Whimsies and Whynots: A Playful Approach to Quiltmaking [Paperback]

Mary Lou Weidman (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

It’s never too late to be creative! Using these simple techniques and hands-on exercises, you can develop a quiltmaking style that’s spontaneous and fun. Learn to push past frustrating mental blocks to make imaginative, original quilts that tell stories about whatever amuses, touches, or inspires you. Begin your creative journey today with:

• Lessons on five basic components of creativity, plus whimsical exercises to help you uncover new sources of inspiration

• Nine easy-to-follow sections on developing themes, choosing fabrics, and adding photo transfers, letters, and embellishments in exciting new ways

• Full-color photos of 41 wonderfully inspiring story quilts to get you started

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Although the author doesn't say so, one suspects that she doesn't spend a lot of time watching the tube. She is having too much fun creating those funny, inspiring, offbeat quilts commonly referred to as "folk art." This book is primarily a gallery of her own distinctive quilts and the stories behind them. It also provides gentle guidelines?she calls them "quilt recipes"?for developing a theme for your quilt, choosing colors and materials, and embellishing the finished quilt. Warmly recommended for textile collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Hometown: Spokane, Washington

Mary Lou Weidman designs fabric, owns a pattern company, and is also the author of Everyday Angels in Extraordinary Quilts. She teaches throughout the U.S. and Canada, telling her students that "every event in life is a quilt waiting to happen."

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Martingale and Company (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564771806
• ISBN-13: 978-1564771803
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #406,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to get your creative juices flowing for any project., December 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whimsies and Whynots: A Playful Approach to Quiltmaking (Paperback)

I bought this book because of it's wonderful creative approach to design. I am not a quilter, but this book has inspired me to revisit that thought. She has an incredible way of getting your creative ideas flowing. I bought this book with the intent to spark ideas for many different types of projects. It will surpass that goal.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!, January 21, 2002

By 

A. Truong (Campbell, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Whimsies and Whynots: A Playful Approach to Quiltmaking (Paperback)

This is one of my favorite quilting books! Mary Lou teaches you how to unlock the creative genius that lies within, bend the rules, make your own, and create beautiful, whimsical, creative quilts. There are so many creative quilts in this book you can look at it again, and again, and again. Mary Lou's approach to quilting is like a breath of fresh air - her quilts all look folk-artsy and whimsical and each one tells a story. This is a must have for any serious-about-not-being-serious quilter!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MaryLou Weidman's Whimsies & Whynots inspire enthusiasm., November 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Whimsies and Whynots: A Playful Approach to Quiltmaking (Paperback)

The wonderful ideas and illustrations inspire one's own ideas & creativity & sends one to their own stash of fabrics & Whimsies & Whynots. Waxing nostalgic and creating a tangible memory to share with others surpasses the standing of 'better than sliced bread'!