Customer Reviews

Applique Masterpiece: Little Brown Bird Patterns

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The book is a wonderfully designed pattern for hand applique. The entire book is devoted to the creation of one design masterpiece featuring many squares of wreaths, flowers, half square borders and birds. The overall border is exquisite and intricate. The author's patterns and directions are excellent and easy to follow. She includes a chapter on how to select fabrics to create the shadings of flowers and birds without ever being a bird or flower fabric. She teaches what to look for. The only changes I comtemplate making are redesigning some of the birds.

Plan on taking this book off of the shelf whenever you want a little inspiration for another quilt. This quilt is truly an heirloom - not one you're going to sleep under. The quilt itself will take your breath away and, hopefully, you'll be inspired to try some of the techniques, even if you aren't as ambitious as Docherty is. I went right out and bought some new fat quarters of fabric that I thought might do for some of the squares, using her approach to choosing fabric, and will start small, with only one block. Her innotative techniques and exquisite results make her both an artist and a skilled artisan. Her writing style make her an excellent teacher. Don't pass this one by.

If you want to take embellishment over the top, this is for you. Excellent source of inspiration for applique that is so special. Highly recommend.

Wonderful book for nature buffs. Instructions very easy to follow, lots of detail and helpful information on applique as well as lovely patterns for nature lovers birds,flowers, and such. Lovely book to read cover to cover with good reference material to return to when working with hand applique.

A wonderful book with patterns, conversation, and instructions. A delight for everyone who loves applique either in large or smaller projects. Highly recommend.

This quilting book provides great illustrations
and complete instructions. I am looking forward
to making some of the blocks using the colors
that are suggested.

While the patterns are rather small, I have enlarged them - works great! Very detailed projects when you want to make something different but not impossible. Can recommend.