The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman

The most beautiful knit fabric will make an awful sweater if the finishing techniques are not right.  There is so much information in this small book to help me make that perfect project.  Only 144 pages, but they are packed with information.  The books starts with Nancie’s Finishing Secrets, 7 tips that only experience can teach. 

There are variety of cast-on methods, seven in all, and five bind-off methods.  Also, increases, decreases and selvages.  There are even eleven seam stitches explained!   There are nice diagrams, photographs, or both for each of the techniques.

Also covered is picking up stitches, borders, bands, finishes, which includes crochet edges, and so much more.

This is a hard cover book with a heavy spiral binding.  It has a lay-flat design for easy use so you will never lose your place.

Two worksheets finish the book for planning the next project.  This is a very nice reference book for hand knitters.

Link to purchase The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques

 Thank you to Martingale & Company for the review copy of this book. I post only my honest opinion and I receive no compensation if you purchase the book through my link.

Flip Your Way to Fabulous Quilts by Donna Lynn Thomas

Flip Your Way to Fabulous Quilts by Donna Lynn Thomas

The technique of the flip method starts by using a smalls square on the corner of a larger square that is sewn on the diagonal. There are some basic quiltmaking techniques and a short section on improving your accuracy, along with other tips and tricks.  The section on Applying the Concept was a little confusing for me at first, but a slow read and a little practice could master it.

There are three sections of patterns:

1. Try Me Quilts to learn the folded corner process and is recommended by the author for beginners.
2. Grow With Me Quilts for intermediate or confident beginners.
3. Master Me Quilts uses the same skills but the blocks have more pieces.

Shimmering Leaves is my favorite pattern with the beautiful color using dark, medium and light leaf color fabrics.

There is quite a bit of waste using this method, but the last pattern has a quilt to use up all of those scraps.

While working on another quilt I had to make a pieced border that turned out pretty badly, but one look at the book and I realized that the flip method would work perfectly and I was very happy with the results.

Link if you would like purchase Flip Your Way to Fabulous Quilts

(Also available in e-book form)

Thank you to Martingale & Company, Home of That Patchwork Place for a review copy of this book.  I post only my honest opinion and I receive no compensation for any purchase of the the book.

That Patchwork Place Quilt Calendar 2012

My beautiful 2011 That Patchwork Place Quilt Calendar is on my wall and now it is time look ahead to 2012.  I was so pleased with last year’s that I wanted the new one..  Again this year it is a large 12”X12”, folding out to 12”X 24” with enough room for notes each day. It has a strong hanging grommet.  The top half of the hanging calendar contains a quilt picture and the bottom half is the month decorated to match. 

It is more than just a calendar though, because there is an accompanying soft-cover booklet with instructions, diagrams and templates for all of the quilts.  I have tried some of the other calendars, but this one by That Patchwork Place is definitely my favorite. 

The quilts included are varied in style and method.  Some of the quilts are pieced and some appliqué.  There are also quilts for all skill levels.  My favorites were Bittersweet Briar, a combination of appliqué with a piece border, and For the Birds, another mixed method quilt. Another great product from That Patchwork Place. 

Thank you to Martingale and Company for the review copy, received only with the understanding of an honest review.   Link to Purchase 2012 That Patchwork Place Calendar 

Quilting those Flirty ‘30s by Cynthia Tomaszewski

This is not your ordinary quilt pattern book.  Most of my quilt books have an introduction to quilting, instructions, and patterns.  Cynthia added a little extra by creating a book that explains the very heart of quilting and its connection to home, friends and family.  Her book begins with a little family history and what life was like back in the 1930s.  As a genealogist, I was particularly interested, but you don’t have to study your own family tree to enjoy her stories. 

Next in the book she has her favorite childhood cookie recipe and tips for making great cookies.  Not only is this a nice addition to the book, but it also showcases a tea cozy and potholders made from patterns in the book.  There are also other cookie recipes throughout the book, eleven in all.

Quiltmaking basics follow, including something that I don’t see in a lot quilt books, a primer on layering and basting.  There is a nice introduction to different methods of appliqué so that even a beginner could quickly learn to create something beautiful with these patterns.  There are patterns for table runners, a tea cozy, potholders, an apron, and quilts of all sizes. 

My favorite was Angel Kisses, small flower wall hangings with yo-yo tassels – cute, easy, and unique!

There is something for every skill level, depending on the method of appliqué chosen.  There are larger flowers that would be easy enough for a beginner and also more intricate and delicate flower appliqués that would require a more experienced quilter.  

See some of the finished patterns on the Martingale and Company site

Thank you to Martingale and Company for the review copy of this book, received only with the understanding that my review will be my honest opinion.