Candace G. (Ogre) reviewed on 11/17/2022 + 1568 more book reviews

Marti Michell's book is quite short, only 45 pages, but don't be misled. It's worth much more than some others at five times the length-- or price.
The text is arranged like programmed learning; learn step one and build on it. Then go to step 2. It helps that the many illustrations and diagrams are extremely clear.
The book starts with an explanation of basic ideas and terms that apply to any quilt, along with a brief but lucid explanation of strip-piecing. Next, Michell suggests that any mistakes be considered learning experiences rather than failures. She repeatedly exhorts the new quilter to have fun!
Once the reader has been 'introduced' to quilting ideas, Michell jumps right in to the first project, a Five-Strip Fence Rail, a full-size quilt, with asides explaining Basket Weave variations.
That first project is followed by five more: 2. Sticks and Stones, 3. No-Name Four Patch in several color variations, 4. Nine Patch Bonanza (some using printed panel fabrics and some without) including a Magic Nine Patch version. The fifth project is a Double Irish Chain in several colors and sizes. Then comes Project Six, a Burgoyne Surrounded quilt, which has over a thousand pieces yet was completed in less than a work week!
The final few pages describe finishing any quilt, assembling the three layers, securing them, doing the actual quilting (including how to wrestle all that bulky fabric through the throat of the average sewing machine), adding borders, binding, and signing your creation.
If that seems a lot to cram into 45 pages, I agree entirely. I think this title should be on pretty much EVERY new quilter's bookshelf.

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