Simply Silk: 12 Creative Designs for Quilting and Sewing [Paperback]

Mary Jo Hiney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

This book uncovers the mystery of silk, and demonstrates techniques for bringing out its cooperative nature, and offers inspirational poetry, prose and spiritual expressions. As silk rapidly gains ground as a creative fabric choice.



Simply Silk provides a unique approach to transforming this delicate fabric into an easy-to-use material. In addition, this innovative guide also teaches you how to use fabric transfer, machine-stitched wording, rubber stamps and other techniques to create 20+ projects including slippers, chair covers and picture frames.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Jo Hiney is the author of 17 fabric and sewing related books. She also is a recognised designer, and popular instructor at Quilt Market and Quilt Festival events.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896895483
• ISBN-13: 978-0896895485
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,593,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SILK DELIGHT, March 22, 2008

By 

M. A. Butler "artist, author, educator" (N Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simply Silk: 12 Creative Designs for Quilting and Sewing (Paperback)

I love silk, I have used it in many quilting projects, and still found lots of inspiration here. And there are simple projects for beginners to get their feet wet, too. This author includes all the secrets on how to make sewing with silk as easy as stitchng cottons. The brief history of silk included in the book was fascinating, and I loved the author's upbeat perspective. The silk slippers are great, I think my girlfriends will all get those for Christmas gifts this year! Yummy! And the quilt ideas inspired me to make another silk quilt, this time with Mary Jo's suggested wool batting by Hobbs (I love that stuff!) Full size patterns are a big plus, some of the images/diagrams could have been clearer, though. It's a great guide for stitchers who want to work with silk but need a little hand-holding.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get it for the projects, not how to work with silk, November 11, 2011

By 

Michele (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simply Silk: 12 Creative Designs for Quilting and Sewing (Paperback)

This is more of a "typical" craft book than I expected. I wanted to get as much information about patchwork and quilting with silk as I could before taking the leap and cutting into expensive yardage to make a silk bed quilt, since all of my experience is in more standard quilting fabrics, and I have been away from sewing for a while. The book description stated "This book uncovers the mystery of silk, and demonstrates techniques for bringing out its cooperative nature" and "Simply Silk provides a unique approach to transforming this delicate fabric into an easy-to-use material." While there are a few tips, there really wasn't a lot of help for me here.

If you want to make Mary Jo's art projects, it looks like the instructions are good, but most of the projects are "stuff", not quilts per se. (There are slippers, book covers, and stuffed butterflies (really?), and a lingerie bag. As far as quilts are concerned, there is an art quilt of a period style undergarment, an art-noveau/art-deco wall hanging, and one small (60 x 60 in) gathered throw. There aren't any bed-sized quilts at all. (perhaps because it requires so much silk).

All in all, it is a nice book if you want to copy Mary Jo's projects, and Amazon's price at less than seven dollars is great, but didn't meet my needs.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, March 16, 2010

By 

Jean "Jean" (Elk Grove, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simply Silk: 12 Creative Designs for Quilting and Sewing (Paperback)

I've had this book for a couple of years and have done several of the projects. The patterns are easy to follow and the finished items are awesome. I am a big fan of Mary Jo Hiney and highly recommend her books, especially this one. Her original designs and style are certainly a cut above other books that I have purchaed. Working with silk is luxurious and Mary Jo makes it fun too. If you enjoy creating beautiful and whimsicle things then you will love this book. The only problem will be deciding what to make first. Enjoy!