Dávila and Elin Waterston have taken the wonderful lessons from their “Art Quilt Workbook” and brought them to life. It was especially inspiring to watch Elin sketch an onion and garlic still life. Seeing an “expert” make mistakes, erase and try again gives viewers the courage to try sketching for themselves. The basics of color, design, working in series, making a fused collage and using found objects are all covered. Watching the DVD is like having a workshop in your own home, plus you can watch it on replay any time you wish. I also enjoyed getting a peek into Jane’s studio and seeing how she organizes all of her fabrics and supplies. Minor quibble – I wish that C&T would print up a titles sheet to include in the case, so that you can find the sections that you are interested in more quickly.

Masters: Art Quilts curated by Martha Sielman, Lark Books, 2008, ISBN 978-1-60059-107-5, $24.95, 414 pages, index.

My book has been selling extremely well to excellent reviews. It reached 503rd at one point last month in sales on Amazon.com, which is unheard of for this type of book. Also, I can now include an actual review, courtesy of Publishers Weekly: "Art quilts have long since moved from covering beds to hanging on walls, and this collection of 40 artists' works, gathered and introduced by Sielman, executive director of Studio Art Quilts Associates and an art quilter herself, is ample evidence why. Ranging from the United States and Canada through Europe to Israel, South Africa, Japan and New Zealand, these quilters show the beauty and imagination of fine art and a vast variety of styles and materials. Noriko Endo's forests look like pointillist paintings, while Susan Shie's pieces are reminiscent of Lynda Barry in the density of image and hand-lettered words. Pamela Allen recycles beads, safety pins and sewing machine bobbins in Crone of Crazy; Wendy Huhn's surrealist dreamscapes include vintage fabrics and stenciled images. Each artist is represented by 10 works, some with details, as well as the artist's comments on inspirations and the works' meaning; many refer to the layering of fabric as a form of layering time, the opposite of what archeologists do. While it's sometimes difficult to see all the texture of these quilts in flat photographs, the wealth of color and pattern is worthwhile in itself. Color photos throughout. (June)"

P.S. It's cheaper to buy this book through Amazon.com, and that helps its sales rankings. However if you buy it through the SAQA Store, I will autograph your copy and 55% of the purchase price will be donated to Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc.

 

 

JULY REVIEWS

 

UPCOMING ONLINE EVENT

SAQA will again be holding a benefit auction starting November 10, 2008. To see a preview, go to http://www.saqa.com/newsebulletins/Squares08_1.aspx
More works will be posted throughout the summer, so bookmark the page. These are two of my favorite pieces that have been posted so far:







Our Bodies Our Minds by Geri Patterson-Kutras







Misty Morning by Eva Henneberry

BOOK REVIEWS

www.SAQA.com now offers an exciting array of books for sale in the SAQA Store, including hard-to-find copies of "Quilting Transformed," "Leslie Gabrielse," "Rags to Riches" and "Contemporary Quilt Art." Buying my book "Masters: Art Quilts" from SAQA donates 55% of the purchase price to SAQA.

500 Handmade Books, Juried by Steve Miller, Lark Books, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57990-877-5, $24.95, 420 pages, index

Most of the fiber art people I know are also book lovers, so this new addition to Lark's 500 Series caught my eye. If you're looking for incredibly inspiring art, pick this book up. The only frustration is that you can't actually handle and explore each of these amazing creations. While most are made of paper, some are fiber art like "Stitched Meditations" by Charlotte Bird and "Piano Piano" by Erin Ciulla. Others are made of every type of substrate that one can imagine - wood, gut, plastic, metal, feathers, seeds, and polymer clay. Some are more sculpture than book. Some are quietly contemplative like the stunning "A Winter's Walk" by Katy Locke. And some are humorous - one of my absolute favorites is "7 Extinction Events" by Judith A. Hoffman whose beautiful hand painted and collaged paper pages depict the causes of dinosaur extinction and are housed in a plastic T-rex.

Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth: Stamp, Screen & Stencil with Everyday Objects by Rayna Gillman, C&T Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57120-439-4, $27.95, 96 pages, Supplies and sources, Index.

Rayna creates wonderful visual textures on the fabrics that she uses in her art, and in this book she shows step-by-step how to use a variety of easy techniques to make your own hand-printed cloth. She covers stamping and stenciling with found objects (my favorite is the pattern she creates using a potato masher), random screenprinting, gelatin (as in jello) plate printing, discharge, soy wax batik and rubbings. What sets this book apart from others is her attention to illustrating how each step changes the look of the fabric she’s creating. The directions are clear, and the examples are inspiring. Rayna also gives advice about such critical topics as “Knowing when enough is enough – stop and wait overnight before adding more” and “How to go back in when the fabric is just plain ugly – try cutting it up and using the pieces.” This book will definitely entice to you into your studio to play with your own collection of everyday objects.

Crossroads by Nancy Crow, Breckling Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-93308-19-7, $22.95, 64 pages.

This book was written to accompany Nancy's solo exhibition at The Snyderman Gallery in Philadelphia in 2007. It includes an introductory essay by David Hornung and artwork from the Crossroads, Markings and Structures series that Nancy created during 2003-07. It includes photos of Nancy's studio and working notebooks, as well as the pieces themselves. The Crossroads pieces are a continuation of a series that is also documented in "Nancy Crow" (Breckling Press, 2006), but the Markings and Structures seem completely new. Based on a series of monoprinting and screenprinting forays, their design depends more on the surface design work than on the pieced designs that have dominated Nancy's work in the past. Several of the Markings pieces are very frenetic and agitated and seem to be a response to Nancy's feelings about the war in Iraq. My favorites are the pieces in both the Markings series and the Structures series that consist of hundreds of repeated lines, reminiscent of cross-hatch markings, that seem to represent a more peaceful and reflective state.

Friendship Bracelets All Grown Up by Jo Packham, Martingale Company, 2008, ISBN 978-1-56477-846-8, $18.95, 64 pages, index

Do you remember when all the "cool kids" wore those wonderful friendship bracelets? Did you ever spend all summer braiding or knotting bracelets with your friends? Do you like to collect funky yarns and wild beads? If the answer to any of these is "yes", take a look at this book. It shows how to do all the braids, knots, wraps and weaves. It's got great inspirational projects and photos. And it's filled with lighthearted fun. Too often our fiber pastimes seem to get caught up in perfection pressures - stitches need to be perfectly even or edges need to be exactly matched. This book is an invitation to revisit why we developed these passions in the first place.

JUNE REVIEWS

Creative Quilt Collection from That Patchwork Place, Volume 3, Martingale, 2008, ISBN 978-1-56477-855-0, $27.95, 128 pages.
This is a collection of the best of the best of the books recently published by the That Patchwork Place division of Martingale Press. Nineteen dramatic patchwork designs with complete directions and patterns. If you're looking for inspiration for your next pieced gift, this book is a great place to start.

Quilt of Belonging by Esther Bryan, The Boston Mills Press, 2005, ISBN 1-55046-435-3, 296 pages, $29.95, Bibliography, Resources, Index.

This book is a testament to the importance of textiles and the power of dreams. In 1994, Esther Bryan (who is not a quilter) went to Slovakia with her father who was returning to the village where he grew up for the first time since WWII. This trip profoundly affected her art, and she created an exhibition entitled "Return" made up of the stories and of the textiles that she and her father were given while they were there. The response to her exhibit by other immigrant families led her to realize the universal nature of her family's story, and she conceived of the Quilt of Belonging as a way to express her concept that every person is "an equally valued part of the tapestry of life." I had the privilege of seeing this 10 foot tall by 120 foot long quilt at the International Quilt Festival in Houston last year, and it was both incredibly beautiful and incredibly moving. Containing 263 squares representing 71 aboriginal groups and the 192 nations of the world, this quilt contains an incredible parade of textile gifts. The book describes the story of the making of the Quilt of Belonging, completely through volunteer efforts, and then devotes a page to each of the squares, telling the story of the maker of each one and the symbolism of the textile techniques that were used to represent that nation's people. It is an amazing project. Sales of the book support the travels of the Quilt so that more people can experience it in person.

Quilting Arts TV Series 100 on DVD, Quiltingartstv.com, 2008, $39.99, 4 DVDs

Quilting Arts TV is still not being carried by the PBS stations in my part of Connecticut, so I was very excited to be able to watch the first season on DVD. I did a six-hour marathon TV session yesterday, watching all 13 episodes one after the other. Pokey Bolton, editor-in-chief of Quilting Arts Magazine and Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, is the host of the series. She has done a wonderful job bringing together an exciting array of quilting art experts who demonstrate a wide variety of sewing, painting, embellishing, stamping and computer techniques one can use in creating incredible artworks. I found all of it fascinating, from watching the ways in which computer programs can create kaleidoscope designs to Susan Shie's ability with an air brush pen to the amazing capabilities of the new computerized sewing/embroidery machines to Pam RuBert's appliqué art. My only complaint is that it moved too fast - each episode packs 5 processes or projects into one half hour, and I would much prefer to have longer to learn more about each one, perhaps concentrating on only two in an episode. However, Pokey is a charming and knowledgeable host, and the series is definitely jam-packed with inspiration and bound to inspire you to get into your studio or sewing room.

MAY REVIEWS

Accidental Landscapes by Karen Eckmeier, The Quilted Lizard, 2008, ISBN 978-0-9792033-1-2, $21.95, 64 pages, list of resources

Karen specializes in teaching simple ways to create beautiful landscapes. Each project is described in clear, step-by-step instructions with many suggestions for how to personalize your quilted artwork to reflect your own special landscape image. As Karen says, "This [method is] spontaneous, quick and playful." Each landscape will turn out different and unique. Enjoy!


Contemporary Quilt Art by Kate Lenkowsky, Indiana University Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0-253-35124-1, $34.95, hardcover, 290 pages, resource lists, glossary, notes, index

If you've been talking to your friends and family about art quilts and getting a lot of blank looks, you need this book. It's divided into three sections with full color images throughout. The first section gives a history of art quilting, the second section profiles 19 important artists, and the third section gives advice about all aspects of collecting art quilts. Profiled artists' careers are described in detail with at least five images of their work in glorious color. Artists included are: Liz Axford, Susan Brandeis, Rachel Brumer, Pauline Burbidge, Elizabeth Busch, Jean Williams Cacicedo, Dorothy Caldwell, Kyoung Ae Cho, Nancy Crow, Nancy Erickson, Carole Harris, Ana Lisa Hedstrom, Marilyn Henrion, Michael James, Jan Myers-Newbury, Rise Nagin, Joy Saville, Joan Schulze and Julie John Upshaw. The third section on buying and collecting is very helpful as this type of information is not readily available. It includes information about some well-known collectors, tips on working with an art consultant or commissioning a piece, as well as advice on where to see and buy art quilts, display and storage issues, and insurance. A beautiful coffee table book that is also an important resource handbook.


Needle Felting with Cotton and Wool by Jennifer Kooy Zoeterman & Linda Lenich, That Patchwork Place, 2008, ISBN 978-1-56477-796-6, $19.95, 64 pages

This is an interesting approach to needle felting because it combines wool and cotton fabrics together. The authors own a quilt shop and are therefore drawn to both types of fabric. Good, easy to follow instructions on the basics of needle felting are followed by nine projects for using this technique to create quilts, pillows and other decorative objects. My favorites are the two lovely wall quilts, because their larger size seems to work best with the stiffer wool appliqué shapes.


The Quilter's Catalog by Meg Cox, Workman Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-0-7611-3881-5, $18.95, 598 pages, index, lists, patterns

This is a tremendous book. It has a little bit of everything you'd ever want to know about quilting: history, tools, fabric, shops, books, magazines, web sites, teachers, beginner projects, shows, tours, retreats, museums and more. While most of the photos are in black and white (except for the project samples), it's an absolutely amazing resource for quilters of all types. Keep this book handy for whenever you need to find a source or are looking for new ideas.

APRIL REVIEWS

**49 Sensational Skirts by Alison Willoughby, Interweave Press, 2008, ISBN 978-159668-061-6, $29.95, 128 pages, Glossary, Index, pattern for basic skirt

I must be getting old. I read through "49 Sensational Skirts," and my first thought was "Who would wear these?" - very old-fogey thinking! Then I realized that while I can't imagine even a 20-something art student living in Greenwich Village actually wearing them as skirts, the techniques and designs were wonderful for art quilts. And in fact, they are displayed as artworks on the cover. The author's color and design sense are fantastic, and I'm intrigued by her practice of recycling thrift store finds and looking for inspiration everywhere. She is drawn to the circle, playing it against the truncated triangular shape of the skirt form. I particularly like the off-center concentric circles in denim blue centered around a dense profusion of cherry red buttons in "Denim Ruby" and the play of a green corded spiral against black and white silkscreen grid of stenciled circles in "Monochrome Geometry". If you make a skirt, I'd love to see a photo of where you wore it!


**Fat Quarter Frenzy Two by Susan Purney Mark and Daphne Greig, American Quilter's Society, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57432-948-3, $26.95, 96 pages, patterns

I'm sure that it's happened to many of us - you go into a quilt store looking for just one item and come out with an armload of must-have fabrics, especially those luscious fat quarters. Now what do to do with them? Here's a collection of 15 simple pieced patterns that let those fun fabrics shine. I love "Raspberry Ripple" for its colors and "Fishy Fishy" for its fishy forms.



**Quilts for Rosie by Carolyn Cullinan McCormick, Kansas City Star Quilts, 2008, ISBN 978-1-933466-52-1, $25.95 (available through www.PickleDish.com), 140 pages, patterns

Looking for something a little different? This book has twenty blocks that were printed in The Kansas City Star during the 1940's. The author has redrafted the patterns for paper piecing techniques and included some fascinating WWII history about quilting at that time.

MARCH REVIEWS

WARNING - This isn't a review, it's a description of my first book:

Masters: Art Quilts curated and written by Martha Sielman, Lark Books, 2008, ISBN 978-1-60059-107-5, $24.95, 414 pages, index (Pre-Orders ONLY; Expected to arrive in early May)


The advance copy came by air mail on Monday, and the book is gorgeous. It’s 414 pages, so each of the forty artists from around the world has a 10-page spread which showcases up to a dozen pieces of their work, along with several detail shots. I wrote a short introduction for each one and there are several “pull-quotes” from each artist talking about their work and their inspiration.

Here are the three reasons why you should order a copy for yourself and one for a friend:

1. One of the chief editors for the book said that it is the most beautiful book that he’s ever worked on. Lark’s art department did an incredible job in the layout and quality of the images. Each page is filled with fantastic art. The format of this book allows you to view in depth and learn about the work of 40 incredible artists, because it presents up to a dozen pieces by each artist instead of the typical survey presentation which presents only one or two images. The master artists included are: B. J. Adams, Pamela Allen, Eszter Bornemisza, Elizabeth Brimelow, Pauline Burbidge, Cher Cartwright, Hollis Chatelain, Kyoung Ae Cho, Jette Clover, Jane Burch Cochran, Linda Colsh, Judith Content, Michael A. Cummings, Chiaki Dosho, Noriko Endo, Nancy Erickson, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Jeanette Gilks, Jenny Hearn, Inge Mardal & Steen Hougs, Inge Hueber, Wendy Huhn, Michael James, M. Joan Lintault, John Lefelhocz, Terrie Hancock Mangat, Katie Pasquini Masopust, Therese May, Carolyn Mazloomi, Miriam Nathan-Roberts, Velda Newman, Clare Plug, Yvonne Porcella, Jane Sassaman, Deidre Scherer, Joan Schulze, Susan Shie, Ann Woringer, Charlotte Yde and Ita Ziv.

2. It will help to support SAQA’s mission of promoting the art quilt as art, because I’ve been able to arrange that if you buy it through the SAQA web site or at a SAQA booth, 55% of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to support SAQA.

3. We need to prove to the publishing industry that there’s a market for books that celebrate the art that we’re making and not just for books that explain how-to. They don’t publish books on Picasso that also teach you how to paint like Picasso, but the publishing industry is convinced that a book with art quilts won’t sell unless it also teaches techniques. Lark took a chance on this, and we need to prove that they were right so that more publishers will take our art seriously.

There will be a companion exhibition that SAQA is sponsoring that will premiere at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Each of the artists is sending one work, and “Masters: Art Quilts – the exhibition” will travel to all three International Quilt Festivals (Houston, Chicago and Long Beach), as well as to the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society for a three-month run that will coincide with the AQS show in Paducah. See the SAQA web site for dates and locations.


**Hot Textiles by Kim Thittichai, Sterling Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-0713-490404, hardcover, $27.95, 128 pages, list of suppliers, index

The samples are gorgeous - distressed, melted, twisted fibers creating textures that beg to be touched in Wonder Under, Tyvek, Pellon, Lutradur, plastics and other fibers. The process makes me uneasy. Many of the most interesting results are achieved by melting and burning plastics. While the author addresses safety issues and recommends using a respirator and working outside if at all possible, I know that I tend to be too impatient to always be as careful as I should be - the "heat" of the moment of creation carries me away, and these items can create potentially dangerous fumes. However, if you have the proper safety equipment and the proper cautionary technique, the effects demonstrated in this book will inspire you endlessly.


**Making Mathematics with Needlework, edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro and Carolyn Yackel, A.K. Peters, Ltd., 2008, ISBN 978-1-56881-331-8, hardcover, $30.00, 184 pages, patterns, instructions, contributor bios, index

I was intrigued by this book. I took some math in college - linear algebra and multi-variable calculus - and I've done a variety of needlework techniques, so how would they combine? My friend Jeri Riggs was one of the artists whose work was being included - Mobius Band quilts sounded intriguing. My observation has been that many math and science people are drawn to knitting, quilting, etc. probably because textiles have a strong grid structure as their basis which lends itself to creations based on regularity and repeating pattern. What I discovered is that if you are a math professor or have an advanced degree in mathematics, this is an interesting book. For the rest of us, it's just a curiosity as many of the mathematical principles being demonstrated are more easily reproduced in paper and/or the textile creations which are displayed are beautiful in themselves without an understanding of the very complex mathematical principles upon which they are based.


**Skinny Quilts & Table Runners from Today's Top Designers, edited by Eleanor Levie, Martingale, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-730-0, $24.95, 96 pages, list of resources

Looking for a quick quilt inspiration - check out these ideas for traditional and art quilts in a long, skinny format. Complete patterns and instructions for quilt designs by fifteen top quilters, including Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy, Laura Wasilowski, Karen Eckmeier, Yvonne Porcella, Carol Taylor and Jane Sassaman.



**Stitch, Dissolve, Distort with Machine Embroidery by Valerie Campbell-Harding and Maggie Grey, Interweave Press, 2006, ISBN 978-1-59668-050-0, $27.95, 128 pages, list of suppliers, index

A treasure trove of techniques that use machine embroidery methods to create incredible textures through free machine stitching, painted stitching, water-soluble stabilizers, embossing powders, dry felting and fabric sculpting. This is the bible of the artistic effects which are possible when one takes machine embroidery to the limits. Many of the techniques require painstaking amounts of stitching, but the results are worth the efforts.


**Stitched Collage: Creative Effects on Paper and Fabric by Sherrill Kahn, Martingale Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-837-6, $16.95, 32 pages, list of resources

Looking for a quick jump start for inspiration? Sherrill covers all the basics of paper and fabric collage - painting, stamping, stitching, embellishments in her signature vibrant palette. She also includes a photo gallery of projects and fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Collage provides a way to combine many passions (fiber, papers, and embellishments) together into one piece - the trick is to create something that has meaning as a whole which transcends the parts. Studying Sherrill's work is a great way to learn how.

FEBRUARY REVIEWS

**Embellished Mini-Quilts by Jamie Fingal , Lark Books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-60059-104-4, $24.95, 128 pages, hardcover, biographies of contributors, conversion charts, index

Twenty-two projects show how to use embellishments to create wonderful small art quilts. The projects feature works by Jamie Fingal and her fellow embellishers: Frances Holliday Alford, Cindy Cooksey, Lisa Corson, Ricë Freeman-Zachery, Janet Ghio, Deana Hartman, Stacy Hurt, Susan Sorrell, Larkin Jean Van Horn, Terry Waldron and Kathy York. Each is accompanied by an artist’s statement explaining the inspiration for the piece, followed by the list of materials used and instructions for creating the base quilt and for doing the embellishments. Wonderful artwork – sure to inspire the magpie urges in all of us to collect and display collections of unusual colorful and textured objects in our work.

Nuno Nouveau by Liz Clay, North Light Books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-60061-036-3, $19.99, 128 pages, index

Nuno is the felting of other fabrics, usually silk or cotton gauze with wool. It produces wonderful effects with the advantages of both types of fiber. This book uses a series of projects to demonstrate the versatility of this technique. One of the innovative effects that Liz Clay achieves that I particularly was impressed by was sandwiching the wool between layers of silk gauze, felting the layers together and then cutting away the parts of the top layer to expose the felt below, creating variations in texture and color. Another technique with exciting possibilities was tying marbles into silk by gathering the silk around the base of the marble, then felting wool onto the back of the silk. When the marbles were removed the silk retained the bubble effect because the felting held it in place. A third gorgeous piece sandwiched silk gauze between donut shapes of felt which were then felted to each other through the silk, producing a flocked effect. If you're interested in experimenting with the interaction of different types of fibers, read this book.


**Simple Contemporary Quilts by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader, Lark Books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57990-875-1, $24.95, hardcover, 128 pages, patterns, index

I love seeing this type of book where the sewing is simple, but the designs are stunning. Thirteen designers were asked to create one or more easily crafted modern designs. The results are graphically bold, yet easy to learn how to sew. My favorites include "Tumbling Leaves" which combines simple square blocks with appliquéd leaves, where the leaves are sewn separately and then attached to the quilt by sewing only down the center of each leaf; and "Zoe's Deep Blue" where large rectangles are combined in a simple pattern which works because of the repetition of graphically strong shapes.

**The Small Art Quilt DVD by Jane LaFazio, Graves Film and Tape (WonderChannel.com), 2007, ISBN: 8-00828-26989-0, $29.95, running time: 69 minutes
Jane presents three different techniques to create small art quilts: using wool felt with improvisational cutting and decorative hand stitching, tracing photographs using permanent markers and then adding a wash of color, and using torn strips of fabric to create background designs which are then embellished with decorative stitching, “scrunched” ribbon and beading. The DVD format creates the sensation that you’re right there in her studio watching her work and she seems very comfortable in front of the camera. The techniques are easy to master and the results are wonderfully whimsical and engaging.

JANUARY REVIEWS

**Cutting Garden Quilts: Fabulous Fusible Flowers by Melinda Bula, Martingale Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-759-1, $27.95, 96 pages, patterns.

I've long admired Melinda Bula's stunning floral art quilts (you can see samples on her SAQA gallery page: http://www.saqa.com/galleries/gallery.aspx?profile=623). This book gives detailed directions on how you can create your own flowers in fabric using fusing and thread painting. WARNING: one of the necessities to making realistic flowers is to greatly increase your stash so that you have a sufficient array of subtle color variations. Step-by-step directions, enlargeable patterns for six designs and numerous tips, make this an enticing project for the new year.

**Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Landscapes: The Masterclass Embroidery Series, David & Charles, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7153-2179-9, $26.99, hardcover, 96 pages, Glossary of stitches, List of suppliers, index

This is the latest in a series of Masterclasses in book form. The embroidery samples are exquisite. Very classical designs using mostly satin (straight) stitch and seed stitches, her depictions of close-ups of flowers and field animals (birds, mice, insects) are carefully researched, accurate and appealing. The landscapes form a backdrop which is framed by these nature study close-ups. The effects of color choice, implied space, shading and stitch direction are emphasized. It is always inspiring to see the work of a master craftman.

**Innovative Fabric Imagery for Quilts by Cyndy Lyle Rymer with Lynn Koolish, C&T Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-438-7, $27.95, 96 pages, Resource list, index

There are now so many exciting things that can be done with the photo transfer process. This book takes you step-by-step through 13 home dec projects which use photo transfer. The examples use Photoshop Elements but can be adapted to other photo manipulation software. The trap of photo transfer onto fabric process is that often it isn't clear why the photo should be on fabric rather than simply printed onto photo paper. The strength of this book compared to others on the market, including others published by C&T, is the gallery of work by noted quilt artists who use photo transfers in creating their artwork. These pieces take advantage of both the strengths of computer-aided photo manipulation and of the fabric artwork into which the photos are incorporated creating artwork which would be less rich if either element were removed. These artworks were presented in a special exhibit "Innovative Fabric Imagery" sponsored by C&T and presented at the Fall 2007 International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston.

**Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories by Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, Interweave Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-59668-055-5, $19.95, 112 pages, Bibliography, Glossary, Index

This beautiful book documents some of the rich, colorful textiles created by the people of the Cusco region. Gorgeous color photographs show how the clothing is worn by all ages. Photos and diagrams show how the weaving is done on both backstrap and horizontal looms, as well as how the llama and alpaca fibers are prepared, spun and dyed. Close-up photos document how woven strips are used to decorate various garments, as well as a dizzying array of traditional patterns. The variety of colors and patterns are incredible, a testament to centuries of human creativity. All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.

DECEMBER REVIEWS

Creative Batik (Beginner's Guide to Series) by Rosi Robinson, Search Press, 2001, ISBN 085532892-4, $19.95, 96 pages, index
This is an excellent how-to book detailing all types of ways to manipulate different waxes and dyes and paints to create beautiful batik artworks. The author stresses that you can create beautiful batiks even if you don't know how to draw, but her own artistic skill is very evident and her handling of light is extraordinary. She says that the most difficult part is to learn to think from the lightest to the darkest part of a composition, because you have to protect the lightest parts of the design as you add more layers of wax and dye/paint, but that this becomes second nature with practice. Gorgeous examples; inspiring instruction.

The Painted Quilt by Linda and Laura Kemshall, David & Charles, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7153-2450-9, $24.99, 124 pages, List of suppliers, index

I'm a big fan of Linda and Laura Kemshall's work and read their column in Quilting Arts Magazine avidly. This book presents several techniques for painting, stenciling, printing, discharging, photocopy transfers, etc. While these two artists are unusual in that they often paint AFTER quilting, most of their techniques are covered in many different books on surface design. What makes this book exciting is what can be learned by studying the design elements that are used to create the examples that they show. Their use of color, shapes, repetition and variation create designs that are visually dynamic and powerful. By including photos of their sketchbooks, the reader can watch an idea go from conception to completion.

**Quilt Artistry: Inspired Designs from the East by Yoshiko Jinzenji, Kodansha International, 2007, ISBN 4-7700-2756-7, $35.00, hardcover, 128 pages, patterns, glossary, index

This book is gorgeous. It is divided into two sections. In the first section, Yoshiko Jinzenji shows and gives directions for making quilted items from the revolutionary fabrics being developed by Jun'ichi Arai. Some of these fabrics incorporate layers of torn fabrics and some incorporate metallic fibers. Yoshiko alters some of the fabrics and then uses simple piecing patterns and beautiful quilting to showcase the unique qualities of these textiles. The second section gives directions for projects that used fabrics that Yoshiko dyed herself, particularly silk which she dyed using a process which she invented and developed that triple-dyes silk in bamboo dye which increases the fabric's ability to absorb UV rays and gives it an iridescent quality. Her minimalist piecing designs and use of heavy quilting make these pieces shimmer and glow. Amazing.

**Ricky Tims' Rhapsody Quilts by Ricky Tims, C&T Publishing 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-456-1, $27.95, 96 pages, Resource list, index

The traditional medallion quilt structure is melded in this book with the spontaneity of paper cut-out snowflakes. This method of creating lyrical flowing designs leads to beautiful, unique-looking quilts. Clear, step-by-step directions guide the reader through the design process, color selection and construction steps. A gallery of gorgeous examples is included.

**Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art by Michael de Meng, North Light Books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58180-938-2, $24.99, List of suppliers, index

This is not a fiber art book - he makes mostly metal assemblage art. BUT it's an incredibly inspiring book. North Light creates books that look and feel like actual artist journals, and this is no exception. Each of the 10 projects includes a myth-retelling, a mini essay on what Michael thinks the myth has to say about being an artist, a photo montage of him working on the piece, accompanied by a blow-by-blow account of the decisions that he makes as he builds the piece, and a sidebar journal chronicling his adventures in acquiring the items out of which the piece is built. He's a great writer and it's fascinating to "listen in" on an artist as he works. Looking for some inspiration - read this book.

**The Uncommon Quilter by Jeanne Williamson, Potter Craft, 2007, ISBN 978-0-307-38122-4, $25.00, 160 pages, Resource list, index

Jeanne Williamson is famous in the art quilt world for two things: her Orange Construction Fence series, of which #29 won Best of Show in the 2005 Quilt National, and for completing a small quilt each and every week, 52 weeks per year, for seven years, a feat which provided the inspiration for the Journal Quilt exhibits at the International Quilt Festival. In this book, Jeanne shares some of her favorite pieces and describes the unusual objects which inspired them. Detailed instructions are provided for the reader's own explorations of such uncommon inspirations as: plastic shopping bags, onion bag netting, hair dye, hot beverage sleeves, cupcake holders, clothing labels, dryer lint and ironing board cover rust stains. Unfortunately the book's printing is somewhat marred by a few computer glitches creating double paragraphs and a split sentence. However none of that detracts from the wealth of inspiration to be gleaned by being able to accompany Jeanne on her journey of exploration in art.

NOVEMBER REVIEWS

**America Knits: Book on tape by Melanie Falick, read by Christine Marshall, Knitting Out Loud, 2007, ISBN 978-0-9796073-1-8, 4 CD's, $29.95
The stories are fascinating. Melanie Falick traveled across the country to meet with people involved in all different facets of the knitting world: sheep farmers, yarn shop owners, pattern designers, knitwear artists, sculptural knitters. Each of these wool and knitting enthusiasts has a wonderful story to tell, and Melanie did a fantastic job of conveying what attracted the person to knitting and what drives them to create in wool. I am still unsure what I think about the book-on-tape format for this book. As Mom to five kids I spend a lot of time being chauffeur, so I appreciated being able to enjoy this book while I was driving around. Knitting Out Loud is producing a series of knitting books on tape, including "Knitting Memories" by Lela Nargi and "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" by Kathy Goldner. They are promoting these as something to listen to while one knits, hence their business name, but I spend much more time in the car. However I missed being able to see the wonderful knitted creations being described that were crafted by each featured participant especially for the book, and of course the knitting patterns are only available in the print version. Perhaps the best choice would be to have both the print book and the audio version.

**Fabric Art Workshop by Susan Stein, Creative Publishing International, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58923-328-7, $22.95, 128 pages, list of resources, index

If you’re like me, you have heard about or tried all sorts of different types of surface design techniques. Then one day you go to start a project and decide that this would be the perfect time to try one of them, but you can’t quite remember where you put the directions! This book is the solution. Susan describes and gives an example for each of 27 techniques from shaving cream marbling to painting fusible web to using silk cocoons to working with Angelina fibers. Each description is followed by illustrated step-by-step instructions with additional tips for success or variation. There’s also a great gallery of finished pieces at the end. A great reference tool.

**Katie Pasquini Masopust Teaches You Simple Steps to Dynamic Art Quilts - a DVD, C&T Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-467-7, $20.95

This is the seventh in C&T's new DVD series, and it's great. It's like taking a class with an expert, but you can do it in your home, on your own schedule and you can replay each segment as often as you need to. Katie Pasquini Masopust leads the viewer through the steps that she takes to go from a photo inspiration to a final appliquéd art quilt in a rainbow of colors. Step-by-step, Katie talks you through the process of choosing an inspirational photo, cropping, tracing, enlarging, making templates, using spray starch to turn under the edges, invisible appliqué and free-motion quilting. What was especially fun was the extras: views of her home and studio in Santa Fe, a mini-retrospective of her work and hearing about her family and career, including her time as President of Studio Art Quilt Associates.

**M. Joan Lintault: Connecting Quilts, Art & Textiles by M. Joan Lintault, Dragon Threads, 2007, ISBN 978-0-9641201-4-3, $29.95, 128 pages, Bibliography, List of Exhibitions

The idea that we live in Paradise is what inspires much of Joan’s work. The rich surface of her pieces is created starting from plain white fabric, and because she believes that every process should contribute something to the work, she dyes, overdyes, screenprints, machine embroiders and paints each image separately and then laboriously stuffs them and sews them either to each other or onto a background of her own machine-made lace. This gorgeous book not only shows her work in full-page, glorious detail, but contains a wealth of Joan’s musings on her inspiration, art, critique and the importance of process. A long-time master of the art quilt form, this retrospective of Joan’s work belongs in every library.

**Living the Creative Life: Ideas and Inspiration from Working Artists by Rice Freeman-Zachery, F&W Publications, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58180-994-7, $22.99, 144 pages, index.

My mother recommended this book to me, but she liked it so much that she wouldn't lend me her copy! I had to get my own to read and review. Rice (which should have an umlaut over the "E") interviewed fifteen artists in great depth to collect their "ideas and inspirations", including well-known textile artists Bean Gilsdorf, Wendy Huhn and Susan Shie. This is a beautifully designed book - the paper feels good, the page design is varied, it's decorated by "paint splotches" so that you feel like you are reading an artist's journal. There are many illustrations of the artists' work along with extensive quotes and advice on where to find your Muse, how to keep working when you're not feeling inspired, keeping journals and working spaces. The author says that she set out to explore "How do you craft a life that's filled with inspiration and energy, joy and discovery?" These fifteen artists (sixteen if you include the author) seem to have done just that.

**Rags to Riches: The Quilt as Art by Laurie Swim, Art Quilt Publishing Corporation, 2007, ISBN 978-0-9783548-0-0, $32.00, hardcover, $32.00, 96 pages

This is Laurie’s third book. It presents her work to date in five series: Back Yards, The Ragged Shore, The Blue Rocks Yacht Club, They Were Fishers, and Community-built Quilts. Laurie’s detailed realistic appliqué works are beautiful. It was fascinating to read about the inspiration for each piece, and to see her original sketches and photographs. Much of the work in this book was inspired by the scenery in Nova Scotia and Laurie beautifully captures the essence of its beauty. The most powerful part of this book for me was the description and photos of the community-built quilts that Laurie has organized. These powerful works not only commemorate important events, they work to build community as the community works to build the quilt, and often act as catalysts for change. “Breaking Ground, The Hogg’s Hollow Disaster, 1960” commemorates the death of five construction workers caught in a collapsing tunnel which eventually led to improvements in Canadian workplace safety standards. “The Canadian Young Workers Memorial Quilt” commemorates 100 workers ages 18-25 killed on the job, often due to inadequate training and safety measures. “Lost at Sea, 1961” commemorates the loss in a freak late-winter storm of 17 fishermen from the small town of Lockeport, leaving 16 widows and 65 fatherless children. Created 39 years after this disaster, this quilt-making effort brought together many of those children, now grown, and altogether 300 people attended the unveiling. Laurie details the development of each piece, including many stories of how the process of creating these quilts affected the lives of those involved.

**Shibori for Textile Artists by Janice Gunner, Kodansha International, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56836-366-0, 128 pages, hardcover, List of Resources, Index

Shibori dyeing encompasses many different types of resist dyeing techniques. This excellent book describes several types: tied, stitched, bound, clamped and pleated. Historical examples are shown and clear lessons in how to create each type of shibori, including many ideas for variation, are provided. A brief history of shibori is illustrated with examples from around the world. How-to instructions for each variation are illustrated by the work of several contemporary art quilt artists. If like me, you've always wanted to experiment with resist-based dyeing beyond the tie-dye t-shirt, this is a wonderful place to start.

OCTOBER REVIEWS

(www.SAQA.com now offers an exciting array of books by members for sale in the SAQA Store):

**100 Things You Need to Know If You Own a Quilt: A Quilt Owner's Manual by Ann Hazelwood, American Quilter's Society, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57432-946-9, $12.95, 108 pages (book is 4" x 6"), Bibliography.

Illustrated with details from the 2006/7 AQS prizewinners, this small book would be a wonderful accompaniment to the gift or sale of a quilt. While the tips are sometimes stretched to accommodate the needs of having 100 separate items, the overall information is very thorough and helpful covering the different types of quilts, different techniques for creating quilts, and the care, hanging, insurance, shipping and storage of quilts. One of the statements is inaccurate - the text states that "The longevity of acid-free products is three years", but when I checked with Carolyn Ducey of the International Quilt Study Center, Carolyn said that while all acid-free tissue paper and boxes are made from wood and will eventually become acidic, it will typically take much longer than three years for that to happen. Carolyn recommends purchasing pH dots which are applied to the box or papers; when the dots change color, it's time to replace the products. That fact aside, this is a good introduction for anyone who is the proud owner of a new or antique quilt.

**Bags with Paper and Stitch: Innovative Surface Techniques for Embellishing Bags by Isobel Hall, Interweave Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-59668-051-7, $24.95, 128 pages, List of Suppliers, Index.

This incredible book is filled with bags/purses made from paper and other innovative materials, which are then decorated and embellished with a dizzying array of techniques. Even if you don't want to create an evening bag, this book is crammed with ideas and inspiration. Isobel Hall says of her creations, "Some bags are more robust than others...bags made from paper should be looked after." From making handles out of clear plastic tubing or tubular knitting wire to making bags from paper clay (Translucent Liquid Sculpey) to making others out onion skin paper, this book includes directions for hundreds of projects and variations that will really start your creative juices flowing.

**How We Felt: Designs and Techniques from Contemporary Felt Artists by Carol Huber Cypher, Interweave Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-59668-031-9, $24.95, List of Sources, Artist Contact Information, Index.

A showcase for some of the innovative, fun work being done in felt today, this book contains general directions for each item. Works by nineteen artists are described in detail. "Floating Poppies" by Linda Brooks Hirschman is reminiscent of a Chihuly glass flowers installation but uses felted flowers instead. Lucy Zercher's "Transfixed Butterfly Cape" glows in reds and golds. And Sharon Costello's cut-out embellishments float over her Autumn Winds vessel creating an unusual twist on felted containers.

**Leslie Gabriëlse: A Portrait by Peter Bulthuis and Leslie Gabriëlse (Artemis, 2007, ISBN 978-90-77075-37-1), 158 pages, $40, Available in the SAQA Store.

SAQA member Leslie Gabriëlse was born in Java, in the then Dutch East Indies and now lives in the Netherlands. The book is in three parts: an illustrated chronology/biography of his life to date which starts with a childhood that included time in a Japanese detention center during WWII, a gallery of selected works which includes notes and original sketches for some of the pieces, and a step-by-step photo essay of the creation of a particular piece. Gabriëlse’s work is a wonderful interplay of painting, appliqué and embroidery. His portraits of people and animals have a look that is absolutely unique, very different from any other fiber art that I’ve seen. There is something very nostalgic about his imagery, reminding me perhaps of the 20’s and 30’s. I keep looking at the images again and again – the way in which he incorporates various fabrics is simply masterful.

**Paper-Pieced Mini Quilts by Wendy Vosters, Martingale & Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-743-0, $24.95, 80 pages.

Before I discovered quilts, my passion was miniatures and dollhouses so I've always been drawn to miniature quilts. However my attempts at combining the two have usually resulted in frustration - when I tried to cut pieces in such tiny sizes, the fabrics would unravel and the sewing machine would eat them. The solution in this book is paper piecing, which solves these problems through the precision of paper piecing and the way in which larger pieces of fabric are sewn first and cut down to size later. 17 projects are presented with full-size patterns and complete instructions. My favorites are the "Shoofly Mini" and "Houses", which seem to best capture the charm of miniature quilting.

**Picture Your World in Appliqué by Margaret Cusack (Watson-Guptill, ISBN 0-8230-1641-2), 128 pages, $19.95, Available in the SAQA Store.

Margaret Cusack’s work has been featured on a postage stamp and on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazines, as well as on calendars, jigsaw puzzles and other items. Her realistic appliqué pictures have a friendly, Norman Rockwell feel to them, combined with Cusack’s own blend of multicultural family influences and humor: a recent commission created a map of the US out of Levi blue jeans. This book details many of her works, including information about her inspiration and how the works were created. Several projects are included using her techniques with information on color choice and stitch techniques.

**Super-Simple Creative Costumes by Sue Astroth, C&T Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-361-8, $24.95, 72 pages, List of Resources, full-size patterns.

I always feel panicky at this time of year waiting for the impossible-to-create Halloween costume wishes from my kids. This is the book that I've been looking for - plenty of ideas and easy construction. The costumes can be made for kids or adults, and several of the costumes would be great for dress-up play at other times of the year as well. My favorite - the artist's palette costume, of course.

**Thread Painting: Simple Techniques to Add Texture and Dimension by Leni Levenson Wiener (Krause Publications, ISBN 978-0-89689-435-8), 144 pages including full-size patterns, $24.99, Available in the SAQA Store.

Leni Wiener's new book presents step by step instructions for thread painting over imagery printed using your computer. It also includes information about threads and machine tension. Wiener has created 18 projects using this technique, which eliminates the need for drawing or tracing. Using printed images also allows the thread painting to vary in density across the surface as the background color fills in the gaps. Well-written and illustrated with beautiful examples of Wiener’s own work, it is a shame that Krause’s designers chose to fill the top of each page with the same parade of detail squares. This quibble aside, the technique is a very useful one to add to your arsenal and Wiener’s work, especially the double portrait of her sons, is gorgeous.

SEPTEMBER REVIEWS

**500 Baskets: A Celebration of the Basketmaker's Art curated and with an introduction by Jan Peters, Lark Books, 2006, ISBN 978-1-57990-731-0, $24.95, 420 pages, index.

While this book might be better titled "500 Vessel Forms", the work is gorgeous and inspiring. Some of the "baskets" are actually quilted panels which have been sewn together, such as the works by Judy Kahle and Kay Kahn. Many of the works are sculptural. My absolute favorite is "Choices" by Brian Jewett, which is in the shape of a Saguaro cactus but where the body is made from coiled garden hose held into shape with white cable ties, whose ends stick out like thorns, while red valve handles look like flowers. He says that the piece is about water conservation and consumption and that the center start is a drain cover. This book is bursting with creativity and reminds me to look at materials from new perspectives and to appreciate anew how the repetitive nature of most fiber arts is part of what gives them strength and beauty.

**Art Quilts: A Celebration: 400 Stunning Contemporary Designs from Quilt National 1995-2003, Introduction by Robert Shaw, Lark Books, 2005, ISBN 978-1-57990-711-2, $24.95, 512 pages, index.

This is a reference book must for every art quilt library. It is a compilation of the catalogs of the Quilt National quilts from 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003.

**Create Jewelry: Crystals (ISBN 978-1-59668-022-7)

**Create Jewelry: Pearls (ISBN 978-1-59668-023-4)

Both by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett, Interweave Press, 2007, $29.95, 120 pages, basic beading techniques section, project resources.

A hazard of using beads on one's art quilts, is that then you end up buying all sorts of gorgeous beads and starting to dream about making something that features the beads themselves. Written by the editors of Beadwork Magazine, both of these books combine interesting information about either crystals or pearls with about 23 projects using them in necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I found the pearl projects to be much more appealing, while the crystal pieces tended to be less dramatic, perhaps because the crystals are generally smaller. Everything you need to know is included and you're sure to be inspired, though that may lead to yet more bead-buying.

**Fabric Memory Books by Lesley Riley, Lark/Chapelle Books, 2006, ISBN 978-1-57990-985-7, $24.95, hardcover, 130 pages.

I love books, which is why doing these book reviews is so much fun. This book demonstrates how to combine my love of books with my other obsessions - fabric and embellishments. Lesley shows several different book-making techniques using fabrics and photo transfers. And then she provides detailed instructions for several book projects. The Teddy Bear book is absolutely adorable, some of the books featuring family members are poignant, and some of the theme books like the one featuring cherries are just plain fun. There's a book project for every mood and occasion.

**Young at Heart Quilts by Julie Popa, That Patchwork Place, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-681-5, $24.95, 96 pages.

When people find out that I am an art quilter, they often approach me with a request for help with their dream of making a king-size quilt for their bed. My recommendation is to instead start by making a baby quilt, either as a gift or as a donation - baby quilts are much more manageable as first projects and babies are very non-discriminating when it comes to matching corners and even stitches. That said, I am always on the lookout for simple to make but sophisticated-looking designs for first-time quilters (or even for experienced quilters looking for an easy, quick gift), and that is just what this book provides. Basic, for beginners, quilt-making directions are provided followed by 15 great designs, many shown in more than one color way. If you know someone who'd like to make that first quilt, check out this book for some great ideas.

AUGUST REVIEWS

**Bead Creative Art Quilts by Nancy Eha, Creative Visions Press, 2006, ISBN 978-0-9656476-3-2, $29.95, 96 pages, patterns, glossary Nancy Eha is the queen of beading for art quilts. Her book gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to bead and advice on how to avoid problems, such as knotting the thread off if the distance to the next area to be beaded is more than 1" or matching thread color to the bead not the fabric. However the true worth of this book is the examples of how she uses beading to enhance both her own and the work of several well-known art quilters. I love buying beads and using them to add a bit of sparkle to my work, but Nancy's book shows how the beads can be an important design element in their own right. Nancy's creativity is amazing, and her beaded kaleidoscopes are gorgeous.

**Kaffe Fassett's Museum Quilts by Kaffe Fassett with Liza Prior Lucy, The Taunton Press, 2005, ISBN 1-56158-754-0, $34.95, 160 pages, patchwork techniques, patterns, index

I am always in awe of Kaffe Fassett's ability with color, and this book provides some wonderful examples. Using antique quilts from the Victoria & Albert Museum collection as his inspiration, Kaffe has designed some gorgeous modern-day versions. While some of the examples are less successful, most of the quilts sing with color. My favorite is his "Persian-Blue Stars Quilt", which is made of rings of six-point stars interspersed with hexagons in a wonderful palette of turquoise, cobalt blue, and deep purple and lilac. But what makes this quilt stand out is a typical Kaffe Fassett addition of just eight lime-green stripe and honey taupe stars.

**More Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina, The Taunton Press, 2004, ISBN 1-56158-662-5, $24.95, 234 pages, technique illustrations, stain removal guide, glossary, sources, index

The problem with constantly being seduced by beautiful fabrics is that you then have to figure out how to sew them successfully, which is particulary a problem with the more exotic varieties. This is a wonderful resource book, which gives critical information about 200 different fabrics from African Mudcloth to Chenille to Sequins to Wetsuit. Each two page spread features an interesting garment made from the fabric, a description of the fabric and recommendations for the best garment types, sewing tips, whether to preshrink or not, how best to mark, cut, hem and which type of thread and needles to use. There are also general sewing tips throughout the book. My one quibble is that the spiral binding is too tight, making it difficult to turn the pages easily. However this is a perfect book to keep in your studio to refer to when you pull out the next wonderful, difficult-to-sew, but gotta have fabric.

**Posterize It! By Joe Hesch and Frankie Seme, That Patchwork Place, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-745-4, $19.95, 64 pages, Resource List

Printing photos onto fabric is such a wonderful way to create special keepsake quilts, but I've always been frustrated by the limitation of only being able to print 8.5" x 11" sized photos without investing in a special printer. This book shows how to solve that problem, giving clear, step-by-step instructions on how to divide your photo into sections, each one of which gets enlarged and printed out separately and then sewn together. The sample projects are wonderful. Now I just have to decide which photo to start with...

**The Potter and the Muse by Lotte Streisinger, Kalliope Press, $22.00, with photos of her pottery and linocut illustrations. Available by mail: Kalliope Press, P.O. Box 51453 Eugene, OR 97405-3819 or through the SAQA Store.

Lotte Streisinger was a potter for over 50 years in Eugene, Oregon, where she also founded the Saturday Market, the oldest weekly open air crafts market in the country (http://www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org/smhist.html). When back problems made it impossible for her to continue as a potter, she turned to making linocut prints and to writing. This book is the result of her ruminations on living a creative life, as recorded in the journals kept throughout her life. While some of her essays speak specifically about being a potter and working with clay, most of the book is about the creative process, talking about how to overcome creative dry spells, about how travel affected her work, about how often her first attempts at expressing an idea were unsatisfactory but she persisted until the idea became truly her own creation. It's a small book, but it's packed with inspiration for any creative person. Lotte is also my aunt, but this is a book that speaks to anyone involved in the arts.

**Sculpted Threads: Artful Brooches, Earrings and More, by Janet Shipley Hawks, Martingale Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-728-7, $18.95, 64 pages, List of Resources

I am always drawn to the gorgeous colors of threads now available and tend to buy thread even if I don't need it for anything I'm currently working on. Janet Hawks presents a solution as to what to do with my collection, as she shows how to use water soluble stabilizer and a variety of threads to create beautiful decorative bowls, evening bags and jewelry, which she embellishes with a variety of beading techniques. The colors just glow. Clear, easy to follow directions.

JULY REVIEWS

**Crumble.Crackle.Burn by Von Glitschka, HOW books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58180-958-9, $35.00, 124 pages plus DVD, index.
This is a fascinating book of photos of unusual textures: peeling paint, crumbling concrete, rusted siding. The photos are reproduced in black and white, as the author's intent is to provide the textures for use as a way to introduce uneven background texture into photoshopped images, because computer-generated images are usually too perfect and therefore look flat. So each texture photo is paired with a graphic design that uses that image to make its elements more random looking. The DVD holds the images in hi-res image files, so that you can use them on your computer. I'm intrigued by Von's dedication to photographing decay and also by the imaginative use of his photos as a way to humanize (if that's the right word) computer-generated images. The textures would also be wonderful printed out on fabric - texture on texture.

**Knitting with Gigi by Karen Thalacker, Martingale, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-758-4, $16.95, 32 pages. There is also an accompanying kit that includes knitting needles and yarn along with the book: ISBN 978-1-56477-816-1, $24.95.

If there is a child in your life who would like to learn how to knit, this is a gentle way to help them learn. Knitting is very big in my daughter's middle school, so she wanted to learn to knit, but it had been thirty years since I'd picked up a pair of needles and I wasn't sure that I remembered all the steps. The basics are all here, given with clear instructions, plus eight projects that are perfect for beginners: a potholder, belt, baby blanket, two scarves, wristwarmers, a hat and a bag.

**Quilting Transformed: Leaders in Contemporary Quilting in the United States by Jacqueline M. Atkins, Tadanobu SETO, 2007, ISBN 978-4-529-04414-1, 2880 YEN, 112 pages, Where to See Contemporary Quilts list. Written in English and Japanese. Available only through mail order from Nihon Vogue: Order #NV6456. Price 2880 YEN. Send credit card info (MC or VISA only), including number, expiration date and three control code numbers to: Nihon Vogue Co., Ltd. 3-23 Ichigaya Honmura-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8705, Japan. Contact: Hozumi Takahashi (takahashi-h@tezukuritown.com).

This book is a must-have for every fiber art library. The first third of the book contains a wonderful brief history of quilting in the 20th century, focusing on the fore-runners of the art quilt movement. It not only showcases the artists, but also talks about the importance of the collectors, exhibitions and festivals, and publications. The next section gives a gorgeous two-page spread to nineteen important art quilt masters, while the final section is devoted to the people who made the growth of the art quilt possible: Karey Bresenhan, Jonathan Holstein, Robert and Ardis James, Meredith and Bill Schroeder, Bonnie Lehman, Shelly Zegart and Hilary Fletcher. This is an important overview of art quilting history, placing it in context while providing gorgeous artworks to feast your eyes upon. (If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please contact me - I'd be glad to put together a joint order.)

JUNE REVIEWS

**200 Braids to twist, knot, loop or weave by Jacqui Carey, Interweave Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-59668-018-0, 256 pages, $27.95, resource list, index.

As a child, I always loved playing with bits of string learning to make braids and lanyards. How I wish I'd had this book before - this is braiding for grown-ups. In easy to follow, gorgeous illustrations Jacqui describes and teaches how to twist, knot, interloop, weave, braid, ply-split darn and work beads into your cords and fibers. General instructions are given first; then each of the 200 examples is clearly explained. There are also tips for ending and for using the braids that you create to decorate whatever you wish. The results are luscious.

**Oh, Wow! The Miniature Quilts & Their Makers at the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, American Quilter's Society, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57432-931-5, 96 pages, $24.95, index.

I have always loved miniatures, and the collection profiled in this book shows some of the best. Forty-two miniature masterpieces are presented, with a photo, artist statement and short bio of their makers. Sale proceeds go to support the museums' acquisition fund. All I can say is, "Oh, Wow!"

**Positively Postcards: Quilted Keepsakes to Save or Send by Bonnie Sabel and Louis-Philippe O'Donnell, That Patchwork Place, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-732-4, 96 pages, $24.95, appendix of supplies.

Small artworks are all the rage right now: Artist Trading Cards (ATC's), 5x7's, 12" squares, and postcards. This cheerful book shows how to make art postcards, which can either be mailed, given as gifts, or (the author's favorite) kept in a basket on the coffee-table for visitors to have fun looking through. Directions are easy, samples are inspirational. Try it and get in on the fun!

**Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking by Kathryn Berenson, Potter Craft, 2007, ISBN 978-0-307-34552-3, 216 pages, $45.00, Where to See and Buy French Quilts, Glossary, Further Reading, Index.

While I am primarily involved with art quilts, I always feel a tremendous sense of awe when I come across beautiful traditional quilt work. This gorgeous, coffee-table book looks at several types of traditional quiltmaking in the south of France. The examples are breath-taking; the history is interesting and accessible; and they've included several projects inspired by this style of work for you to create. The stuffed whitework is amazing.

MAY REVIEWS:

**Art Quilt Workbook by Jane Davila and Elin Waterston, C & T Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-377-9, $27.95, 96 pages, glossary, resource list, index.
This is the best teach-yourself-to-art-quilt book that I've seen. Jane and Elin cover the basics of color and design and then provide guidance in choosing images, innovative piecing, using paint, threadwork, and embellishments. Each chapter provides definitions of the topic's parts, examples of the different types available, exercises to help you experiment, other artists' work to refer to for additional examples and then homework so that you can make it your own. If you wish to grow as an artist, work through the exercises and homework in this book.

**Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project, edited by Karey Patterson Bresenhan, Quilting Arts Press, 2006, ISBN 0-9766928-3-X, $34.99, 272 pages, index, bibliography.

I participated in the first Journal Quilt Project in 2002 and one of the nine Journal pieces that I created is in this book (page 263). The process of creating nine small artworks to be displayed at the International Quilt Festival in Houston was an incredibly inspirational process. I'd been working big, each art quilt taking months to complete. Creating an artwork only 8 1/2" by 11" in an afternoon or two, allowed me to experiment and play. Reading this book - seeing the journal entries and artwork created by hundreds of artists in the five years from 2002-2007 was an emotional experience. I ended up with tears at one moment, laughing out loud at another, and constantly in awe of the amazing creativity on display.

**Speaking in Cloth: Six Quilters; Six Voices by Ann Johnston and Jeannette DeNicolis Meyer, Ann Johnston, 2006, ISBN 978-0-9656776-2-2, $21.95, 48 pages.

This privately published catalog presents work by Cynthia Corbin, Quinn Zander Corum, Nancy Erickson, Trisha Hassler, Ann Johnston and Jeannette DeNicolis Meyer. Divided into six sections: language, theme, voice, process, challenge and message, this book pairs works by the artists with their reflections on how and why they create. A beautiful, thought-provoking essay.

**Square Deal by Nancy Mahoney, Martingale & Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-718-8, $24.95, 96 pages.

All of my early, traditionally-inspired quilts were made of squares, rectangles and triangles. While people often assume that if you make quilts, you must be an excellent seamstress (so they ask you to fix their zippers or hem their pants), I'm not that talented - too impatient probably. So designs that required only simple, straight seams worked best for me. If you're looking for beautiful designs that are simple to sew, try this book. It features complete instructions and patterns for wonderful geometric quilts that are easy to create.

**The Word It Book: Speak Up presents a gallery of interpreted words edited by Bryony Gomez-Palacio and Armin Vit, F.W. Publications, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58180-925-1, $24.99, 214 pages, index.

Need something to get your creative juices flowing - try this book.
The editors run a web site, where they provide a word of inspiration - Oops, Wiggle, Garbage, Time - and then publish the designs that various contributors submit in response to that word. Some of the best are published here, about eight per word, along with some words of explanation from the submitting designers and some brief interviews about the design process behind a submission. While the submissions are graphic designs, not fiber, the inspiration is universal. Use the responses as a jumping-off point for your own designs or challenge yourself to respond to the words in your own way.

May 2007 Additional Reviews

**Color for the Terrified Quilter by Ionna McCauley and Sharon Pederson, Martingale & Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-722-5, $26.95, 96 pages.

This book pairs basic color concepts with exercises and patterns for traditionally-inspired quilts that actually use the different color combinations, so that you can choose to create quilts inspired by monochromatic colors or by complementary ones.

**Landscape Quilts for Kids by Nancy Zieman and Natalie Sewell, Krause Publications, 2004, ISBN 0-87349-859-3, $19.99, 96 pages, images that can be printed onto fabric.

Kids will love these quilts. With animals, holiday themes and kids having fun (or photo-transfers of your own children), these quilts will bring joy to any child. Easy to do; a heirloom for the family.

**Quilt Art 20 edited by Charlotte Yde and Susan Denton, Quilt Art, 2005, ISBN 09527609-3-2, $25 plus $3.50 shipping Available in the US from member Dominie Nash (dominien@verizon.net), 96 pages, index.

Quilt Art is a group of 21 quilt artists, most members live in Europe. This book was created to accompany a traveling exhibit of their work celebrating the twenty years that the group has been in existence. The work is gorgeous; the comments intriguing.

**The Quilter's Guild Collection edited by Bridget Long, kp books, 2005, ISBN 0-89689-185-2, $24.99, 124 pages, endnotes, bibliography, list of suppliers, index.

The Quilter’s Guild Heritage Collection is the largest national collection in the United Kingdom. This book shows how twelve artists chose works from the Heritage Collection and were inspired to create their own art response. Each chapter includes the original inspiration, the finished response art, AND notes and sketches of the art in progress. I’m always fascinated by the opportunity to be able to glimpse how other artists go about the business of creating.

April 2007 Reviews

**The Art of Manipulating Fabric, by Colette Wolff, Krause Publications, 1996, ISBN 978-0801984969, 312 pages, $29.95, appendix of stitches, glossary, bibliography, index.
This is a fantastic book. It was first printed eleven years ago, but it is just as inspiring today as when it was first printed. Colette Wolff set out to experiment with as many ways of manipulating plain muslin as she could find or invent, so she covers gathering, shirring, ruffles, flounces, godets, pleating, smocking, tucking, cording, quilting, stuffing and darts. The manipulations create wonderful texture and shadows, incredible surfaces. I am perpetually seduced by color, but this book is infinitely inspiring in its depiction of the beauty of form.

**Color and Composition for the Creative Quilter, by Katie Pasquini Masopust and Brett Barker, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-272-2, 80 pages, $24.95, index.

If you've been making quilts, but you want to take it to the next level and create art in fabric, read this book. The art lessons in color and composition are designed to be done with fabric instead of pencil and paint. Contour Cutting and Stitching, Line and Shape, Value and Color are some of the chapter exercises. Katie and Brett teach this book as a class, and everyone comes away feeling successful and that they've learned how to make their fabric art stronger. I especially found the "I Did Everything Right, but..." section fascinating: several well-known artists show before and after photos of their work and explain what they changed to improve the composition of the pieces and why.

**Contemporary Quilting, by Cindy Walter and Stevii Graves, Krause Publications, 2005, ISBN 0-87349-749-X, 144 pages, $24.99, artist contact list, recommended reading, resource list.

Contemporary Quilting is an odd mix of several types of book in one. It is in three parts: the first part deals with how the quilting industry and contemporary quilting have influenced each other to change over the last 30 years; the second part gives directions for several simple, fairly traditional projects; and the third section is a gallery of artworks by about 70 well-known quilt artists. Each of the sections is interesting in its own way, but there doesn't seem to be much of a rationale for including them together. The project section seems especially out of place with the other two sections.

**Creative Embellishments for Paper, Jewelry, Fabric, and More, by Sherrill Kahn, Martingale Company, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56477-616-7, 112 pages, $27.95, resource list.

Sherrill Kahn covers many standard embellishment techniques: painting, rubber stamping and different types of beads. And THEN she demonstrates some very unusual embellishment sources: Tyvek, fun foam, plastic page protectors, and shrink plastic. Sherrill is an incredibly creative, inventive artist, and the book is a treasure trove of ideas. My only hesitation is that she heats a large variety of plastic items to produce her effects, and there isn't any information available on which ones may be producing harmful fumes as they melt and fuse - use extreme caution.

**Nancy Crow, by Nancy Crow, Breckling Press, 2006, ISBN 1-933308-03-6, hardcover 304 pages including several gatefolds, $65.00, index, biography.

I'm still struggling with how to describe this book. First of all, it's gorgeous: Breckling Press did a fantastic job showcasing Nancy Crow's art. Any artist would be thrilled to have their work presented in this way. The quilts are in breathtaking color, they're given lots of room and many of the largest ones are presented in large gatefold spreads. This book focuses on the work that Nancy made after 1988. There's also a lot of information about the barns which her family has bought and renovated and which she uses as studio and teaching space. While the barns are clearly important to her and she demonstrates how she feels that their lines have influenced her art, I found those parts of the book distracting. This book is about Nancy Crow’s art: page after page of gorgeous, richly-colored, intriguingly-patterned art. Between the interviews with Nancy, photos of Nancy's actual journal pages and entries, and her musings on how her work has changed, you get a deep sense of what has motivated her, how her work has progressed over time, and what drives her to constantly experiment with line and color. She comes across as a very talented and very intense person. This is an important record of the work done over the past 20 years by a leader and innovator in the fiber arts. A copy should be in every library.




**Artful Applique: The Easy Way, by Jane Townswick, That Patchwork Place, 2000, ISBN 978-1-56477-294-7, 144 pages, $29.95, patterns, resource list.

Hand sewing has been shown to lower your blood pressure, so this book should be considered part of a healthy life-style. It contains patterns and step-by-step instructions for needle-turn appliqué of sixteen lovely folk-art inspired designs.





**Coloring with Thread, by Ann Fahl, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-296-X, 96 pages, $24.95, resource list, index.

Ann Fahl uses beautiful machine embroidery to add depth and detail to her art quilt designs. This book describes her techniques as well as why she made each of her design decisions about thread colors and textures. She has included very helpful troubleshooting charts and tips. The best part of the book for me was seeing how Ann uses unusual thread colors to capture the beauty of flowers, leaves and other natural objects.


**Exploring Machine Trapunto: New Dimensions, by Hari Walner, C&T Publishing, 1999, ISBN 1-57120-043-6, 112 pages, $24.95, resource list, indices.

Hari Walner does incredible machine quilting. This book shows how to use varying thicknesses to batting to produce stunning trapunto designs. Hari uses water soluble thread to baste thick trapunto batting behind the featured designs, excess batting is then trimmed away, and then the whole design is backed with standard batting and backing and machine quilted in an overall design to make the trapunto areas pop. Hari gives advice about the best batting, fabrics and thread colors to use, as well as several lovely trapunto design patterns. She also includes her painting techniques to produce what she calls "fake appliqué".


**Fabric Journey: An Inside Look at the Quilts of Ruth B. McDowell, by Ruth B. McDowell, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-279-X, 96 pages, $25.95, index.

I'm so glad that I read this book. I've always wondered why some art quilters were drawn to piecing their designs. Why not just use fusible appliqué methods? Ruth McDowell explains in this book why she chooses to piece. First and foremost, she enjoys the process of piecing and the challenge of figuring out how to translate her design inspiration into a pieceable pattern. Piecing allows her to introduce a much wider and more eclectic variety of fabrics into her design because it frees her to work more abstractly. The seam lines add an additional design element and even her choices on which way to iron her seams add a subtle depth to her design. This book allows you to follow her thought process as she reflects on the choices she made in creating some fantastic artwork - fascinating.


**Fusing Fun! Fast Fearless Art Quilts, by Laura Wasilowski, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-289-7, 80 pages, $24.95, resource list, index.

I love Laura Wasilowski's designs and sense of humor. As a dedicated fusing fanatic myself, I think this is a great book that teaches all the basics of working with pre-fused fabrics. This is the set of techniques that I use when I teach children art quilting, because it allows them freedom in their designs and to easily express themselves in fabric. I also like how Laura incorporates design lessons into her instructions. Fusing is tremendously freeing - it allows your inner artist to come out and play. Try it and see.


**Kaleidoscope of Quilts, by Kaffe Fassett, The Taunton Press, 2006, ISBN 978-1-56158-938-8, 128 pages, $24.95, pattern pieces, list of distributors.

If you want to learn about color, study Kaffe Fassett's work. This book shows how to use a new line of fabrics by Rowan to make a variety of simple-piecing block quilts. But it's his color sense that is truly incredible. The piecing diagram for the Hot Diamonds Quilt carefully details by ordering code which fabrics were used, but it's the use of just three patches of turquoise against all the reds that make the quilt surface pop.


**Nature's Studio, by Joan Colvin, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-292-7, 80 pages, $24.95, index.

I love Joan Colvin's color palette - all browns and grays, which fits so beautifully with her nature scenes and wild women. This book is a meditation on her inspiration for works including trees, birds and beautiful women. Joan prefers to be inspired by the commercially printed fabrics around her. A pattern or color will remind her of feathers or moss and a new design takes off. Her musings on determining what type of design you may be drawn to are a unique approach to compositional elements.



**Puzzle Quilts: Simple Blocks, Complex Fabrics, by Paula Nadelstern, C&T Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-57120-336-2, 96 pages, $26.95, block templates and piecing diagrams, resource list, index.

I am always seduced by Paula Nadelstern's color choices - they are so rich and glowing. However I've always been intimidated by the complex piecing process that she uses for her gorgeous kaleidoscope and snowflake designs. This book shows how to let the fabrics do the work. The piecing patterns are very simple - squares and triangles. The fabric choices make the finished blocks looks scrumptious. I especially like how Paula demonstrates ways to take the same simple pieced design and make blocks that look completely different due to the fabric choices. While this is of course where the traditional puzzle quilt gets its name, seeing it in action and comparing the piecing diagrams with the finished blocks is a revelation.


**Quilt Your Favorite Photos, by Betty Alofs, Krause Publications, 2006, ISBN 978-0-89689-215-6, 128 pages, $24.99, resource list, full-size patterns.

This is tremendous fun. I've made two house portraits this way. Take a photo, enlarge it on the computer and use it as the pattern for a lovely, very personal quilt.



**The Quilter's Directory of Embellishments, by Sally Holman, C&T Publishing, 2006, ISBN 978-1-57120-386-1, 128 pages, $29.95, pattern templates, index.

A reference tool listing all sorts of embellishments, from decorative stitches to foiling techniques, appliqué to tassels. Great samples, mostly crazy quilts. If you want one book that you can turn to when you need inspiration or a refresher course on how to sew a herringbone stitch, this is a great choice.


**Sew Subversive: Down & Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista, by Melissa Rannels, Melissa Alvarado and Hope Meng, The Taunton Press, 2006, ISBN 1-56158-809-1, 186 pages, $21.00, resource list, index.

Written for the teenagers and 20-somethings who would like to learn basic sewing skills to personalize their wardrobes and surroundings. Because it's written by women who are 20-something, it actually works. Fun, out-there fashions that are easy to create and fun to wear.


**Skydyes, by Mickey Lawler, C&T Publishing, 1999, ISBN 1-57120-072-X, 112 pages, $24.95, resource list, bibliography, index.

Mickey Lawler shows how to create fantastic hand-painted fabrics for your skies, oceans and landscapes. A terrific reference guide.

March 2007 Reviews

**Artist's Digital Photo Reference: Landscapes, edited by Erin Nevius, North Light Books, 2006, ISBN 978-1-58180-901-5, 64 pages, $29.99, CD with images.

**Virtual Pose: Duo, by Mario Henri Chakkour, Hand Books Press, 2006, ISBN 978-0-94140-107-5, 80 pages, $34.99, Interactive CD of images.

Both of these books are fantastic references for the artist. The Landscapes book has 1,000 photos of various landscape features: oceans, trees, bridges, mountains - a virtual library of stock landscape images. The text of the book shows how 11 artists used the stock images to create their own paintings. I wish I had known about this book when I was struggling with how to work with the horizon in one of my commissioned pieces - tons of ideas! The Virtual Pose series shows models in a variety of poses, which you can view from 360 degrees with the interactive CD tool. The text shows stills from the CD, so that you can decide which pose is the one that you need. It works with QuickTime, and it's almost magical to use your mouse to rotate the models so that you can draw them from the angle you need.

**Calendar Kids: Handprint Quilts through the Year, by Marcia L. Layton, Martingale & Company: That Patchwork Place, 2007, ISBN 1-5647-7702-2, 80 pages, $24.95.

This is just plain cute. I do a lot of teaching, including preschoolers. This book is full of ideas for great projects, all using children's handprints. Marcia Layton has come up with a variety of designs which use the children's painted handprints in quilts: hearts, fish, pumpkins join the traditional handprint turkey. My absolute favorite - pink flamingoes in sunglasses!

**Fast, fun & easy: Book Cover Art, by Jake Finch, C&T Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-57120-393-9, 48 pages, $15.95, List of sources.

Looking for a great gift idea? These book covers are a simple project providing artwork that will make unique covers for your notebooks, datebooks and journals. Jake's artwork samples are gorgeous and inspiring.

**Happy Villages, by Karen Eckmeier, The Quilted Lizard, 2007, ISBN 978-0-9792033-0-5, 32 pages, $16.95.

A simple and fun collage process to transform step-like shaped pieces into a village of your dreams. Many additional samples and ordering information are on Karen's web site: http://www.quilted-lizard.com.

**Quilting by Improvisation, by Vikki Pignatelli, Dragon Threads, 2006, ISBN 0-9671201-9-4, 176 pages, $29.95, list of resources, 25% patterns.

Let your imagination lead you to quilts you've never dreamed of. Vikki Pignatelli shows through step-by-step examples how one idea can lead to another and then to another. She includes some great techniques for including openings in your quilts, manipulating the fabric before it is sewn down, and adding three-dimensional shapes which come off the surface. I was especially interested in her ideas for non-rectangular finishing. Her wedged borders may just be the answer to my perennial struggle to get my corners to be square.

**Transforming Fabric: 30 Creative Ways to Paint, Dye, and Pattern Cloth, by Carolyn A. Dahl, Krause Publications, 2004, ISBN 0-8734-9616-7, 160 pages, $23.99, List of supply sources, footnotes, index.

Carolyn has written a very complete set of descriptions of different ways to dye and paint cloth. What sets this book apart from other how-to color cloth books is the way that her voice and personality shines through. While very gentle and encouraging for the novice, she is nonetheless fearless when it comes to design and color. Each section begins with a snippet of information, about silkworms or the different types of paint, or about something personal from Carolyn's life like her mother's pet rooster. If you want to jumpstart your creativity by creating your own individualized fabric, this book is for you.

February 2007 Reviews

Art to Wear: Make and Embellish Creative Clothing and Accessories by Jana Ewy, North Light Books 2005, $19.99, 96 pages, ISBN #1-58180-597-7, basic techniques section, resource listing, index.

Twenty projects to jazz up your outfits, shoes and bags. From the title and cover I thought it would be more about fiber, but the projects are mostly jewelry-type embellishments. My favorite fiber project uses water-soluble stabilizer to make an airy webbing of faux-woven ribbons which are used to embellish a basic commercial sweater, easily converting something ordinary into something unique. The take-home message is to be fearless in making what you wear express who you are.

Luminous Landscapes by Gloria Loughman, C&T Publishing 2007, List price $28.95, 96 pages, ISBN #978-1-57120-366-3, resource listing, full-size pull-out patterns.

Gloria Loughman's beautiful landscape quilts are inspired by her native Australia, as well as trips around the world. Her landscape colors, with native trees and rock formations, are a fun change from typical American landscape scenes. However her techniques are easily applied to any landscape. Clear explanations and simple instructions show you how to translate your favorite vacation or seasonal photo into an heirloom fabric work of art. She covers how to choose the best parts of your photos, how to paint fabrics to match, and how to choose the best construction and stitching techniques to complete your design. Her section on trees is particularly helpful, as I've always found trees to be difficult. Sample projects include African Thorn Tree, Tropical Escape and Mojave Yuccas.

Ruth B. McDowell's Piecing Workshop by Ruth B. McDowell, C&T Publishing 2007, List price $29.95, 80 pages, ISBN #978-1-57120-374-8, step-by-step instructions, gallery of finished work, index, full-size patterns in pull-out section at back.

It's always a pleasure to watch a master at work: Ruth McDowell creates incredibly beautiful, intricately pieced art quilts. In this book, she demonstrates in careful step-by-step instructions how to translate your own design into a perfectly pieced top using freezer paper, sharpie markers and fine silk pins. Her instructions show how to deal everything from simple blocks to complex designs, curves and inset seams. Two sample projects: Maple Leaf and Water Lily are presented with step-by-step directions and pull-out full-size patterns.

Portfolio 13, Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) 2006, 220 pages, $37.95, full page, full-color plates of the work of 205 professional artist members of SAQA. Order your copy today on the SAQA web site (https://www.saqa.com/orders.aspx) or by mailing a check to: SAQA, PO Box 572, Storrs, CT 06268.