Stitching Stars


Book Description

This distinguished biography is both a portrait of an artist and a chronicle of her times. Born into slavery, Harriet Powers had always been a quilt maker, but at 49, she began working on her first masterpiece--a story quilt of the Bible that is now at the Smithsonian Institution. Full-color photos.




Stitching Stars


Book Description

Born into slavery in 1837, Harriet was both a gifted seamstress and a deeply religious person. Her legacy, two quilts depicting Bible stories and folklore, grew out of those strengths. Using Powers's own words, as well as historical accounts of the period, Lyons has pieced together this artist's experiences into an absorbing, detailed narrative.




Stitch by Stitch


Book Description

From the blanket that his great-grandmother made for him as a boy, to the friends he gathered together in San Francisco as a young man, to the idea for a monument sewn of fabric and thread, Cleve Jones’ extraordinary life seems to have been stitched together bit by bit, piece by piece. Mentored by Harvey Milk, Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones' shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. This evocative biography is a touching tribute to Jones' life of advocacy, the positive effects of a community working towards a common goal, and an inspiring story for young readers. Includes a timeline and extensive back matter.




Spectacular Stars Simplified


Book Description

It's never been easier to make Lone Star-style quilts! Shelley has simplified the intricate-looking traditional design by breaking it into easy-to-piece units, without a set-in seam or bias edge in sight. You won't be using templates or cutting angled pieces from strip sets, either. Instead, each of the eight designs begins with familiar stitch-and-flip units that are then sewn into blocks. Yes, blocks! From there, arrange blocks to create a variety of stellar designs that even a novice can complete with ease. If you can stitch on a marked line, you're ready to make these heavenly quilts! Intricate-looking designs reimagined with simplified piecing Everyone loves to stitch-and-flip These beginner-friendly blocks will make everyone feel at ease Customer Review: A wonderful addition to any quilter's library. There are eight beautiful contemporary projects with each having an alternative layout suggestion; one looks amazingly like old-world, Spanish mosaic tile. Just gorgeous! But most impressive is the unique manner of construction that avoids bias edges commonly experienced with star patterns. Very cleverly designed. Will look forward to more from this talented designer and quilter.




Quilt As-You-Go Made Modern


Book Description

Learn to create modern quilts more quickly and easily than ever with this popular method, featuring thirteen projects and twenty-five bonus ideas. Do you believe rules were meant to be broken? If so, this improvisational quilt-as-you-go technique is for you. Instead of dealing with precise paper patterns and cutting measurements, you’ll learn how to piece fabric onto small, manageable batting blocks. Let your creative juices flow as you quilt directly on the blocks (not the whole quilt!), whether in large abstract zigzags or small structured stitches. After the blocks have been joined, all you need to do is add backing fabric and binding, and—voila—it’s finished! A modern approach to quilting that’s fresh, fun, and simpler than it sounds; it will change the way you quilt (for the better) Great for moms or anyone with a busy schedule—these thirteen projects are easy to transport because they make it simple to pick up where you left off Go your own way: This method allows you to use a pattern or improvise, creating a wide variety of design options Save money! Learn how to finish your own quilts without the use of a longarm professional “Quilting is easier than ever with Jera Brandvig’s modern spin on the popular quilt-as-you-go technique.” —Modern Quilts Unlimited “Quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) is one of those techniques that every quilter is curious about trying, but can be daunting as the process is so different to the traditional process of making a quilt top and then quilting it. . . . The book introduces the technique very thoroughly, so you can clearly understand the difference between traditional piecing and quilting and QAYG. Then there’s a great selection of gorgeous quilts that are sure to appeal to the modern quilter. A must if you’ve ever thought about trying QAYG and haven’t had a clue where to start.” —Make Modern Magazine




A Quilting Life


Book Description

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf




Stitching Memories


Book Description




Purr-fect Patchwork


Book Description

Cat-loving quilters mew-nite! Embrace your inner cat lady with contemporary cat-themed projects! Play with texture and style to create 16 unique projects from bags and decor to 7 different patchwork quilts. Each project includes step-by-step instructions guiding stitchers on a variety of techniques from foundation paper piecing to free-motion embroidery. Also learn how to play with different substrates such as cotton, linen, wool, wool-blended felt, denim, vinyl, and repurposed clothing. From beginners to more experienced, there is something new to learn for every stitcher. The paw-sibilities are endless! Make the most of your feline fabrics and craft 16 original cat-themed quilts and textile projects Use dozens of techniques from basic piecing, hand embroidery, and machine sewing for a vintage-meets-modern aesthetic Experiment with different textiles and fabrics to create bags, accessories, home decor, and quilts




Joyful Stitching


Book Description

Stitch playful projects Dive into Laura’s delightful world of embroidery and learn how to create small, free-form embroidery pieces that are alive with color and texture. With instructions for 21 basic embroidery stitches and 6 projects, all in Laura’s signature colorful, whimsical style, you’ll transform a flat, plain surface into a joyful, design-packed art piece. Stitch on wool, felt, or silk, and enjoy the simple pleasure of slow stitching. Includes a gallery of display ideas, as well as additional ideas for using free-form stitching. • Begin with simple shapes and fill them with improvisational stitchery • Change up the provided designs, swapping out colors and trying new stitch combinations, to create your own unique work • From popular, best-selling author and teacher Laura Wasilowski




Amy Butler's Style Stitches


Book Description

In this illustrated sewing guide, the celebrated designer shares twelve new patterns with loads of variations for stylish bags of all kinds. With the patterns in Amy Butler’s Style Stitches, you can create everything from chic clutches and delicate wristlets to pretty hobo bags and handy coin purses. Each project is designed with Butler’s fresh, modern style and attention to detail. She also includes easy-to-follow instructions for altering dimensions, straps, and embellishments so you can make each piece truly your own. This ebook includes illustrated step-by-step directions, a comprehensive techniques section, and instructions for how to print the patterns themselves, making an essential and fashionable addition to every sewer’s digital library.