Applique Masterpiece: Little Brown Bird Patterns [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Margaret Docherty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2000

Based on a favorite song from the author's childhood, the little brown wren who is the star of this quilt is accompanied by an impressive array of feathered friends, wreaths, baskets, fruits, flowers, leaves, and patterns and helps others avoid the 'pitfalls' of quiltmaking while offering helpful hints and suggestions for beginners and advanced quilters alike. She shares with you her insights on hand applique, fabric selections, special techniques, design possibilities, border applique designs, and quilt assembly. Full-size patterns accompany this impressive work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Provides fine examples and instructions for both beginner and those well versed in quilting traditions. Packed with applique patterns. -Reviewer's Bookwatch May 2000

About the Author

Margaret Docherty, who was born in Hartlepool, England, learned to sew as a child. She became interested in quilting in the late 1980s and was greatly influenced by the work and writing of American quilters. Her main interest is in traditional hand applique, but she has experimented with most techniques and styles. She makes time to quilt from her busy schedule as a pediatrician by sewing mostly at night - a legacy from her days as a junior hospital doctor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: American Quilter's Society (January 27, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574327348
• ISBN-13: 978-1574327342
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #828,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Miniature masterpieces., January 12, 2001

By 

"margeaz" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Applique Masterpiece: Little Brown Bird Patterns (Paperback)

I found this book to be an absolute delight. The illustrations are exquisite and Margaret Doherty's conversational style is easy to read and understand. I learned a lot of new techniques, for instance, using parts of a large scale fabric to piece a very small bird. In one instance, she used a cobblestone fabric for the birds breast.

I am interested in developing small projects and feel that any one of the 40 squares would make a masterpiece item.

A quote from the author's preface: "I work as a pediatrician and each night after dinner, I do a crossword puzzle and sew for about six hours." sums up the author's approach to this form of fabric work. The challenge in looking at fabrics, colors, and techniques in a new way is worth the price of the book.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Applique Masterpiece Little Brown Bird, August 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Applique Masterpiece: Little Brown Bird Patterns (Paperback)

I am participating in an applique class in which most of the class members are using the patterns in this book to complete their quilts. Margaret's quilt is a masterpiece and an inspiration due to both her beautiful color choices and attention to detail. Many quilt books lack appeal as the finished projects pictured in the books are unattractive due to poor color combinations. The individual block pictures are fabulous. This book provides detailed information to assist the sewer in selecting appropriate fabrics and in techniques to complete a beautiful quilt.

I have observed as the class members bring in their completed blocks and although many have substituted their personal favorite color choices, they are producing beautiful blocks. I believe that the examples in the book have helped the class members look at fabric differently. The completed applique pieces look like they are hand painted.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnifique, February 3, 2000

By 

Dr PJB Mattinson (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Applique Masterpiece: Little Brown Bird Patterns (Paperback)

A delightful book which has been thoughtfuly written and beautifuly illustrated. My knowledge of applique has been significantly increased - my practical skills will surely follow.