Spectacular Scraps: A Simple Approach to Stunning Quilts [Paperback]

Judy Hooworth (Author), Margaret Rolfe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

Fifteen gorgeous patterns offer an innovative approach to making scrap quilts, using one simple four-patch block. Special methods are included for using two color families to add dimension.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Judy Hooworth is a leading Australian quiltmaker who has taught her techniques throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. Judy's quilts have been exhibited at Quilt National, as well as numerous other quilt competitions. She is involved in many of Australia's contemporary quilt exhibitions.

Margaret Rolfe is a renowned Australian quiltmaker, popular author, and quilt historian. She has written several books for That Patchwork Place, including Go Wild with Quilts, Go Wild with Quilts--Again!, and the bestseller A Quilter's Ark.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Martingale and Company (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156477290X
• ISBN-13: 978-1564772909
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,444,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great scrap book for half-square triangles, July 14, 2000

By 

K. Yount "goheels" (Raleigh NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spectacular Scraps: A Simple Approach to Stunning Quilts (Paperback)

This book is based on 2 principles: half-square triangles and 2-color quilts. There are 256 ways to arrange 4 triangle blocks (4x4x4x4=256). The book diagrams all 256. My only complaint with the book is that I wish this diagram was larger. The authors cover fabric selection, half-square triangle techniques, and basic quilt instructions in the beginning. Since these are scrap quilts, exact yardage requirements are not given; an estimate is. There are 15 gorgeous quilts complete with instructions and color photos. The quilts vary in size from a 36" square to queen-size. Instructions are only given for one size of each quilt. To finish off the book, a gallery of quilts is included without instructions. Just looking at the gorgeous photos in this book will certainly inspire and motivate you

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply brilliant, brilliantly simple, January 15, 2001

By 

"rathgarr" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spectacular Scraps: A Simple Approach to Stunning Quilts (Paperback)

To make a half-square triangle is within the reach of even the beginning quilter. To choose two colours will not detain you long. And then, with lots of fabrics in those two colours - and maybe a fabulous fabric for the border, though that's not essential - this book shows you just what fun you can have. I've watched new quilters pick up this book, and browse, and then pay attention. They're not trying to work out IF they want to make a quilt like this, but which pattern to try first. The instructions are clear, with both Margaret and Judy giving their individual preferences for various techniques. Experienced quilters will have just as much fun making their fabric stashes into simply brilliant quilts. Great Australian imaginative quiltmaking - a brilliantly simple approach to making quilts that sing, and come together quickly. My first quilt was in purples and yellows, but spectacularscrapitis has got hold of me; green and red are next....

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for All Quilters, June 15, 2001

By 

Sally J. Barber "feathersbarr" (Western Springs, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spectacular Scraps: A Simple Approach to Stunning Quilts (Paperback)

Spectacular Scraps is a superb book for quilters of all ages and levels. The examples are beautiful and the directions clear, concise, and easy to follow. The technique described doesn't rely on fancy cutting or templates but on the careful use of color.

Many quilters, like myself, avoid triangles because the measuring of the 7/8th of an inch is such a nuisance. In Spectacular Scraps the only shape that is used is the half square triangle and since it is the only shape, you can cut strips, cut squares, and cut the squares in half without worrying about the dreaded 7/8th.

And the results are spectacular particularly with the advice from the authors on how to use color and fabric print to complete dazzling, bright, jewel like quilts. Beginners will like the ease with which they can create a quilt that appears complex. Advanced quilters will be fascinated by the possibilities in the use of color and by how quickly a top can be pieced. The biggest problem is deciding which of the many possibilities to choose for your design.