Customer Reviews

Stellar Quilts

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have no problem admitting that I am biased when it comes to Judy Martin. As an author, she goes way back on my bookshelves - back to the 80's. She is a master at designing extraordinary quilts using ordinary blocks and basic techniques.

Given that I have 4 of her books already, I snatched up "Stellar Quilts" as soon as it became available on Amazon. It is very similar to her earlier publication "Scraps", but obviously focuses on star shapes in refreshingly not-so-obvious ways. I would rate this book as somewhat advanced, but not exclusively so. If you are a quilter who has truely mastered the 1/4 inch seam (I know, I know, we all like to think - or assume - we have ...), this book will challenge you to stretch your knowledge of the fundamentals.

Using spectacular sets, curious shapes, optional templates, and a multitude of color/set variations, Judy Martin delivers a thoroughly top-notch publication. The first 10 pages of introduction are simply the most informative and useful I have ever read in a quilting book.

If you were to judge this book by thumbing through it, you might be a bit alarmed at the colorful assortment of templates and unfamiliar shapes you see. Martin provides rotary cutting details as an option to using the templates, and even these illustrations might cause you to gulp a bit audibly. But the idea here is to test and push yourself a bit, and Martin's text will tell you all you need to know and give you confidence to do more.

And don't be squeamish when you see Y-seams, required point trimming, and partial seams! If you've been avoiding every book that has these techniques, then make this the year you face them head on and master them. This book is the perfect resource that you will be returning to time and again for instruction and inspiration.

My only wishes for this book are rather minor, but would make it easier to assimilate and go back to something that catches the eye:

1) the Table Of Contents should be more prominent (it's hard to find!!)
2) the TOC should have a snapshot of each quilt alongside its name
3) each page should be labeled with the quilt's name for better organization

If you think you know stars or you just love anything stellar, you will understand Martin's double entendre here; you CAN make a uniquely captivating star-themed quilt with surprisingly stellar results.

When Judy Martin said she wanted "not your average quilts" she wasn't kidding. These are the best star quilt patterns. I have read this book like my best loved novel. Every quilt is better than the last. I am trying to figure out which one to do first and where it will go... Definitely worth the money for this book, you won't be dissappointed!

I like all of Judy Martin's books - and this one is no exception. I like how she plays with colors and layouts - it really sparks my creativity. Her directions are very clear and precise and, although I have only had time to make one block from this book, it came out perfect and I can't wait to make more. Beautiful quilts! Great Inspiration!

Judy Martin has put together a quilting book with beautiful quilts and quite detailed instructions but it does appear that it isn't for the faint of heart! She writes that a beginner with knowledge of their sewing machine would be able to construct these patterns, but they do look quite labor intensive to me. Now I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it's just that there are no quickie projects here. The author also stresses how important accuracy is so unless your have patience and are prepared to be very careful with your cutting and sewing, these quilts might be more time consuming than you are willing to give to them.
The best piece of advice that Ms. Martin writes is to make a block from a pattern before you dive into an entire quilt. That is great advice with any quilt pattern and I would highly suggest you do that with any of her designs in this book.
While this book may go into my "maybe I'll attempt this later" pile, I don't feel that I wasted my money. It appears to be well-written, has many lovely photos and Ms. Martin also put extra time into giving you many color options and different layouts of her designs. At the very least it is one of those books that you can turn the pages and dream about what a beautiful quilt you could make!

This bbk is excellent for both the author's ideas for quilting projects and for her clearly written directions for making the projects. The projects are lovely and inspiring. The directions are explicit and help correct mistakes before they happen, which with me is often.

I highly recommend this book if you are an intermediate quilter who wants to challenge yourself.

I really enjoyed looking at the patterns and different color combinations. The quilts look like they would have a high degree of difficulty to complete, but if you follow the directions step by step, then the process is very doable. I haven't begun my project yet, I am still reading and developing my ideas, but the book is also great for coming up with different ideas and patterns using a variety of color combinations. I have already decided that I would love to try 4 of the patterns and am in the process of deciding which one I'll begin with!

Judy Martin always does good quilting books, but this one surpasses all of them. Quilt designs are spectacular. Lots of guidance on alternative color schemes for each project. And several of the quilts are ones that I would love to make for friends and family.

Judy has out done herself again. Absolutely marvelous book filled with great quilts. Any serious quilter will want this book to add to their collection.

This is another excelant book by Judy Martin, challenging yet inspirational. Want to start another quilt now.