Applique Society, The
May 11
Are you crazy for Crazy Quilting? If so then you must pick up a copy of Allison Allers new book Crazy Quilting Modern Piecing & Embellishing Techniques for Joyful Stitching. Allie Allers work has a contemporary spin due to her use of new techniques, fibers, fabrics, and imagery. Allison says working with these materials really give crazy quilts an updated, contemporary look and feel, taking Crazy Quilting out of the traditional Victorian mold for good! The book has an in-depth section on materials and tools. Learn image transfer and stenciling methods while creating your own fabrics. There are four ways to create a crazy quilt block presented in the book. The directions are easy to under- stand and clearly illustrated. What would a crazy quilt be without embellishment through embroidery, beading, lace and dimensional flowers? Allisons tips on working with these materials are invaluable. The gallery section provides inspiration that will have you jump- ing right in on one of the seven projects found in the book and thanks to Allisons expertise you will soon be ready to work on your own crazy quilt.
Creative Troupe
Apr 12
I love embroidery and I love quilting. Here I get to combine the best of both worlds with crazy quilting. There is no limit to the amount of fabrics you can use and no limit to the amount of stitching you can do. Crazy quilting is truly an over the top combination of both. Allie's book gives great instructions on everything that you'll need: from various techniques to begin your blocks, types of fabrics used, piece sizes, embroidery stitches, embellishments and how to attach them (there is a great tutorial on how to attach real sea shells to your quilt), there's inspirational quilts to get you motivated, and a wide variety of projects. I especially like the first project that she uses to get you started which is a pincushion. It gives you a real taste of what crazy quilting is all about in a very compact easy to use design. It's a great way to get your feet wet. The sky's the limit as to what you can create using the basics of crazy quilting.-Lydia Lowe
Quilter's World
Sept 11
If you have ever wanted to try crazy quilting, this is the book for you. It is full of great techniques and ways to utilize your stash and embellishments. Aller walks you through seven different projects from concept to completion. If ever you were thinking of trying some mixed media projects, but were afraid of the outcome, here is your opportunity to give it a try. There is a strong mix of traditional and current trends in this book. The author leaves a lot of room for personal taste and preferences. As a how-to book for this technique, it is great.
