Customer Reviews

That Perfect Stitch

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I learned to quilt by taking serveral classes and by reading lots of quilting books. If anything, I consider myself a mostly self-taught quilter. Anyone who quilts knows that the content of nearly all quilting books and magazines is primarily concerned with featuring different patterns, as well as simplified directions on piecing, layering, binding, etc.

With all the patterns out there, what seems to get lost in the process is the actual quilting itself. In fact, I have found that a lot of books and magazines simply tell you to "quilt as desired." Almost nowhere can you find explicit directions on how to do just that: quilt.

Before this book, my attempts at quilting with a needle have been met with dismal failure. It took me forever to badly quilt just a few inches of fabric, and I got sore hands fingers in the process. Because I never learned the real basics of quilting with a needle, I had tons of unfinished pieced quilt tops lying around. I managed to finish a few quilts only because I ended up tying them.

Finally, in That Perfect Stitch (and I understand from Roxanne's website that there is even an accompanying video), I have figured out how to quilt a quilt. Roxanne not only explains how the fabric, batting, thread, and needles afffects the final outcome of the quilting stitch, she also gives very explicit photographs showing how to make a proper rocking stitch.

I learned something new in each chapter of Roxanne's book. Quilters everywhere simply must read this book. It will really open your eyes and save you *tons* of time and frustration.

This is an extraordinary book that really surprised me. I have read tons of quilting books and most of them are inspiring visually but not many have taught me how to improve my technique. I am a beginning quilter so I've really been hunting for help. The author of this book did tons of research on all the different materials used in quilting and set out to find out why some work better than others. It sounds like it would be dry reading but somehow she makes it fascinating. I have no doubt that the next time I put needle to quilt I will have a better stitch and a better understanding of why the materials work together in the way they do. Oh and besides the interesting text you will see some stunning quilts.

If you are a quilter or have a desire to quilt at some point, this book will save you much time and money, and most likely help you avoid many of the mistakes a self-taught quilter makes over the years. This book gives you the information you need to make the right selection of tools and materials so that your project will be a beautiful display of workmanship that will be admired not only by yourself but by others as well. Much research has been done to inform you of the proper needles to use, the right style of thimble, how to identify the best cloth for your project, the best way to mark your quilt for the final stitching, and how to care for your quilt when you have finished it. This is the best book on hand quilting I have ever purchased. I would recommend it to anyone, novice or expert, who is interested in quilting. This is the best investment a quilter could make.

As one who is always trying to better her hand quilting, my eye was immediately drawn to this title in my local quilting store. The clerk said that the store's most esteemed hand quilter loved the book, and so, as a splurge, I purchased it. I would have to say that this is now the most treasured book in my quilting books collection. I have never read any book more thorough on hand quilting. Although I love Ami Simms' book, and learned to hand quilt through it first, this one goes above and beyond the other. McElroy garners a firm confidence from her reader, establishing again and again that she has done her research from every possible angle on every aspect of hand quilting. I learned so much about needles, frames, fabric, pens, pencils, fabrics, thimbles, and stencils from this book! She is even willing to go as far as to rate different products from each of the aforementioned categories (and more), according to her research (which goes from chiropractors to chemists to needle factories in Britain). I could not possibly give this book a higher rating!

This is Roxanne's book and it is perfect. Perfect stitch, perfect thimble, perfect needles--PERFECT-PERFECT-PERFECT! Every quilter needs a copy of this book to see the standard for perfect quilting. Roxanne was a marvel--she immediately began hand quilting with a tiny, even, perfect quilting stitch from day one--then sprung into action to research what fabrics and threads quilted best. What's more she published the names of the companies with perfectly woven material and mentions the companies that are slackers! I read this book from cover to cover without breathing ! Roxanne defintely lived a charmed quilting life, and her daughter carries on Roxanne's thimble, needle, and book empire. I admit it--I buy her needles and took out a bank loan to buy her thimble. Strangely, I find it relaxing to sit and read her book over and over as I slip further and further into debt buying all the perfect notions and materials. Best of all, when you ask for Roxanne notions--all the ladies in the quilt stores fawn all over you and assume you are a master quilter or something.

At first I thought this book wasn't what I wanted. After reading it, I discovered it was exactly what I needed. It tells a beginner what they are doing wrong....types of fabric, thread, needles etc. Also tells and shows how to hand quilt. I think this is a must for every quilter. I now know a lot about quilting, just in one day because I bought this book.

This is the third book I bought to help me make the transition from machine to hand quilting. I was very impressed with the photos (clearly indicating hand positioning both under and over the quilt). I was able to imitate the positions easily. The book is PACKED with comparisons and ratings of notions/supplies and her exercises offer a way to discover your own favorites.

This is a MUST HAVE book. She discusses many common errors in quilting and will probably teach a lot even to experienced quilters.

The quilts photographed in the book are also an inspiration!

I read this book in one evening, I couldn't put it down. I am new at quilting, and found the book very informative. Ms McElroy has a wonderful knack for being with the reader, by using photos in explaining steps such as how to thread your needle, as well as how to make your first and last stitch. In addition, she has clear pictures of what 'not to do', something I realized I 'was doing'! I plan to use her tips in selecting my supplies. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to quilt!

This has to be the definitive book on hand quilting. The author details the technical aspects of improving the stitch in every aspect of the process, from the selection of the fabric to the type of needle. I enjoyed it immensely, and yes, my hand quilting has greatly improved - and I can work longer at it with less pain.

Here's why: 1. It's easy to read. The writing is there to convey information in an understandable easy way. I couldn't put the book down...it's that good.
2. The information is EXCELLENT. Few, far too few books are able to pack in good solid information you can really use. I was thrilled to get some solid infomation and why different threads, batting, etc., are appropriate for hand quilting. 3. In this book you won't have to plunder your way through useless paragraphs to get to the important stuff. It's right there without wasted wording and reading. 4. It's logical and makes sense. What a novel idea eh? 5. There are diagrams where needed and they do help. 6. The layout is excellent and comfortable. 7. Here is the biggie...YES it did help me, very much. I strongly recommend this book for quick solid information on threads, needles, fabric, thimbles, marking tools and batting. I found the section on marking especially helpful.
Thank you Roxanne...or rather your daughter for forcing you into writing this book. You go girl!!