Favorite Books for Quilters
I'm thinking a series of "favorites" might be a good way for me to work towards more regular blogging. I love the idea of blogging...the longer form, the space for more extended thoughts. But oftentimes when I sit down to write, I draw a blank for what I'd like to share with you.
So now I'm imagining you with your cup of tea as I sip on mine, and I have a few books I've stumbled upon recently that I really think you might love.
Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live by Melanie Falick
I discovered this book on a bookshop date with my husband and have found it so inspiring. I think oftentimes the images we find on social media are so product-focused that we can lose the artistry behind quilting. Not many of the artists featured in here are actually quilters, but seeing so many makers dive into work that brings them joy has been inspiring me to work away from product-focused work and back to the art form of making.
I found this little book at my local quilt shop, and was completed intrigued by it. I love big stitch quilting (I have a tutorial here) and the thought of seeing these sashiko-inspired projects that could bring some interest to my quilting made me snatch it up. I'm thinking my Irish chain quilt I've been slowly stitching on would be a good place to try out some fun designs.
Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns Book by Barbara Brackman
Ok, I know this is a bit of a splurge, but I really think every quilter needs to have this one on their shelf. It.is.amazing. You might have seen it floating around other blogs/quilt shops, and there's a reason for it. It's extensive and if you ever want to design your own quilt, this is such a good investment. Don't expect it to be a how-to...it's not. But it does help you see how blocks are categorized and formed, what names they're known by, and more.
The Quilts of Gee's Bend by Susan Goldman Rubin
This book is more for our younger quilters (I guess?? honestly I loved it so much) and shares a bit about the quilts and quilters of Gee's Bend. These women amaze and inspire me and honestly, I think they elevate the art form of quilting more than anyone else.
This is a great beginner quilting book. I say beginner because Laura does such a great job of breaking down the process of piecing, with simple and basic geometric shapes! She even teaches you how to sew curves! I love all of her quilts and quilt coats, and love her modern design.
Ok, I think 5 books is a good start for you...although I have more I could add so maybe there'll be a follow-up post one day?? Thanks for visiting today! It's always fun to share books with people you think might like them! And let me know if you have any favorite quilty books I should check out!
xo,
Jennifer
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