Quilting for Dummies [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Cheryl Fall (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Computer/Tech) | Publication Date: March 24, 1999

Everyone loves a quilt — those big, cozy hunks of fabric and filling have been warming cold toes and hearts for generations. And quilting is certainly not for squares — it’s a fun way to be creative, and make something that you and your family will snuggle up to for years! In days of yore quilts were made mostly from leftover scraps, but most quilters today are fabri-holics. Sure quilts are useful, but they ‘re also works of art, and you’ll want yours to look really special. With tips for designing patches, quilt blocks, and putting it all together, Quilting For Dummies introduces you to the wonderful, colorful world of fabric and thread — you’ll be hooked!

There are as many ways of making a quilt as there are quilters, and this book has something for you whether you’re a beginner or a wiz with needle and thread. There are tidbits, tips, and hints galore that will nudge you along. The book will help you:

• Come up with a plan of attack— and charge ahead
• Baste, stitch, and bind like a pro
• Find projects to try
• Use clever shortcuts
• Shop online for great quilts
• Display your finished masterpiece

The down-to-earth advice in this book will bring you up to speed on all the key sewing techniques, and have you whipping out your own cool patterns in no time flat. Quilting For Dummies covers these topics and much more:

• Finding the right fabric
• Creating and using templates
• The ins and outs of threads, needles, and other gadgets
• Assembling the quilt sandwich
• Quilting by hand — and by machine
• The wonderful world of mini-pillows and wall hangings
• The secret life of lap quilts
• Appliques
• Finishing touches

In addition, there ‘s a list of quilting resources, charts to help you with common yardage cuts, well-placed illustrations, and step-by -step instructions for each project that will ensure your future as a quilter unfolds with ease. Get your needle-nimble fingers ready — your search for the ultimate quilting source ends here!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Given the popularity of IDG's "dummy" books, it would seem that Americans are either suffering from a massive inferiority complex or are supremely confident of their ability to learn any subject from auto mechanics to rocket science. Either way, public libraries would be wise to purchase this book, which is an excellent introduction to patchwork, applique, and quilting, as well as a good refresher course for the intermediate quilter. Starting with a simple hand-quilted pillow, Fall leads the reader step-by-step through 16 colorful practice projects, working up to a quilt for a twin-size bed. Touches of humor, tips, and reference information (such as "Batting 1000," a table comparing different brands of batting) hold the reader's attention. Recommended generally for public libraries.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

"Quilters of all levels should include this book in their quilting library." — Sandra Hatch, Editor, Quick & Easy Quilting and Quilt World magazines "I was impressed with so much detailed, well-organized information presented with humor for easy reading, and can imagine the book read by those thinking of making a first quilt, as a refresher for someone coming back to quilting, or as a reference book in an experienced quilter's library." — Eleanor Schrumm, Crafts Editor, Woman's Day Magazine

With over 200 Colorful Illustrations

We'll Have You in Stitches … In No Time! Your quest for the ultimate quilting source is over! This fun and accessible guide delivers 15 step-by-step projects — plus tons of great advice on everything from traditional hand sewing to computer-assisted design.

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:

• Perform simple stitching maneuvers in very little time
• Create and use your own templates to produce attractive and original patterns
• Get up to speed on sewing techniques and quilting fundamentals
• Stitch 15 unique quilting projects — that anyone can make, no matter what skill level
• Locate mail order outlets and "cyber-quilting" Web sites

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (March 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764551183
• ISBN-13: 978-0764551185
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In addition to 13 published book titles Cheryl is also the author of several thousand articles for publication in craft and needlework magazines including Woman's Day, Country Living, Traditional Quilter, Crafts and many more. She worked with Coats & Clark for almost 20 years as a designer, and has also designed for other major companies including DMC, HTC, Zweigart, Pellon. Cheryl also created a line of quilting fabric for P&B Textiles.

Cheryl has formerly hosted a nationally-distributed PBS Series called "The Creative Life," which featured over 78 episodes full of creative ideas. Prior to the national series, she also hosted an additional 13 episodes airing locally in the Portland, Oregon area on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).

Cheryl is still active in the Needlework and How-To Communities, and currently serves as the Guide for About.com's Needlepoint site, and as the Social Media Liason for DMC Threads. In the Spring of 2011 she plans to release her new NeedleKnowledge.com web site, an online guide "for all things needlework."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

106 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginner, September 13, 1999

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Quilting for Dummies (Paperback)

Quilts have played a role in peoples' lives for centuries and are an important part of our history. Author Cheryl Fall's love and passion for quilting is clear as she explains this time honored art in simple step-by-step instructions.

This book is organized into five parts, beginning with the history of quilting and techniques, fabrics & patterns. Basic sewing skills are reviewed, especially the basting, stitching and binding needed to finish a quilt in style.

There are great diagrams and charts throughout the book that show exactly how everything goes together and a section of color plates shows some beautiful finished pieces. Sixteen projects are included to get you started.

The book concludes with resource guides to suppliers, publications, museums and internet sites. This is the first essential book for the beginner, but the experienced quilter will find much of value here as well.

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for beginners, January 6, 2000

By 

Barbara Grudzien (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quilting for Dummies (Paperback)

This book has some great quilt patterns and takes you through step by step with illustrations. Better than most of the other beginner books. Great projects that get you started with ease.

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good start, November 28, 2001

By 

Shannon B Davis "Nepenthe" (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Quilting for Dummies (Paperback)

This is a pretty good beginner's guide to quilting. I am a complete beginner and bought 3 books, including this one. I like the projects in this book best. Many are small. As a beginner, I would prefer to try to do a number of small, varied projects than work on one large project. Also, while another book focused on creating different squares, this one gave me a better idea on how to complete a full project.

It's also pretty entertaining to read.