Customer Reviews

Quilting Curves: An Innovative Technique for Machine-Piecing Curves with Incredible Ease

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I have been quilting for over 10 years and am always looking to try new techniques. I own over 50 quilt books. This book has the distiction of being the first one that I have seriously considered returning. Perhaps if it had not been for the misleading claims that the book makes, namely a QUICK way to PIECE quilts, I might not have been so harsh on it. But since this is what it adverties and not at all what it delievers, I must voice my frustration.

I purchased this book on the strength of its claim that it offered a new and quick way of piecing curves. I was extremely disappointed to discover that the method is really a variation of blindstich applique. While her method is techniquely piecing because unlike applique there is no base fabric, it looks like applique because each piece is topstiched to its neighbor with a very visible blindhem. The author's technique uses a matching thread that is always quite noticible and gives her pieces a distictive look that is great for making a name for oneself in the world of quilting competitions, but not so great for someone who thought they were going to learn a shortcut to piecing curves. For some reason it never occurred to her to use invisible thread which would be far less noticble.

Beyond the fact that this does not look like picing, quick is not the word to describe this method. It involves many steps and blindhemming is a very painstaking work that is hard on the eyes. I also question the strenth of the seam. I suspect that this technique is only suitable for art quilts and not for anything they would subject to any kind of stress, such as a bed quilt.The instructions are clear, but I found all of samples to be uninspiring. Only a handful of her prize wining quilts are shown, and they are knockouts, but the rest of the stuff are simple studies.

The author says she is self taught and that is evident. Like many other self-taught quilt artists, she has pioneered her own look through her vast ignorance of the wealth of technical know how that already exists. If she has a firm grasp of of the many excellent piecing and applique tecniques, she would not be using this method, which would be a shame, because it is interesting. However, just because an artist has an interesting result, it doesn't mean that her method is worth copying.

In Quilting Curves, experienced needlecrafter Vikki Pignatelli has developed an innovative method of quiltmaking which almost guarantees professional results, even for newcomers to quilting. Her book shares this method, showing how to create the curved-line designs which can be done by machine for added quick results. Nine complete patterns accompany photos of finished products and directions for incorporating extra effects.

I never quilted or sewed in my life until I was inspired by this book. (I did not even know what a "bobbin was!) I sat and read the entire book first, and by the time I was finished, taped together enough freezer paper to my wall to draw an 80x80 inch design. Yes, it took time, but since I read the book thoroughly, I already had answers to all the minute details that were required to make my quilt successfully. And yes, it was at least 200+ pieces. It was my first quilt and sewing project, and my friends and family were amazed. I think the process is worth it if you are looking for a unique, one of a kind design. Since then, I have made a second quilt by the same technique, and am currently staring a new one. Great reference guide. Good book for very creative people who can make their own designs; for those who have an idea in mind but don't know how to achieve it. BUT READ IT COVER TO COVER FIRST!!! By the way, I am working on a 1960 Singer sewer!

I bought this book 2 years ago when I was very enthusiastic about learning to piece curves. I was on a very tight budget and saved for some time to afford the book, so was very excited when I finally got it. Once I started reading through the process, though, I became more and more discouraged.

The technique described does not appear to be simple or fast. In addition, the edges are very obviously top- or blind-stitched which results in a rather amateurish 'crafty' finish.

The simplest designs require a minimum of 40 - 60 tiny paper pieces that must be carefully traced out, marked and coded. They then must be cut out on fabric and matched to each other in order. Trying to be optimistic, I thought I'd give it a try, just to learn the method, so I started with the simplest project. I was defeated before I ever attempted to go to the trouble of making anything bigger.

The artist's work is beautiful and complex, but the designs offered as sample projects are unfortunately cheesy. To produce the kind of results the artist achieves must take literally hundreds of pieces. I was bored with the sample before I ever finished.

Although I greatly admire the artist's work, I was disappointed with this book and the tedious strenuous technique required for unsatisfying results. I look forward to a truly fast, easy and spontaneous technique in a curved piecing book, if there is one.

I bought this book thinking that the author would provide the pattern for the quilt on the cover, but she doesn't. She also doesn't provide any patterns for any of her better quilts. The few patterns that she does supply are too simplistic to be worth making. Also, it's not really piecing at all.

I recently received this book as a birthday gift from my Amazon wish list. I read the entire book in just one evening and sat there wishing the fabric store was open at midnight! The technique Vikki uses is very easy and she breaks it down so anyone can do it. She has several patterns you can follow but she also gives you enough information ( and inspiration) to create your own curvy designs. The quilts look more like modern paintings than traditional block quilts and you are limited in design only by your own imagination. Finally, curves in quilting with no "puffy" seams! Thank you Vikki....

The photographs of her stunning quilts initially encouraged me to purchase Vikki Pignatelli's "Quilting Curves." But I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a wealth of information between the covers of this book.

The author begins with an explanation of her method of quilting, incorporating curves and sharp points into her designs. I liked the contemporary patterns, beginning with simple quilts using a minimum of templates, and advancing to more complex designs, and also her discussion of improvisional quilts. Vikki shares her methods and patterns and insights and encourages quilters to develop their own designs and expand their creativity. Her method is unusual, but I was impressed with how easily mistakes can be corrected with a minimum of effort. The end results are impressive

I think this book is easy to understand and uplifting in spirit. I'm very happy with how my own quilt design, honoring Valentine's Day turned out. I recommend "Quilting Curves.

This book should have come with plastic pages so when I drooled on it, I wouldn't have caused any damage. The work is breathtaking, the instructions are clear and well illustrated. The book progresses from a simple starter exercise through all the steps needed for you to create your own curved masterwork.  
One of my favorite parts is the section showing different types of machine quilting that can be used to fill in large areas. Think of it as stippling that went high class. Vikki lets us in on her thought processes as she discusses different pieces from her collection. Understanding why makes remembering how so much easier. If you are ready to begin designing freeform quilts, this book should go to the top of your list.