Customer Reviews

Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a long-time quilter who loves modern patterns and innovative design; I was so excited to see this book. When it arrived I knew after flipping through it once that I would be returning it--and I never return quilt books. Be aware that hardly any of the patterns are for quilts--most are for household objects. And what's frustrating about those patterns for things like slippers is that they don't seem as though they would produce results that are going to hold up well. Oh well. I'd recommend that non-beginners skip this and get two great Kerr/Ringle books: Color Harmony for Quilters and The Modern Quilt Workshop instead.

I love this book! The patterns are simple, but the results are really fabulous. These are the types of things that you'd find a trendy Manhattan boutique. I made "Steve" the cat for my daughter for Christmas last year, and she's crazy about him. The scarves are elegant, and each one is a work of art, depending on the fabrics one chooses. And Denyse even includes a pattern for one of her signature quilts. This is a great book to show people that quilting doesn't have to be country-craftish. It can be extremely stylish and hip.

After looking at Denyse Schmidt's website, I was very excited to purchase her book and start making unique quilts of my own! While her instructions in "Denyse Schmidt Quilts" are very clear, and there are numerous helpful hints, only 1/4 of the book addresses actual quilts. For those who are interested in oven mitts, quilted scarves, and small-scale projects, this is a delightful and pretty book to choose. However, for those (like myself) who are looking for a book dedicated to quilts (and not patchwork projects) you would be better served checking out other sources. I purchased the Modern Quilt Workshop in addition to Denyse Schmidt Quilts and would highly recommend it as an alternative

I commissioned my mother-in-law to make a baby quilt for a dear friend and I purchased a copy of this book for the drunk love two-tone quilt pattern. My mother-in-law has been quilting for more than 40 years and prides herself on her hand-stitched, beautiful, traditional log-cabin quilts - so it was more than a little challenge to pursuade her to make lopsided squares in bright pink and blush with a turquoise back no less.

The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The quilt was quite simple to make, and it turned out perfectly. We did experience one BIG problem - none of the local copy shops would enlarge the pattern until we had written permission from the publisher. I emailed Denyse Schmidt to ask for permission and within 24 hours, I had the written approval necessary. I understand this will not be a problem in future printings of the book as the publisher will include wording that is very clear about allowing copy shops to enlarge the patterns.

I think an experienced quilter would find this book too basic and not very inspiring. However, if you like sewing and you like to make quick gifts for your friends then I strongly recommend this book. There are so many great gift projects (the vintage-inspired apron being my personal favorite) and for kids the juggling squares are a perfect beginning sewing project.

I am still reading this book, but Denyse has already taught me a couple tricks I had never thought of and I have been quilting for 20+ years and reading other quilt books, etc.

Love her designs - underlying complexity but overall read of simple! She gives homage (I think) to prairie quilters of old who had to use scraps but with a new twist. I am excited to try a couple of these quilts out for my niece's room.

And just this week I saw someone post on Flickr the oven gloves made out of skulls fabric from Denyse's pattern and it looked great. Just goes to show the possibilities in these designs. (No not into skulls myself but I would have taken these.)

Love the projects & quilts in this book.
I've never made a quilt before. I was overwhelmed at first at just how much work it is, but I just started making templates & cutting & so far so good. This book has great looking modern quilts & lots of info on cutting & tips.

Im in the process of making 2 of these quilts

I was able to test some of the projects as the book was being made, and am amazed at how it turned out!! The few samples I was able to preview were made super easy, though far beyond my skill. I was amazed at how they turned out through following Denyse's directions. Now having the completed book, I'm excited to venture out on more quilting extravaganzas. The book is professional, thorough, eye catching and full of all sorts of fun. My expectatoins are far exceeded! I look forward to really getting into this wonderful resource knowing that it will be great to have: for aid, for inspiration, and for brousing. Great job Denyse!!!

I first saw Denyse Schmidt's work on Martha Stewart's show a number of years back, and I printed out a picture of her quilt from that show, because I liked it so much. I was very inspired to try quilting again. Her designs are not the same tired looks that have been around for years and years. I was so excited to see a book by her with multiple designs in it to reference. I was certainly not disappointed! She is very creative, and she definitely has a handle on modern design. Her designs are the best I have ever seen (and I've seen many attempts at modern design). I have since bought a couple more modern quilting books, since I was inspired by her book to get back into quilting, but they are not nearly as good. Buy this book!

I love the quilts in here! They are gorgeous, and the instructions are detailed and very, very clear! I like the color pictures that detail the processes step by step. The only thing that's missing is the detailed instructions on machine quilting. There are instructions on hand quilting, and instructions on hand tying. When it comes to machine quilting, it basically says: It's difficult; you may want to get someone else to do it for you. Here's a list of resources where you can get your quilt finished. I didn't appreciate that; it's as if she thinks machine quilting is difficult, you probably can't do it, so why bother discussing it at length?! That, I didn't like. Luckily, I bought the Modern Quilt Workshop book by the Funquilts people, and that explains machine quilting in detail, so with the two together, i'm set.

I loved this book. I borrowed it from a friend. I used and read it so many times that I could not bring myself to give it back and to buy a second one. The projects are modern and fun. I have already used many of the patterns to make presents. And the instructions are simple and easy to follow. (I only began sewing 6 months ago and was able to follow without a problem). This sewing book was worth every penny. Buy it! You won't regret it!