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Tuesday 10 March 2015

Crazy Quilt Books for Beginners

Last month I did a post about a couple of Crazy Quilting books that I am enjoying at the moment. I have been Crazy Quilting for 12 years now though. I don't use books very much these days but when I first started I had my Crazy Quilting Books next to me all the time as a refresher for stitches and ideas in general.

When I teach I often get asked which are the best Crazy Quilting Books to buy.

My favourite Book in those early days was Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano, it is spiral bound too so it stays open.

I am fairly sure that it is still in print and available. It's handy for left-handers as well because there is a section just for them.

Another book that is still available and very good is the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. My copy is old and they have changed the cover of it now. It is also spiral bound and has many step by step photos of stitches to follow.

 I used to look at Motifs for Crazy Quilting by J. Marsha Michler a lot in the early days, although I don't use it these days because I draw out my own motifs. It is a lovely book but I am not sure if it is still in print.
 There is a book by Carole Samples called Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches that has just about every combination of stitches that you could think of and is a wonderful resource when you are feeling out of ideas.

There is a new Crazy Book out called Foolproof Crazy Quilting by Jennifer Clouston that has lovely coloured photos and plenty of stitch ideas.


These are the books that I would recommend to a beginner crazy quilter. Have you got any favourite Crazy Quilting books?

Bye for now,
Linda

7 comments:

Unknown said...

The Judith Baker Montoya "Elegant Stitches" book is my dream book. It was the impetus to get me trying silk embroidery. I'm still working on a quilt inspired by the cottage garden in that book. I don't have my own copy, but get the library's copy on a regular basis. I've received and purchased other books that are good, but the pictures in that book are still my dream quilts.

Linda Steele said...

I agree Sandra, there is something very special about the Elegant Stitches book.

N FL Lou said...

Foolproof Crazy Quilting made all the difference for me. I'd always loved well made quilts but sewing machines scared the stuffings out of me. I love to embroider so crazy quilts combined all the good stuff.

Then there are the hexagons, don't know where that obsession came from but it's mine. Finally there are the bright colors and black background. It all came together.

I bought a Brother machine with some quilting features that got good reviews in spite of it's lowish price. Haven't had a chance to try it yet. I'm a one legged woman and this machine doesn't require a foot pedal, all good. I do require lots of time getting my work/playroom set up and I'm mid way through. Fell yesterday working in there and it will be a few days before I can try again.

I'm a little old to learn to quilt. If a gray haired one legged woman in her mid 60s can make a work room/studio/playroom and learn to use a sewing machine to quilt, she ought to be able to make acceptable quilts from this book and others. Do you think so, cause I'm not so sure?

I think I can, I think I can,
N FL Lou

Linda Steele said...

I know you can, I agree that the combination of hexagons and black backgrounds show of the gorgeous embroidery beautifully. Good luck with your crazy quilting.

N FL Lou said...

Thanks for the encouragement Linda! Hopefully I'll have a quilting area set up soon and I'll be a crazy quilter......

Carli The Quilter said...

OK, we have similar books and totally agree these are great to use for getting started. I've been crazy quilting since 1997 when I started the "Silver Linings Crazy Quilt" and yes, the rarely mentioned Carole Samples book is awesome!

Linda Steele said...

I just went and read about your Silver Linings Crazy Quilt, Caroline, what an interesting story. It's always nice to 'meet' another crazy quilter