Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not as great as it thinks it is, June 8, 2009
This review is from: The Quilting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask (Paperback)
Contrary to the publisher's blurb, this is not a book that you need in your quilting library. If you have accumulated a typical selection of quilt books, as I have over my 9 years as a quilter, there is not a single 'answer' in this book that you can't find somewhere else. If you are a beginning quilter, this book will not teach you how to quilt. It has no instructions or pictures, just a few black and white (actually red and white) diagrams. It asks 'questions' like 'Can I use a rotary cutter on any surface?' and then doesn't give a definitive "for heaven's sake, NO" in its' answer. Information such as how to make a hanging sleeve or piece a back you can find in many other books. The information in areas like machine quilting or applique are better handled in books dedicated to those subjects. Even if you did want this book as a reference, the physical format of the book was uncomfortable to me. It's a small book, about 4" x 6", and quite thick. The pages do not lay flat. The question/answer format makes it difficult to find information. I would definitely take a pass on this book. Save your money and buy a couple of yards of fabric for your stash instead.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good reference, September 24, 2009
This review is from: The Quilting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask (Paperback)
While this book may not lay flat or be as big as a lot of other quilting books, I found it to be a great reference in one little volume. I do like the size because it can fit in a purse or quilting bag for on the go browsing. And, it's like having a favorite aunt explain all the terms and techniques that you know you should know, but don't. It's especially great at answering all the little questions that you may be too timid to ask experienced quilters because you don't want to look like a complete neophyte! The table of contents is very complete so you can look up anything you need a quick answer on, and the index is also very complete so that you can look up that "term" everyone's using and find out what they're talking about. While the experienced quilter may find this book covers things that they already have in other books, I really appreciate the brevity of the explanations that answers most of the questions a beginner (and maybe even a more advanced) quilter may have. It is not an encyclopedia of quilting, or a step-by-step "how to" book, it really is what it says, "an answer book." I think it's a starting place. You have a basic question such as: "Why is quilting necessary?" (page 244), and the book gives a very concise answer which can be a starting point for you to further delve into a subject, or not. A more experienced or long-term quilter probably knows this answer already and would probably find the question / answer very basic for them -- but for someone who has never been exposed to quilting, a very simple and basic question / answer can mean the difference between launching into a new world of exploration and satisfaction, or being frustrated by reading books that claim to be for beginners but assume a basic knowledge that some people have not been exposed to. I have collected a lot of quilting books and many of them don't answer questions these most basic questions -- they assume their readers have a basic knowledge of sewing and of some quilting techniques -- this book doesn't assume, it just answers the questions. It may not answer every question you may have, but it answers a lot of questions I had before I started my very extensive collection of quilting books. And I really wish I had had this little book before I went to my first guild and basically told all the women at my table that I had no clue but wanted to learn (and they very graciously showed me, of course!). So, if you're an experienced quilter, this may not be for you. If you're a beginner as I am (and at 5+ quilts, I'm still very much a beginner), you may find it's a good starting place or just a handy reference when you don't want to get that big encyclopedia of sewing / quilting off your shelf.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Quilting Answer Book, October 17, 2009
This review is from: The Quilting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask (Paperback)
Why do I like this little book. Plain and simple it's real handy! It offers concise, quick reference info/reminders when I am in the "middle of a project" in my sewing room. I do NOT enjoy having to pull out several quilting books from my library to cross reference techniques when I am in the midst of a challenge or need to refresh my mind. If you are starting a new project and have a question it is a quick refresher course. This little gem, lays on my sewing table in the workroom, travels with me to retreats and motels. This book does not need to lie flat...it's a quick reference; although I have noticed that as the book is used, the spine begins to relax and my book stays open. The book feels good in my hands and I often refer to it previous to arrival at retreats, classes etc. Does this book cover subjects that I already knew about yep! AND I've found lots of gems I didn't know about - not everyone belongs to a Quilt Guild. This little book was long over-due for a lot of reasons. It answers a LOT of questions and gives solutions to numerous problems one might face down the line. To date this book is the best resource book out there for all level quilters and shop owners. It should be in everyone's sewing room and classroom regardless of experience. I will be purchasing 5 more books as holiday gifts. Last but not least in retreats or classrooms this book can be shared with others. Students will be ever so appreciative - including the instructor, since it will discourage whispering and distractions. As a former quilt shop owner (for 20 years) I would have kept this little book next to my cutting table. This book will save you hours of explanations at the cutting desk. The customer can read the short explanation, view the drawings at their own pace. Then more intelligent conversation can ensue from there. It's just one more reason to have the Quilting Answer Book close to you. Visit the authors website [...]
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
