Customer Reviews

The Thimbleberries Guide for Weekend Quilters: 25 Great-Looking Quilts for the Busy Quiltmaker

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the first Thimbleberries book I have ever bought and I was most impressed by the fabulous quilt patterns (and have ordered other Thimbleberries books as a result). The completed quilts are beautifully photographed (in two different colour schemes for some quilts).The instructions are very clear (using yards and inches) and colour diagrams are used to show you how to assemble each block. Projects are labelled "Make it tonight" or "Make it in a weekend" or left unlabelled for longer projects, to indicate how long a project may take. The projects range from traditional quilt patterns such as stars and checkerboard to more whimsical patterns such as houses, trees and watermelons. There is certainly something for everyone in this book (something that is hard to say about most quilting books). I have earmarked 7 that I would be willing to make straight away!. Treat yourself, this one is worth it.

I have many, many quilt books and this is the first book that I have that contains so many patterns that I like that I am having a very hard time choosing which one to start first. If you like star quilts and nine patch variations, you will love this book. She (Lynette Jensen) also loves to use flannel in her quilts. This also appeals to me. Just a fabulous quilt book. A must buy

I recently bought this book to "inspire" me to start quilting again. It worked! This book is fabulous. I have used it as a reference for unfinished projects, and I am excited to begin making some of the beautiful patterns in this book (and they are beautiful!). The instructions are very clear and the photographs included just add reinforcement to the instructions. The clear labeling of "weekend" and "night" quilts makes it easy to plan the amount of time you will needed in order to complete the quilts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is either busy or a beginner (and I am both). And if you are and advanced quilter who needs some beautiful quilts to make, this is a good book to have as well. This was the first Thimbleberries book I bought, but it is not the last!!

For years I had toyed with the idea of making quilts but I was always deterred by the huge amount of work it would involve. I bought many quilting books and drooled over the photos, thinking that one day I would take the plunge.
After setting eyes on The Guide For Weekend Quilters, I knew I could go from wishing to be a quilter to being one. It wasn't just the simple instructions and the lush, rich palette of colours that Lynette uses. It was the snippets of advice and insights into the quilting lives that crop up in short sections written by the people who work with her. It made me realise that quilters weren't superwomen - they all had busy lives, but they fitted their hobby in because they loved it.
Since reading this book in early 2000, I have made 10 quilts and just keep going! The instructions are well illustrated and undaunting. Lynette relies on use of layout and colour rather than complicated patterns so they can be put together quickly. Also, although definately "country", they avoid that "twee" feel of so many county style designs.
This book changed my life - you should let it change yours!

I purchased this book a few months ago and have reviewed it many, many times. The patterns are easy to understand with illustrations in two color combinations. Helpful hints on quilting (as well as on time management so that we can quilt) are sprinkled throughout the book. Testimonies of "spare time" quilters help us think through how to find extra time (and energy) in our busy lives to quilt. I highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be very easy reading due to the layout and organization of ideas and instructions. The color combinations are great and the designs are inspirational!

When I can, I take a book out of the library before I commit my hard-earned money to a quilting book. Some books, after all, are great for read-once inspiration. Other books simply demand that you get your own copy, because it's earned a spot on your shelf.

I've been working with The Thimbleberries Guide for Weekend Quilters for the last couple of weeks, courtesy of the Scottsdale Library, and I'm just finishing up one of the quilt projects. I'm probably going to order my own copy of the book; but the key word is "probably" (as opposed to "definitely, I'm doing it now!"). It has some compelling features... though it's not perfect, either.

Let's start with the good stuff. The 25 projects in this book are mostly full size (double and queen-sized) quilts, though there are several smaller quilts (such as the one I chose, a table runner). Most have an accompanying project, such as pillowcases to go with the quilt, or a fabric-trimmed rug.

Not all of them are gorgeous, but none of them are lame. The designs are primarily using traditional blocks, such as flying geese, though a few projects also incorporate applique. While the quilts aren't labeled for expected skill, they all seemed pretty straightforward to this still-a-beginner.

One thing I *love* about the book -- and which earned it a star all on its own -- is that each project is shown with a color photo and matching quilt diagram, _plus_ another picture showing the same quilt done in different colors. That works wonders, when you're trying to visualize how this quilt will look with the fabrics you already have in your stash.

Each project is laid out in sections, to accomodate the premise of the busy weekend quilter who can grab time in small chunks. That's a strengh of the book, but it also contributes to its weakness. (At least for me; it may work exactly the way you prefer.)

Every project gives a complete list of fabric you'll need (1/2 yard gold print, 5/8 yard red print, etc.); that's standard. However, most quilt books have you cut all the fabric in one fell swoop, so you can get done with that task and put away the rotary cutter. Instead, this book treats each part of the project (cutting the blocks, making the border, etc.) as a separate project. You cut out the fabric for the blocks, then piece them. THEN you cut out the fabric for the quilt center, and piece that. Then you cut for the border, etc.

If you're really working on the weekend-quilter schedule -- just a little bit at a time -- maybe this works for you. In my case, I found it irritating. I had to leave my entire setup spread up (on the dining room table, as it happens) over the course of most of a week, as I wanted to get this silly little table runner done (in addition to working 60 hours a week). I'd rather have done ALL the cutting, then tackled the piecing. Which, of course, I could certainly have done, if I had realized the non-standard way the book presents the project. Instead, I kept being surprised that I had to cut stuff AGAIN! If you know this ahead of time, it may be less annoying; you'll expect it.

Overall, however, this is a very good book. The author is cognizant that you have limited time, and has designed a book full of attractive, do-able quilts that you can be proud of.

I just bought this book, and as a beginner, I can see that some of the techniques and patterns are over my head. But the pictures are great, I love how they give you alternate color schemes for most of the quilt patterns. The directions look very easy to follow (for the patterns I would attempt).

I love all the Thimbleberries quilt books but this one is my favorite. I've made many of the projects in this book and can't wait to make more.

This book is full of fast and easy and well as advanced projects which are all absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to beginning quilters as well as advanced.