Super Quick Colorful Quilts: 20 Sparkling Designs for Fast Quilts [Paperback]

I just picked this book up in a remainder and it was definitely worth the money. I have not yet made anything out of it. But I will. (Only 4 stars because I haven't tried to make anything). I look for quilt patterns that are effective but fast as I have limited time. If you are looking for complexity or a quilting challenge, this probably isn't the book for you.

A similar style to Wilkinson's "Quick and Easy Patchwork and Applique : 14 Lively Designs Using All Kinds of Applied Motifs" - patterns are a similar nature but not repeated (which is nice). When I picked up the book it didn't occur to me that I already own a book by her, but as I adore "Quick and Easy Patchwork and Applique" I can see why this one appealed to me.

Note Wilkinson edits this book (as well as "Quick and Easy Patchwork and Applique"). The quilts are designed by a variety of UK quilters, designers, authors and teachers.

This book is split into four sections - Tips and Techniques, "Bright Colours", "Pastel Colours" and "Primary Colours". A bit of a furfy though as, once again, Wilkinson includes 4 alternative colour schemes for each quilt. A brilliant idea as it really gives you an understanding of how colour combinations affect the overall makeup of the quilt.

The tips and techniques appear quite thorough and good enough for a beginner. There are tips also throughout the patterns.

My biggest problem when choosing a book online is the inability to actually flip through the book to see if there really is anything I want to make. So I shall attempt to provide some descriptions of the quilts that particularly appeal to me...
- Candy Bars - "Hot pink fabric frames the colourful bars in this topper for a single bed. Very simple blocks are joined together in rows to make the bars, reminiscent of the most colourful jars in the sweet shop. Simple quilting completes the project, which took just twelve hours to make." - The prime example uses "at least nine" different pink, orange and mauve patterned fabrics that are then combined two to a square, sewn into horizontal bars. These bars are separated by hot pink strips. The quilt is finished with a wave or scalloped machine stitch across the quilt providing a modern feel. The alternative colour schemes include a denim variation "for a teenager".
- Whirligig Quilt - A windmill square using bright, modern colours, tied in the centres.
- Dotty Cot Quilt - A mix of soft pastels - blue, pink, green, yellow - to suit either boy or girl, finished size is 86x70 cm. Fabric is dots and plains arranged into 4 x 5 squares. Every other square is a single fabric with an appliqued circle. In between each is a large square with a small centre square in contrasting colour, tied in the centre.
- Sherbet Twist - "Mouth-watering colours, a broderie anglaise frill and a scattering of mother-of-pearl buttons make this lap quilt the perfect treat for a sweet little girl." Three strips of each contrasting pastel pair (yellow with purple, green and pink, blue and orange) is arranged length wise down the quilt, separated by single strips of white fabric. The colour bands are quilted down the length (like "tubes" with a puffy eiderdown effect) but the white is tied with buttons down the length. A lace border surrounds. Alternative colour schemes include patterns and florals.
- Chenille Hearts - "The chenille technique, also known as "slashing", is a great way to use up all those ugly fabrics from your stash - when they're used for the lower layers, they don't show but add to the felted edges when cut and washed. This technique makes quite a heavy quilt as it's made up of four layers but it is very soft and cozy." Finishe size is 96.5 x 85.5 cm. Basically it is a purple quilt with 12 hearts from three colours (green, yellow, pink) arranged symmetrically across the top. However, it is made from three top layers of fabric (purple and pink) over one background piece (purple). The layers + hearts are then sewn (quilted) in parallel diagonals every .75 cm. The top three layers + hearts are then "slashed" or cut between the stitching (so it is cut on the bias). Once washed, you are left with a soft, felted quilt.

Compiled and edited by quilting expert Rosemary Wilkinson, beginning needlecrafters, as well as more advanced quilters who lack time, will find Super Quick Colorful Quilts: 20 Sparkling Designs For Fast Quilts to be a welcome and "user friendly" coverage presenting twenty new quilt patterns in varied colors, made with easy shapes, easy piecing, and fast techniques. 20 projects show how to gain the most from checks, flowers, pinwheels and other traditional design choices, streamlining quilting operations and patterns for maximum results.

The quilts patterns/designs included are eye-catching and easy to assemble. Directions are clear. Lots of inspiration in these pages...

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