Customer Reviews

Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am truly inspired by this book. I made my first couple of quilts by hand, but I didn't feel that I was a "real" quilter until I had bought the sewing machine. All the books and magazines seemed to be completely geared up to machime piecing and so I felt that hand piecing was seen as quaint and outdated. So it was a revalation to find out that Jinny Beyer, a reknown quilter and teacher whose quilts I had always admired, made them ALL by hand! Her explanation of how quilts can be advanced piece by piece in "found" moments has made me think that perhaps handpiecing is THE way to quilt for busy women today.
Her directions and detailed photographs make it easy for anyone who has never picked up needle and thread and her enthusiasm, on every page of the book, will build your confidence. Also, the photographs of her lovely silver needlework accessories and the insets about quilting history add to the inspiration.
If you think you haven't got time to hand piece, read this and think again.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw this book title. I hadn't been able to find much about hand piecing and, though I was very interested in piecing my quilt tops by hand (for all the reasons the author goes into in this book!), I lacked confidence and know-how. No more. There is nothing I need to know about hand piecing and quilting that is not in this book.

Concepts and techniques of fabric choice, pattern drafting, all kinds of piecing, adding borders, preparing the quilt for quilting (including mounting on a frame or in a hoop), hand quilting, and binding the finished quilt are all given in exquisite detail. There are numerous extremely helpful photos showing each step of the techniques, as well as painstakingly written and very understandable text directions. In the chapter on pattern drafting, not only is there detailed direction on using graph paper and drafting tools, but also covered is using a computer drawing program to create grids and to draft and design blocks. (The author uses a program called Canvas and the detailed instructions are geared to this program, but the basic ideas are very adaptable to different software.)

If there is one aspect of this book that does not work for me, it's the chapter on using border prints within the quilt. I'm sure there are many, many quilters out there who would greatly appreciate the very detailed (and ingenious) directions on using specially printed border fabrics in multiple ways within the quilt, including mirror imaging and creating new shapes from border designs. It's not to my taste, but it is in line with the extremely high quality of the rest of the book.

The author seemed pretty opinionated about a lot of aspects of the design, construction and finishing process; however, I feel equipped, after reading this book, to try doing things different ways until I find the way that works for me.

Finally, the many references and sidebars about antique quilts and needlework greatly enriched the book, giving it a historical background that I found very inspiring.

My next project will be hand pieced!

I hand piece and hand quilt virtually everything---I'm a luddlite, I guess, and when I first began to quilt I quickly realized that I detest sewing machines----what's the point of production sewing, exactly? This is a lovely book, with lots of great advice and terrific photos. However, I think that for one-piece patterns (such as hexagons or diamonds) there can be a better way than templates---check out shapes of the template stamps sold by Stamps By Kate on her website. I have just finished quilting my 2nd queen-sized field of diamonds and am wrapping up the piecing of a seven sisters using the stamps---and, yes, I stitch even the sashing and borders by hand....so this book together with Kate's product simplify and complement.I adore the forgiveness quality of handwork, as well as the serenity and relaxation of the process. I think that Jinny's techniques are esay to follow and certainly she is an inspiration. This is a great gift, too; it's relaxing just to read it!

For years I have been tempted to make a quilt by hand--I usually sew by machine. An ad for this book made me more determined and I immediately ordered a copy before I changed my mind. I couldn't believe the detail--literally hundreds of photos of hand movements that make each step so easy. For the first time, I've been able to make an eight pointed star without cutting off the corners. As well as hand-piecing, there is tons of information on coordinating colors, drafting designs, figuring borders--all great stuff for machine quilters, too. This is the best book I have bought for myself in years. I also picked up the tool that goes with the book--Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer--very handy, especially for making more stars!

I learned to piece my quilts by machine about 10 years ago, but after downsizing to a one-bedroom apartment in 2001, I lost my sewing room. Taking my sewing machine out of the closet isn't worth it, unless I have a 2 to 3 hour block to time available. I wanted to learn to piece by hand, figuring that with less equipment necessary, it would be easier to pick-up at a moment's notice. However, I couldn't find instructions detailed enough for my comfort.

I was overjoyed last summer when I found out Jinny Beyer was going to publish this book in November. After weeks of monitoring Amazon.ca, the book became available about one week before Christmas (which I ordered immediately!). True to form, Quiltmaking by Hand, just like other books by Jinny Beyer, is detailed and well-thought out. Piecing instructions are explained in detail as well as accompanied with lots of photographs, including how to hold your needle to speed up your running stitch. She also covers other aspects like making templates, pattern drafting, creating borders, hand quilting and finishing the quilt. There are also 10 quilts patterns at the end to practice your new techniques. The little tidbits from older quilting/sewing books are fun too. Jinny Beyer will also tell you up front why certain techniques, for example, cutting fabric with a rotary blade, aren't included in the book; however, she will give you good arguments on why she doesn't.

With the help of this book, I am now piecing by hand. Am I producing a quilt top faster by hand than by machine? I'd say yes. Oh, I'll never match by speed of sewing with that of a machine. however, by hand, I complete up to 4 or 5 blocks a week with 1/2 hour here, 1/2 hour there. One block from start to finish takes me about an hour. I don't need to press my blocks in progress until my block is completed (and then I have a marathon at the ironing board.) Curved pieces are easier by hand and less likely to be stretched. Your projects now become portable

I can't recommend this book enough and I give it a 5 star rating.

I had always felt that piecing the tough patterns with set in seams and sharp points etc... were not for me because I am not relaxed at the machine. Applique is my favorite. However after reading this book I am ready to make a pieced quilt. It is like sitting in a room talking with Jinny Beyer. She excels at teaching and showing techniques. And if you think you don't have time to hand piece a quilt, think again. Jinny gives us the secret to making a beautiful quilt by hand piecing, which thread to use, needles, hand positions, and on and on. I highly recommend this book!!! It is a must have for every serious quilters library. Thanks Jinny Beyer, what would the quilting world be without You!

I recently decided to take up quilting as a hobby. I haven't touched a sewing machine since 7th grade, so I figured I'd give hand quilting a try. This book definitely gave me the confidence I needed to get started. The hand quilts Jinny has made are inspirational, and all the detailed instructions are perfect. I especially appreciate all the photographs that show stitches step-by-step.

I now realize that even if I was a pro with a sewing machine, quilting by hand would be the way to go for me. I am the mother of a toddler and I work full time, so doing piecework in "found moments" is very convenient. I can pin pieces together while my daughter eats a snack at the table, and I can sew while she sleeps. It is wonderful to spend evenings watching television and stitching at the same time, without it becoming a big production. It has taken me 3 months, but I am nearly finished with a twin size quilt (which I'll use on my daughter's first big-girl bed), and everyone is impressed that I've done it all by hand. I hope to make quilt-making a hobby I can enjoy with my daughter when she is older.

I only wish that this book included more instruction on actual quilt construction (attaching the backing, finish the edges, etc.) I've had to check books out from the library to get better instruction on these aspects, as this book mainly focuses on stitching pieces to make the blocks, and that is it.

This book covers in detail the techniques required to create a patchwork quilt using the method of running stitch by hand to sew the patches together. Each chapter covers in the detail characteristic of Jinny Beyers's writing the techniques used for every stage of the work, whether it's what kind of knot to use for starting and finishing in running stitch or how to draft your blocks on the computer using a graphics program.

The book is beautifully presented with superb photos of Ms Beyers's work and also a collection of ten patterns ranging from pieces suitable for a relative beginner to patterns for more experienced needleworkers.

This is a book which will remain a treasure on your bookshelf for many years to come and I cannot recommend it too highly.

I have just begun to piece by hand after having a poor attempt several years ago. When I read that Jenny hand pieces all her quilts, I thought "There must be something I'm not doing right" because she is the 'Quilt Queen' in my estimation. I have found the book to be a clear, well thought out approach to handquilting and misses no detail of explanation.

I have just finished hand piecing a large Queen size quilt and am now quilting it. I took her advice and began carrying a small bag with quilting pieces, needle and thread with me and have been amazed at the amount of time I spend quilting in "lost moments!"

I used to dread getting the sewing machine out because I always felt so stressed to GET IT DONE! Now I can relax and find the same time of enjoyment in piecing as I have always found in quilting.

Excellent book.

As someone who assembles and quilts by hand 90% of the time, I found this book wonderful. The patterns in this book are beautiful and the instructions are very well written. To think how prolific of a quilter Ms. Beyer is, and to think that all of her quilts are hand made completely is inspiring in itself. The book suits all levels of skill, a beginner could easily use this book successfully and the experienced quilter is bound to pick up ideas and tips. The book is wonderfully laid out, a lot of information, excellent quick tips, excellent graphics. If I could give this book 10 stars I would.