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In class and during lectures, I often refer to my
favorite things -- products, books, websites, and all kinds of quilt- and
art-related things. Here are a few of my recommendations and some
links to help you find them.
Come back often, as the lists will change.
Quilt Books
With so many quilt books on the market, it's hard to
choose which ones to buy. My solution is to buy as many as I can. These are
a few of my current favorites.
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Finding Your Own Visual Language by Jane Dunnewold, Claire Benn &
Leslie Morgan
When I first bought this book, I read it cover to cover. The authors
take a no-nonsense approach to creating your own art through visual and
writing exercises. They also provide guidance for when you're stuck.
This is a must-have book and is required for my Art Quilts 201 and 202
classes.
Click here to visit Jane Dunnewold's
website where you can buy the book.
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Fearless Design for Every
Quilter by Lorraine Torrence & Jean B. Mills
I know, another design book. How many different ways can you talk
about design? Why is this book different? I believe that some
overlap in your library can be good. Seeing the same design principle
explained and illustrated in a new and different way can be
valuable. This book is filled with great pictures and a variety of
approaches to explain each concept and the addition of constructive
critique. This book is required for my Art Quilts 203 class.
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Fabulous Fabric Art with
Lutradur by Lesley Riley
Have you wondered about the new
wonder-fiber, Lutradur? Everyone seems to be talking about it. In this
beautiful book, Lesley Riley tells you how to add color, use heat, run
it through the printer, and create wonderful textures. There are lots of
projects to walk you through different techniques. As if that's not
enough, the book includes two sheets of Lutradur for you to play with!
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The Quilting Arts Book
by Patricia Bolton
I recommend this book to quilters
who are transitioning to art quilting and to art quilters who feel like
they may have missed something in their art quilt education. This book,
written by the founder of Quilting Arts Magazine, contains a wide array
of techniques and ideas. Think of it as a survey course in art quilt
techniques. |
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The Painted Quilt by
Linda and Laura Kemshall
It seems like more and more art
quilts incorporate paint as an aspect of surface design. In this book,
mother-daughter team Linda and Laura Kemshall simplify the concept of
painting on your quilt. I've read it cover to cover and I like how
simple and straightforward it is. Oh, and pretty. It's a visually
lush book. |
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Art Quilt Workbook by
Jane Davila and Elin Waterston
Not everyone is lucky enough to
have access to art quilt classes and groups. This book is a must-have
for anyone who is learning to make art quilts on their own. Great
exercises, great ideas. |
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Art Quilts at Play by
Jane Davila and Elin Waterston
Jane Davila & Elin Waterston
strike again! In this book, they pick up where they left off with the
Art Quilt Workbook. Art Quilts at Play includes lots of surface design
and good tips for finding and working with other art quilters. Check it
out! |
Art Books
I'm always looking for inspiration. These titles
provide both inspiration and education.
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Masters by
Martha Sielman
I enjoy books where I can see
lots of quilts in myriad styles. This book includes lots of quilts,
but it also allows you to pause and get to know the quilters. Hats
off to Martha Sielman for resisting the urge to pack in as many
quilts as possible. These quilts are in context. (And they're
absolutely stunning. ) |
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Design! by
Steven Aimone
The thing I love most about
this resource is the wide variety of images. Sure, there are a lot
of pictures, but the surprise is the array of art forms. Textile,
paintings, pottery, landscaping, anything you can imagine. It helps
you see design principles in a very different way. |
Inspirational & Motivational Books
Each book feeds a
different aspect of your creativity.
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Art & Fear by David
Bayles
If you've taken my Art Quilt
classes, you know the story of how I discovered this book! (Because
of a funny mix-up, I had a different book with a very similar
title.) Once I finally had a copy of this perspective-shifting book, I read it cover to
cover on a cross-country flight.
This book helps you identify the roadblocks
you've set up to prevent yourself from making your art. Then, it
helps you figure out how to get beyond them. |
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The Creative Habit
by Twyla Tharp
As the title implies, the
author treats creativity as a habit that needs to be practiced. I
love the stories and anecdotes! Twyla Tharp has worked with lots of
creative types and she shares the lessons she's learned from these
experiences.I like this book because
the writing style is so accessible. It's a good read without being
fluffy. |
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Notes from the Universe
by Mike Dooley
Wouldn't it be great if you
had your own private cheering section? Well, here it is! Each note
from the Universe cheers you on to be and do your best. Most notes
are one page long; just open the book to any page for a instant
boost.No, this book isn't about
quilting or art. It's about attitude. |
Notions & Other Products
Must-have tools:
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That's right.
A Kindle. I saved my pennies and gift cards and finally bought
myself a Kindle. Yes, I love books, but I actually prefer reading on
my Kindle. I don't have to worry about holding the book open, I have
instant access to a dictionary, and I can change the font size when
my eyes get tired. I can store over 1,500 books and the battery life
is amazing, which is all great for traveling or waiting rooms. Check
out my
blog to read about my love affair
with this gizmo. Now that the price has dropped, it's a good time to
consider it. Did I mention I love mine? |
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The Grip-n-Grip
is one of those tools that I just keep reaching for. Without
adhesive, it sticks to my work surface and to whatever fabric,
paper, or rubbing plates I put on it. I use two together for a
larger work surface. Great for keeping things in place for stamping,
painting, and using Paintstiks. Click on the pic to go to Artistic
Artifacts to order. |
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The
Clearly
Perfect Angles tool is just amazing. It's like the Angler -- it
helps sew diagonally across squares for flying geese and half-square
triangles -- but better because it's bigger and you don't have to
tape it down. Thanks,
Kathy Lincoln, for discovering this handy
tool! If you're local, the Quilt Patch carries this item. Otherwise,
click on the pic to shop for this at Keepsake Quilting. |
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I bought my
Bendable Bright Light in Houston in 2007. Love it! As I get older,
my eyes want more light when I'm sewing, especially at night. It's a
little pricey, but it's worth every penny.
If you're local, the Quilt Patch carries this
item. Otherwise, click on the picture to shop for this at Keepsake
Quilting. |
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