Inspired to Quilt [Paperback]

I am an art quilt and fabric book artist that does not come from a quilting background. My background is in mixed media mostly collage and metalworking. I have just recently started dyeing and silkscreening my own fabrics. I have begun to move away from commercially prepared fabrics. The section on dyes was of interest to me since I have just started playing around with it. This section is full of useful tips and hints that I otherwise would not have known. The book is full of large, color pictures. I love the stamps that Melly creates herself. That in itself gives me inspiration to create my own.

After reading the section on how to create my own stamps out of foam, cardboard, or glue dots, I found the directions to be short, yet simple. They were not muddled or confusing like someone else had said. I have had experience cutting plexiglas and it is exactly as described in the book. Since I have had experience with plexiglas and with carving my own stamps,I found her instructions quite accurate and straightforward. She also provides a picture of the stamp and a sample of what it can do.

I saw the freezer paper technique done at the International Quilt Festival in Chicago. I was not one of the participants, so I did not pay close attention to what was being done. I did see the results and they were very, very interesting. This is something that I would definitely try. I think that the soy wax technique is also a must-try.

Next, the book goes on in the next chapter to explain how to go from your drawings in your journal to your quilt. Even thought I don't do this (drawing in a journal), the layering sequence is very interesting to me from a quilting perspective. Seasoned quilters may already know how to do this but it is still pretty new to me. I have done it many times on paper but not on fabric. To me, there are still some differences. Since I am a visual learner, the step-by step pictures really does help me to understand how she does it more than the written instructions do. The instructions tell me more what materials were used rather than what was done.

I liked the little tips and the various vignettes along the way. I am constantly looking to take my art quilts and fabric books in new and different directions. Depending on my mood, I am always trying something new. This book is just the thing I need to give my creativity a boost and to shove my inspiration forward to create my version of what Melanie offers in her book. This is my kind of mixed media but with fabric instead of paper for the substrate.

There have been a flood of art books out there lately that I don't like but I do like this one.

If you want to learn how to translate those pages of sketches and drawings in your journals into stunning art quilts then you must have this book. Learn the authors techniques for working with thickened dyes to stamp, stencil and monoprint your fabric along with how to use soy wax as a resist and direct dye painting to create gorgeous results on cotton and silk organza. Then use Melanie's signature technique of layering the two together along with free motion embroidery, hand stitching and foiling to create a truly unique art quilt. For those readers who don't want to start with an art quilt she's included several patterns (small zippered purse, sewing holster, ATC's & postcards) for working on a smaller scale so you can experiment with the techniques before committing to a larger project. A beautifully illustrated book filled with images of Melanie's work it's difficult to flip through the pages without being inspired. She has a comfortable and engaging writing style that makes her techniques easy to follow and understand. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to explore a new and unique way to create imagery on cloth while expanding his or her library of surface design techniques.

Note: This is not a book for beginners with no experience as some of the processes will be easier to understand and follow if you have some previous experience working with procion dyes and some of the other techniques the author uses.

At last, a book full of amazing artwork, beautiful quilts, unique and original ideas! Melanie has written the kind of book that encourages quiltmakers to go to the next level. This is not a book for beginners, but rather fills the needs of quilters who are tired of the same old cookbook approaches. Melanie's style is more of the brilliant artist and workshop teacher encouraging the student to experiment, think for yourself, dream, try things out and not be afraid to push things beyond the known.There is a huge wealth of information here, and some step by step directions, but the hints, suggestions for further ideas,generous tips and luscious quilts are more than enough to keep an artist busy for a long,long time.