Customer Reviews

Spectacular Scraps: A Simple Approach to Stunning Quilts

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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....

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.

I was eager to get this book, based on the customers reviews. The design principal (a 4 patch block consisting of half-square triangles) is very well presented, with good instructions to create 15 different quilts. The idea that this one block could be - if desired - arranged into 256 possibilities was startling. However, I found most the pictured quilts to be primarily dark, rather garish, and quite busy - thereby "loosing" the basic design. If you use just the quilt diagrams as inspiration, I think you might make some lovely quilts.

The directions in this book make it easy for even the beginning quilter to follow. I liked the fact that there was not a lot of wasted space in the book dedicated to quilting techniques that I so often find in books...If you buy one good book about quilting, you should not have to buy the same thing over and over again with every book you buy.

Lots of colorful pictures in a variety of color palettes.

I checked this book out at my local library three times before I thought to look online for a copy for myself!

The value for the price is very good...15 projects, all beautiful!

A friend made a stunning quilt from this book, and although I haven't made one from it yet, I love the simplicity of using only half square triangles to create complex-looking designs through the use of color. It is a GREAT guide to the use of color --always nice for those of us who are color challenged and also nice for those of us who have 'stashes' we wish to use in a beautiful way! Clearly illustrated with lots of photos of very pretty quilts!

This is a great book for use in group projects. I belong to a group that makes quilts for wounded Marines. We've made several quilts using this book, with fabric from multiple sources and half-square triangles made by several people. By sticking to the principles outlined in the book, we have made a number of stunning quilts, no matter how many or how few quilters were involved. My copy of the book has proved so popular that I am purchasing additional copies to give as gifts.

My friend lent me her copy of this book and I liked it so much I bought my own copy. Although I have been quilting for over ten years I am still learning. This book has a wonderful approach to designing your own quilt tops and how to choose the colors you want to use.This book makes quilting much more fun. It's like an adventure and you are not sure where you will land.

Great book! This lets you use up all those fat quarters you buy but don't know what to do with.

This is a spectacular book for either new quilters or experienced ones. If you are a fan of the Wonder cut Ruler, there are enough ideas in here to keep one happy for quite awhile. Great color photos of finsihed products and super instructions for creating your own quilts. Absolutely my favorite quilting book.