This is a bright and humorous collection of foundation paper pieced quilt blocks and projects for happy quilts. The motifs include a wide range of popular designs-everything from avocados to rainbows-so you can mix and match to make perfect personalised quilts and quilted projects. Foundation paper piecing is the perfect way to get perfectly sharp points and create fun quilt motifs. By using the foundation paper piecing (FPP) technique you can create intricate designs which would be impossible with traditional piecing. FPP is done using a sewing machine so even though the blocks are detailed the process is quite quick so you can make cute quilts and quilted projects in quick time. It is also the perfect way to use up your stash of quilting and sewing scraps and have lots of fun selecting the perfect scrap to suit your blocks. This collection features 100 fun quilt blocks from some of the best known names in patchwork and quilting. All the blocks are made using foundation paper piecing and all the templates are featured at full size with the seam allowance added so you can trace them off and get piecing straight away. There's a comprehensive section showing you how to do FPP with step-by-step instructions and photos so even if you've never done FPP before you can get started. The motifs featured include everything from food and drink (strawberry milkshake and pizza anyone?), to designs for outdoor explorers (a canoe and campfire set the scene for adventure lovers); pets and wild animals (think racoons to kittens) and everything in between. There is a block to suit everyone so you can make the perfect themed quilt for your nearest and dearest based on the things that they love the most. As well as instructions and patterns for the 100 FPP blocks there are also instructions for 10 projects made using the blocks including a retro apron; a rainbow pouch bag; a tote with 1950s sunglasses motif; the perfect table runner and a cute, kitten pillow. So why not choose your favourite motifs and get started making perfect quilted gifts for your friends and family!

Celebration quilts, or memory quilts, help us commemorate the important events in our lives. They capture memories in fabric and freeze special moments so they can be revisited later. Quilts can welcome a new life into the world, celebrate a wedding, pay tribute to a lost loved one, or simply capture a memory. Sometimes happy, sometimes serious, these quilts become treasured keepsakes. Now you can design and make your own celebration quilt with the help of this detailed guide, illustrated with 126 photos and a useful worksheet. This book takes you through the creative process of five such quilts. Use an existing pattern or precut fabric, design traditional quilt blocks, or create your quilt around artifacts you've collected. The possibilities are endless and a gallery of completed quilts offers lots of inspiring ideas. This book is a great addition to any quilter's or crafter's library.

In this tempting collection for all quilters, a host of talented designers presents 10 table accents in a variety of styles. Brighten any room with small quilts that are a joy to make and sure to please--several patterns would also make sweet doll or baby quilts.

Show your true colors as you stitch a bounty of red-white-and-blue projects featuring classic blocks. Straightforward piecing and simple designs highlight all-American color combinations in these patriotic projects with perennial appeal. Enjoy spirited projects that will brighten your home, including table toppers, quilts, wall hangings, a throw pillow, and more Perfect year 'round as gifts for military families, national holidays, and fans of Old Glory Be inspired to mix and match red, white, and blue fabrics for a scrappy lookVideo

With 400 color and black and white images, American Heroes Quilts, Past & Present, is the first in-depth compilation of quilt patterns named for or associated with famous Americans. Quoting from original sources where possible, the book explores 55 American heroes that quilters have honored through the centuries. Included are such familiar names as George Washington, Dolley Madison, Lewis and Clark, and Charles Lindbergh, as well as heroes who are all but forgotten today. Stories and vignettes bring these people to life. Who was the Hull in Hull's Victory? Why was Hobson the most kissed man in America? How did DuMont change America forever? Who was the only actor honored with a quilt block? With over 100 quilts and close-up photographs of all 112 patterns, this book is a must-have for serious quilters, quilt historians, and anyone who loves American history.

Learn how to do quick and easy applique the Sew Quirky way for fun, sewn projects. This collection of 12 designs for bright and bold machine applique patterns can be used to create bags, pillows, and quilts as well as to embellish clothes. Author, Mandy Murray, has a very unique style and that is reflected in her irreverent, humorous approach to designing, so whether it's a dachshund in a doughnut or a flamingo who likes to mingle, her designs can't fail to make you smile. This collection includes 12 projects for homewares and wearables. Choose from a fun floor cushion to an apron, table mats, wall hanging and even a dinosaur inspired applique design for a denim jacket. Mandy uses fusible applique to bring her designs to life and she explains this technique with step-by-step instructions and illustrations at the beginning of the book along with specific advice about getting the most from your sewing machine and using unusual fabrics - she loves to incorporate cork, vinyl and other eye catching fabrics into her designs. Other applique and piecing techniques covered include fussy cutting, layered applique, fabric selection and fabric 'auditioning' so you choose the best fabric for your project; how to get the right tension on your sewing machine and which feet to use, as well how to choose the right threads and needles for the best results. Other subjects covered include how to add hand embroidery and decorative stitches, quilting and finishing techniques and adding embellishments. Mandy also shares her techniques for different stitch styles, and shows you how to get exciting effects with even the most basic sewing machine. And she explains how to create her distinctive applique style using decorative stitches in the stitch library. The full-size applique patterns are included on a pull-out pattern sheet so you don't need to print them out and stick pages together, and all the applique templates are included at full-size so you can get going straight away once you've decided which design to tackle first! As well as the main techniques section there are 12 exciting projects to choose from. Mandy is known for her fun and quirky designs: a dachshund in a donut, an otter on an inflatable and a flamingo who likes to mingle all feature in this fun pattern collection which includes wall art, embellishments on clothing, cushions, quilts and an apron. The projects come together quickly and easily and make the perfect funky present for families and friends.

Find the perfect design for a pot holder for any time of the year or occasion to dress up your kitchen. Pot Holders for All Seasons includes 20 easy-to-make whimsical appliqued pot holders which will appeal to both quilters and sewists. Select one of the designs, pull out your scrap basket and you're ready to start stitching. Tutorial sidebars include raw-edge fusible applique, padded applique, mitered corner binding and cutting bias strips. Templates are also included. 'Jazz up your pot holders and bring life to the kitchen with these fun designs. Practical yet charming to look at. These quilted pot holders are in a variety of designs, quick to make and perfect for gifts.' www.yarnsandfabrics.co.uk

Kaffe Fassett uses the colorful Venetian island of Burano to form the backdrop of another stunning collection of new quilt designs from the Kaffe Fassett Studio. In this 22nd installment of Kaffe Fassett's ever-popular series of patchwork and quilting books, the quilts have been photographed on location in Burano, a tiny island in Italy's Venetian archipelago, famous for its lace making but also for its brilliantly painted houses in a myriad jewel colors. The colorful house walls, sometimes distressed and occasionally decorated with murals, form the backdrop, along with the canals, bridges, and boats of this special Venetian island, to another wonderful selection of Kaffe's new quilt designs. The collection of 19 quilts features both new fabric designs from the Kaffe Collective and some of his Classics. Bali Brocade makes a fantastic background to Kaffe's sumptuous Shimmer Star quilt with its ripples of pattern in contrasting prints. His two versions of a very simple quilt, comes in two very different colorways. Hot Steps is a riot of color, whereas by contrast its sister quilt, Cool Steps, in dusty blues, greens, and greys has an dreamy quality. Liza Prior Lucy's rich and dark Turkish Coffee quilt, with its hint of Eastern promise, fussy cuts Kaffe's new Turkish Delight fabric to brilliant effect. Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Burano provides all the instructional text, diagrams, and templates to make the quilts, plus a section on basic patchwork techniques for less experienced quilters.

Learn the traditional American craft of creating painted floor cloths and then experiment with fabrics and papers to create beautiful floor quilts and floor pages. These colorful, painted canvases were developed in Europe in the early 1400s, used as alternatives to carpets and for table coverings in homes and churches. Durable and decorative, they were used widely throughout the 1700s and 1800s until they were replaced by linoleum in the late 19th century. Today, homeowners enjoy them for their handcrafted, artisan appeal. With more than 200 color images, this book includes step-by-step instructions for making floor cloths, floor quilts, and floor pages, as well as a gallery of inspiring finished pieces in a wide range of styles. Employing modern techniques and materials, these projects are easy enough for beginners but will also appeal to crafters who want to expand their repertoire.

Add sass to your quilt labels and gift tags with these humorous iron-on designs! Featuring cheeky sayings like: Yes, I made it. No, you can't return it., This took FOREVER., Just because it's handmade doesn't mean it's cheap., If you don't like this, can I have it back? and If I got paid by the hour to make this, you couldn't afford it. Featuring 100+ snarky designs you can stitch, color, or paint, these customizable iron-ons give your handmade treasure the label it deserves. Each design comes in multiple sizes and will transfer several times. Stitch, color, or paint these customizable iron-ons to give your handmade treasure the label it deserves! Perfect for adding (more) drama to family and friend get-togethers!Easy to use! Instructions and basic embroidery stitches included

Throughout our country's history, quiltmakers have honored America's presidents in their quiltmaking. Featuring more than 330 images with insightful explanations, this book looks at the presidential quilts and patriotic quilts that have been made by American quilters. From the presidencies of George Washington through Barack Obama, the quilts-along with intriguing quilt-related comments from newspapers of the times-help us enjoy American history, and reflect on how quilt history has chosen to remember the US presidents. Also highlighted are 43 gorgeous newly-made quilts representing each of the United States presidents to date. Each measures twenty-four inches square, and is constructed in a pattern and fabric historically accurate to the leader's presidential term of office; their makers are quilt historians and enthusiasts affiliated with the American Quilt Study Group.

From Sherri K. Falls, the talented designer behind This & That Pattern Company, comes a bright and beguiling collection of delightful designs you'll love to stitch. Even if you're a beginner, you'll be successful from the get-go as you sew a variety of cheerful and colorful projects that are both fun and functional. You'll enjoy giving handmade gifts to friends and family--even to yourself! Choose from more than a dozen enjoyable projects for beginning to intermediate stitchers Sew affordable and attractive projects using your favorite precuts, especially charm squares Make these fast-to-finish projects with basic sewing techniques; many are embellished with simple embroidery

Sashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, uses simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko (pronounced shash-ko) means 'stab stitch' and refers to the small running stitch that is worked to build up distinctive decorative patterns, of which there are hundreds. The book begins by exploring the origins of the technique to strengthen clothes and to make them warmer. Getting Started describes everything you need to begin stitching, including selecting suitable fabrics and threads, marking out patterns on the fabric, as well as the stitching technique itself. Ten project chapters show how easy it is to use sashiko patterns to make beautiful items for the home. The sashiko patterns are described in step-by-step detail in the pattern library, showing you exactly how to achieve each individual pattern with ease. Finally a gallery of work by contemporary Japanese textile artists provides extra inspiration.

Traditional piecing gets a fresh look! Do you love quilting, but are looking for a modern aesthetic? If so, you'll love Sister Sampler Quilts. Inside, you'll find 25 interchangeable sister blocks and 3 sampler quilts that challenge traditional grid layouts with fun, innovative settings. Create block pairs as identical sisters or flip flop the color schemes for a patchier appeal in quilts that beautifully bridge the gap between traditional and modern. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced quilter, you'll enjoy practicing and perfecting quilting basics, like half-square triangles, flying geese and hourglass blocks, to beautiful effect. Modern traditional quilting is the perfect way to blend old and new techniques to create a quilt that's uniquely yours!

The German immigrants to Southeastern Pennsylvania developed a rich and very colorful quilting heritage after they arrived in America. This book focuses on a rare subset of that tradition--the patchwork pillowcase. If antique Pennsylvania quilts number in the thousands, patchwork pillowcases number in the hundreds. Gathered from private collectors and museums, the pillowcases presented here were made from about 1820 to 1920. Over 250 color photos showcase a huge assortment of nineteenth century printed fabrics used in both pieced and appliquA (c) pillowcases. Quilt designs range from a simple four-patch to a complex carpenter's wheel, while color schemes range from reserved red and white to bold pink and cheddar. This book will delight the quilt historian and inspire the quilt-maker.

This is sure to be your go-to book for block designs. It includes patterns for both 6 and 12 block designs along with matching projects.

Andrea Tsang Jackson guides readers through transforming the beauty, allure, and power of natural stones into glittering complex patchwork quilts. Using her expert tips and tricks and her step-by-step process to master a plan for the colour work required to achieve transparency and light through fabric selection, readers will paper-piece their way to a jewellery box of blocks. Beginning with nine traditional gemstone shapes, such as teardrop, marquis, and emerald cuts, each block progresses in complexity so readers can hone their skills as they work their way through the book. Next, quilters will be inspired to use their blocks in a series of projects - both large and small. Created with intermediate quilters in mind, the book includes: A beginner-friendly workshop on achieving effective transparency with fabric Andrea Tsang Jackson's speedy chain-piecing technique for paper piecing Nine basic 12'' gemstone blocks Graded patterns to create the perfect finished block size Traditional and modern settings Cutting and faceting with fabric workshop Gemstone groups with sampler ideas Field Guide approach with watercolour illustrations of gemstones

Grandmas, aunties, and moms-to-be: if there's a baby on the way, you want fast, practical gifts, handmade with love. Be the hit of the baby shower with adorable projects designed by two popular authors and proud grandmothers. Cute, colorful, and grandma approved! Choose from a great selection of clothing, accessories, bibs, quilts, receiving blankets, and more Darling styles suited for boys and girls are sure to be loved by new moms "Baby Talk" tip boxes offer hints for successful stitching with knit fabric, ultra-plush fabric, ribbon, rickrack, and more

Do you love bright, geometric quilt designs but wonder how to get such sharp points and accurate piecing? English paper piecing is the answer and this collection shows you how to sew your own patchwork projects even if you've never made a quilt before. English paper piecing (EPP) is a traditional patchwork technique which uses hexagon-shaped paper templates which are pieced together by hand sewing rather than machine piecing. This process of hand piecing is both mindful and calming and the fact that it doesn't rely on a sewing machine makes EPP the perfect 'sofa sewing' project that can be done while relaxing in front of your favourite TV show or while socialising with friends. Jenny Jackson is an expert in EPP and has been demonstrating the technique and showcasing her patterns on TV craft channels and magazines for a number of years. She has created this collection of techniques and patterns for modern EPP projects for the home including some really striking, large quilts. Jenny holds your hand through the EPP process so, even if you've never tried it before, you can complete projects to be proud of. Even if you already have some experience with EPP, Jenny shares her tips and tricks for quicker and sharper results so you can improve your skills. There are 18 projects for the home in a variety of sizes so you can build up to a full-sized quilt but you can also dip in and out of some smaller projects such as coasters, wall hangings and cushions while you hone your skills. The projects include repeats of EPP patterns and blocks as well as how to use EPP blocks and rosettes as applique within quilts and other projects. It's not just about the hexagon either: Jenny's geometric designs feature 20 different paper pieced templates including diamonds, octagons and even curved shapes for really exciting results. These sheets can be photocopied to give you multiple templates, fast. You can even flex your own creative muscle with the colouring pages included for every project so you can experiment with your own colour combinations to make your own unique designs.

Be Inspired by the Stories

The 1922, "The Farmer's Wife" magazine posed this question to their readers: "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in light of your own experience, have her marry a farmer?" The magazine at the time had 750,000 subscribers, and received over 7,000 letters. The best answers to this question are included in this book, along with the traditional quilt blocks they inspired.

Laurie Aaron Hird provides everything you need to be inspired and create your own sampler quilt:

• 111 six-inch quilt blocks, with assembly diagrams for piecing the blocks and template cutting directions
• Complete instruction for making a sampler quilt in any traditional size: lap, twin, queen or king
• CD with easy-to-print, full-sized templates for all 111 blocks, and printable quilt construction diagrams
• 42 letters from the 1922 Farmer's Wife contest to give you a priceless glimpse into our country's past

The focus of this comprehensive and inspiring book is its 14 quilt-as-you-go techniques. Choose from a variety of hand- and machine-sewn styles including stitch-and-flip, envelope-style, lined circles, Suffolk puffs and cathedral windows. Each technique is photographed step by step, and then each completed, discrete block can be transformed into a stunning quilt project, which comes complete with full instructions. If you like taking your creative work with you when you travel, love the convenience of working in small, manageable blocks, or simply want to try out some different techniques before committing to a full-size quilt, this book will help you achieve remarkable results. All the templates required are included at full size.

Two rectangles,14 projects, endless possibilities. The Fiona block, named for the author's granddaughter, is the basis for creating a virtually infinite variety of quilt patterns that highlight the unique qualities of fabrics, whether they are batiks, designer collections, or scraps. The larger central rectangle is ideal for showcasing novelty cloth or favorite colors. Compose a wall hanging or bed quilt with many different fabrics or just a few, go classic or modern, and play with scale using the book's five block sizes. Included are savvy techniques for adding sashing and cornerstones, an explanation of basic color theory, and helpful guidelines for selecting cloth and sewing supplies. The projects appeal to a wide range of skill levels, making this an inspiring and practical book for everyone from beginners to experienced quilters. For textile enthusiasts, it's creativity made simple, or complex.