Customer Reviews

Laurel Burch Quilts: Kindred Creatures

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

 

 

The greatest thing about this book is that it has pullout patterns in it so that you can start your project right away. One of the reviews said there is nothing new in the book and that you can use the felines book. But, you'd literally have to draw all your own applique patterns. this book is for quilters, not just Burch fanatics. The other part that really hooked me was all the great embellishment ideas for finishing the quilt off. i'm about halfway through making my quilt and I can't wait to start the embellishment. Great book.

Like Mary Engelbreit, Laurel Burch has a distinctive and immediately recognizable artistic style. I got familiar with her work when picking out whimsical ceramic cat earrings for my wife's birthdays or other occasions, and always felt cheered by the bright color and fanciful forms of her artistic universe. As with anything this assertive and unique, you can tire of it, but somehow you can always come back to Laurel Burch and recapture the magic you felt when you first encountered her. It's a delight, then, to see her expand her artistic media into fabric with this book, Kindred Creatures. Mythical, magical horses, dogs, cats, birds, and butterflies gather in myriad combinations to form these breathtaking designs. As you might expect, Laurel doesn't limit her effects to fabric alone. These quilts are appliquéd and embellished with paint, fabric stamps, wire, and any other material that comes to hand. Despite the very clear and detailed instructions, there is lots of room for individual expression as you work on these quilts. This isn't a book of pastels or tea-dyes but a bright, bold excursion into a fantastic dream world.

This inspiring book has excellent, clear patterns and directions that allow quilters to recreate the beautiful designs exactly. It also has suggestions that allow -- and indeed encourage -- you to use your own ideas. The instructions use a lot of fusing, painting, machine quilting, and even no-sew project ideas, so that you can get good results with speed. There are also ideas for beading and other extra embellishments. In short, the book offers maximum flexibility.
Projects focus on Laurel Burch's dynamic animal designs, with horses, cats, dogs, butterflies, birds, and bold flowers. There are wallhangings, bed quilts, and more, and the designs can be easily mixed and matched.
The general instructions are good and clear with attractive photographs. I think some previous quilting experience would help make these projects successful, but non-quilters might enjoy them too.
Laurel Burch fans will enjoy the book, even if they never make any of the projects.

Okay, it is another quilt book that I feel can easily cross into wearable art. I actually made a black denim jacket and on the back made the horses with the rainbow manes is book. I enlarged the original picture 200% and appliquéd it on the back of my jacket. I have been in love with Laurel's work for years... could it possibly be the 70's that I got my first Laurel Burch earrings? Well now I created one of her creatures into wearable art. Just a tip, I allowed the black denim of the jacket be my background and simply appliquéd the horse faces and manes right on the jacket. Try it with your favorite kindred creature. I think the cats are next!

This book has splendid colour illustrations that support the ideas in the text. I appreciate the author's attention to detail, in how to accomplish the complex and the simple tasks of design assembly of the quilts and wall hangings, plus her personal touch in making the projects attainable! She is a pro at her designs and in how she put this book together.
I'm equally eager to read and use her other book on cat quilts because I know it will be another exquisite contribution to the art of beautiful quilts, wall hangings and reading. Thank you Laurel Burch! I can hardly wait to get started on the projects she suggests in this book. BRAVO!

Laurel Burch's quilt book contains no designs that are not in "Fantastic Felines". If you are a quilter who already owns the felines book, you are on your way. If you are a beginning quilter, many other books on general quilt construction, applique and fusing will give you a better beginning.
But if you are one of the fanatics who buys every Burch she can--well, what can I say. I bought it.

Laurel Burch's charming artwork is made available to quilters through the wonderful patterns in this book. The use of color is stunning, the designs are whimsical and fun. This book is a joy to browse through, but it is far more than a book of wonderful images. It has solid tips and techniques to help bring your quilt to life!

Laurel Burch is always o.k. in my book. She does wonderful, colorful, whimsical imagery. The patterns are included this book is great.

I purchased a 'new'Laurel Burchs Kindred Creatures. After thumbing through the book, I noticed several patterns mentioned there being a pattern pullout in the back of the book. My book had NO pattern pullout. Making several designs in the book useless. What a disappointment.

I've been a fan of Laurel Burch's creations for many years. All her books are stimulating. The colors and designs are large and easy to see. Laurel's color combinations are the best!!! You will get many ideas in this book.