A Quilting Reviewer's Litmus Test

I have read a lot of quilting books. I don't want to confuse you by pretending to have finished, from plan, to piecing, sandwiching, quilting, and binding very many, but oh, the UFOs I've started. They are numerous, and of varied quality. I have grown up enough to admit that one or two were really just learning experiences- very expensive learning experiences.

As a bibliophile, I'm all about letting the books around me take some of the misery out of the learning process, so for every quilt I've started, I've probably read at least two quilting books. In the last week a friend who has sworn off sewing dropped two paper grocery sacks of quilting books off on my porch. Most of them were a touch more traditional than what I typically go in for, but nearly every one had a specific pattern that I'd long been curious to learn. Cathedral Windows.

Of course, I'd been long intimidated by the first complicated write up I'd ever read of the process, so I sat down and flipped through each book to their directions on how to make the Cathedral Windows block, figuring, whichever books made the process make sense would probably do a better job of explaining the other projects as well.

So that's my new litmus test for traditional quilting books- does it write up a decent explanation of Cathedral Windows, or does it leave the quilting hobbyist rocking in the corner of her sewing dungeon in some upright variation of the fetal position? If it's clear, then it might need to remain on my shelf, if not... well, my shelf space is limited, and I like to support the library's annual book sale.

More on which books I'm keeping and which I'm not even bothering with in days to come. 

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making

Beginning with a basic course in color theory which touches on the importance of both hue and balance, and helps to explain why designs work when both are in harmony, as well as walking designers through methods of fixing things when their palates are just a touch off, Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making is a treasure trove of accessible information.  I began quilting in 1999, but didn't become serious about it until 2003. Some of my quilts have worked gloriously, and some have remained UFOs in my closet because of palate or scale fail. I appreciate that Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making nips that problem in the bud.
Focusing on a set of ten workshops, each with directions, patterns, and it's own feel because they're each written by a different expert quilter, this guide will help anyone who wants to break away from traditional patterns and move into something that blends modern styles and sensibilities with the time honored traditions of patchwork and quilting. All in all, Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making is a great book for a quilt maker who wants to expand his or her repertoire of designs and learn to flourish in the negative space.  Despite the boring cover, I liked it. I enjoyed reading the simple to follow instructions, and found a lot of inspiration within the pages of this guide. This is a great book for those who love quilting but are growing tired of Ohio Stars and Dresden Plates.

Happy reading, and even happier quilting.



I received a free eARC of this title for review purposes. I have not been compensated in any other way for my review, which was not swayed in any way by the free nature of said ARC.