Customer Reviews

Simply Silk: 12 Creative Designs for Quilting and Sewing

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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.

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.

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!