Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images

January 10, 2015 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images by Heather Scrimsher leans toward the modern eye by using photos of ordinary objects to create 15 new projects.

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

Can you see how the following quilt was inspired by the punched steel in the upper left of the above picture?

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

I love the bold colors in this quilt that was made to look like strings of beads. The quilting is pretty cool, too.

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

This one is “Shaken or Stirred.”

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

Masonry on the corners of buildings…

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

And, for all you hexie lovers, there’s “Inlay.”

Martingale - Graphic Quilts from Everyday Images (Print version + eBook bundle)

I think you will find plenty here to stir your imagination and get those creative designs flowing. If you are interested in finding out more about this book, go to Martingale’s website here.

Many thanks to Martingale and their photographer, Brent Kane, for providing the book and pictures for this review.

Think Big

January 10, 2015 Cowtown Quilts1 Comment

Think Big – Quilts, Runners, and Pillows from 18″ Blocks by Amy Ellis is full of modern and contemporary projects to nurture the modern soul.

Martingale - Think Big (Print version + eBook bundle)

The 10 large blocks included in this book make it easy to put together a quilt in a short amount of time. You will learn how to conquer your fear of rounded corners with the following block.

Martingale - Think Big (Print version + eBook bundle)

The following quilt looks like it would be rather complex, but it is actually simple to put together.

Martingale - Think Big (Print version + eBook bundle)

Even if you are not a fan of modern quilts, these patterns can be combined with any kind of fabric for a quick, weekend project or gift.

If you are interested in finding out more about this book, head on over to Martingale’s website here.

Many thanks to Martingale and their photographer, Brent Kane, for providing this book and the pictures for me to share with you!

Sew and Play

January 10, 2015January 10, 2015 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Sew and Play by Farah Wolfe is full of games and toys you can make yourself for the little ones in your life.

Martingale - Sew and Play (Print version + eBook bundle)

This book is full of easy-to-follow patterns and directions to make 11 different games/projects as well as instructions for how to play each game. Farah also has directions for how to make storage bags, etc. for these games.

Martingale - Sew and Play (Print version + eBook bundle)

No need for batteries with these toys. They are gender neutral, safe, washable, and great for travel. Game rules provide age-appropriate play options for toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolkids; there is something for everyone.

If you are interested in finding out more information about this book, head on over to Martingale’s website here.

Many thanks to Martingale and their photographer Brent Kane for providing the books and pictures for this review.

Cups and Saucers

January 10, 2015 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Cups and Saucers by Maaike Bakker is back by popular demand, updated this time with samples of the projects done in 2 colorways. The patterns for these projects are paper pieced, too, for those who’d rather piece than applique.

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

This would be cute hanging in your kitchen or near a doorway.

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

I think my favorite project in this book was the placemats with 4 different designs. Pink may not go with the colors in your dining room, but wouldn’t these be cute sitting at your table?

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

I thought this was cute, too.

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

The author has a larger one, too.

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

How about this sitting on your kitchen table or coffee bar?

Martingale - Cups and Saucers (Print version + eBook bundle)

If you are interested in any of these projects, Martingale has it available at their website here.

Many thanks to Martingale and their photographer, Brent Kane, for providing the book and pictures for my review.

Vintage Vibe

November 27, 2014 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Martingale - Vintage Vibe (Print version + eBook bundle)

I loved the quilts in this book by Amber Johnson. They have the traditional look, but the colors are fresh and up-to-date. She starts out the book by talking about fabric, fabric sizes, and how to build your fabric stash… great for beginners and others as well. At the end of the book she gives you quilting basics, and in between the beginning and the end is filled with wonderful quilts and projects to make.

Martingale - Vintage Vibe (Print version + eBook bundle)

I think you will find something you like from the 14 patterns in this book. If you’d like to find out more about this book, you can visit Martingale’s website here. Many thanks to them for providing the book for this review and also to their photographer, Brent Kane, for providing the pictures!

Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners – And Those Who Think They Can’t

November 27, 2014 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners – And Those Who Think They Can’t by Molly Hanson is a great book for those of you who are still afraid you can’t quilt, because you can! You just have to believe in yourself. It takes practice, and you won’t be as good as you’d like when you start, but the more you do it, the better you will be.

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle)

One of the things suggested to give you practice is to do some sketching. It helps develop the muscles that will also do the quilting.

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle) In this book, Molly starts you out with basic meander and then some writing. You will also find patterns for the projects she uses for the quilting in this book.

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle) She moves on to circles.

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle) And geometric designs…

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle)

Paisleys, which look nice on this bag…

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle)

Wood grain…

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle) And swirly designs…

Martingale - Free-Motion Quilting for Beginners (Print version + eBook bundle)

I like that the author has so many different quilting designs in this book – there’s something for every quilting style. So, what do you think? Are you ready to give quilting a try? You can do it, with the help of this book!

*Note: Many thanks to Martingale Press and their photographer, Brent Kane, for providing the book and the pictures for this review!

A Flair for Fabric

November 26, 2014 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Martingale - A Flair for Fabric (Print version + eBook bundle)

I was excited to do this book review, because the very talented Linda Lum DeBono is the one who compiled the projects from 15 different fabric designers with Henry Glass Fabrics that are in this book. If you know of any of these designers, you will want to get your hands on this book: Leanne Anderson; Dana Brooks; Linda Lum DeBono; Kim Diehl; Anni Downs; Jill Finley; Amy Hamberlin; Liz Hawkins and Beth Hawkins of Lizzie B Cre8ive; Margot Languedoc; Janet Nesbitt and Pam Soliday of Buggy Barn; Vicki Oehlke; Heather Mulder Peterson; Jacquelynne Steves; and Mary Ellen Von Holt, Alice Berg, and Sylvia Johnson of Little Quilts. Not only do they share their secrets for designing fabric lines, but they also show you how to mix and match your leftover fabrics with secondary fabrics for other projects. An added bonus, if you choose to buy this book, is that the designers are donating the royalties from the sale of this book to the Red Cross; a notable good cause.

So, let’s take a looks inside at some of the information and projects.

Martingale - A Flair for Fabric (Print version + eBook bundle)

And, last, but not least, a quilting caddy for hauling your quilting tools on outings…

Martingale - A Flair for Fabric (Print version + eBook bundle)

As you can see, there is a lot of variety in this book; variety of styles and projects. It would make a great gift for yourself or for a fellow quilter!

Many thanks to Martingale Press and their photographer, Brent Kane for providing this book and the pictures for this review!

Urban and Amish

October 17, 2014 Cowtown QuiltsLeave a comment

Urban and Amish; Classic Quilts and Modern Updates is written by Myra Harder.