Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces [Paperback]

Debbie Bowles (Author), Barbara Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

Curves catch the eye. Learn to elevate your quilts beyond the ordinary using what the author calls 'bent pieces.' Transform even your favorite traditional patterns using the three simple types of cuts demonstrated here. Sixteen projects and easy to follow instruction will have you bowing to rave reviews in no time. Even learning these techniques offers immediate rewards - the practice segments become a wallhanging. Instructions are included for bending such traditional favorites as Triple Rail Fence, Churn Dash, Log Cabin, and Thelma's Choice. Bent segments make interesting borders and sashing strips, too. It's easy. Just stack fabrics and using a rotary cutter, cut gentle curves. Sew strips together and enjoy the results. AUTHORBIO: Debbie Bowles came to quiltmaking via a lifetime of garment and craft sewing. As an elementary school teacher, Cub Scout den mom, and church volunteer with junior high students, Debbie approaches design, quiltmaking, and teaching as a means of having fun while creating something pleasing to the maker. Through her pattern company, Maple Island Quilts, she brings delightful designs made with achievable techniques to quilters of many skill levels. REVIEW: Quilters will enjoy trying out the 16 projects which utilize curved cutting techniques and illustrative color photos.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Debbie Bowles came to quiltmaking via a lifetime of garment and craft sewing. As an elementary school teacher, Cub Scout den mom, and church volunteer with junior high students, Debbie approaches design, quiltmaking, and teaching as a means of having fun while creating something pleasing to the maker. Through her pattern company, Maple Island Quilts, she brings delightful designs made with achievable techniques to quilters of many skill levels. Her book Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces, published by the American Quilter's Society in 2001, has opened up the world of curves for many quilters. Debbie travels nationally to present workshops that are fun and informative. They offer each quilter a space for personal interpretation of the designs. Her home is in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, Rick, and two sons, Ryan and Kyle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: American Quilter's Society (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574327577
• ISBN-13: 978-1574327571
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfaction Guaranteed, March 26, 2004

By 

Sherrill Pearson (montreal, Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces (Paperback)

I'm a quilting-book-hound. If I could own only two quilting books, one would be Cutting Curves from Straight Lines by Debbie Bowles, the other would be Colorplay by Joen Wolfrom. These two books cut all the frustration, when trying to accomplish those eye popping wonderful pieces, that we see in these books. They are beautifully illustrated with great color on glossy paper. Debbie's book is the clearest and simplest book I have read on the dreaded curve in quilting. There is no time consuming pinning and I got instant success with my first block. I have little patients with written instruction and found this book really cut to the chase with step-by-step instruction. If you like traditional patterns with a contemporary twist this is it!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, creative, and contemporary approach to quilting:, January 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces (Paperback)

If I could only have one quilting book this would be it!! I love this book!! I am one of those compulsive quilters and fabric collectors. I have numerous quilting books and take many out of the library. I have been making quilts for almost 30 years.

I signed up to take 2 workshops from the author and this book was included on the materials list. The book's instructions are so clear that I am not sure that I need to take the classes. I plan to take them anyway since I really want to meet Debbie Bowles.

I couldn't wait to make a curved quilt block. I completed two pagoda blocks in less than one hour and then spent the next hour praising myself.

Debbie Bowles really encourages you to experiment with color and patterns and provides excellent guidence and encouragement. I am pretty talented and adventurous with color but was astonished at the terrific results I have achieved from these techniques even with mediocre fabrics.

I also purchased her other book, Dancing Quilts from Straight Pieces and am looking forward to trying this technique as well. (but I like Cutting Curves better).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular Book!, March 8, 2007

By 

Jan C "Jan" (Trussville, AL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces (Paperback)

The author and her technique were featured on an episode of Simply Quilts. I ordered the book immediately and have already made the double pagoda wall hanging and lap quilt. They were both so easy to make and the result was more than I hoped for. I'm already planning on making a queen sized double pagoda for my bed. The book takes you through each step, provides clear instruction and I feel it is one of the easiest and definitely most fun and enjoyable quilts that I've ever made. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a quilt or wallhanging that stands out from the rest! Happy Quilting!