A Book Review on "Material Obsession: Contemporary Quilt Desings"

Material Obsession by Kathy Doughty & Sarah Fielke

This is the very first quilting book that I purchased in 2010.  It deserves a mentioned as it has been and still is a source of inspiration to my quilting journey.  The quilt designs and amazing array of colors in each project dances across the eyes through the author's skillful and inhibition in combining and contrasting fabrics.  This book has beginners to advance projects with good description and simple hand drawn piecing instructions, and templates for projects that requires applique.  Majority of the projects uses hand quilting which I personally feel adds a special touch to the finishing quilt.

Till today, as I flip through the pages of this book, the beautiful quilts and designs still inspires me.  It also gives me the confidence to try new color contrast and combination which I would never dream of or even dare to do.  Here is an example of a quilt that I have made from this book which I have blogged about in Simple Things in Life.  This book is a gem and one to add to your collection of quilting books.

Happy Quilting!

A review on 'Schnibbles Times Two'

I came across this book recommend by one of the blogger I subscribed to.  I was firstly attracted to the beautiful quilt on the front of the cover, secondly to the adorable title, and thirdly to the content of the book.  I am a very graphic/picture person.  My attention zooms right into the picture before I read any texts about it.  As the saying goes, 'A picture paints a thousand words.'  This book has beautiful photographed quilts and equally wonderful designs to tantalize your quilting-buds.

The introduction by Carrie described how she came to love using 5" charm and 10" layer cakes packs, and her realization of making mini quilts from charm packs to bigger quilts using layer cakes from the same designs.  There is a rather comical side to the author which makes this book feels more personal rather than just another quilting book with instructions on how to make them. The author has also added some lovely quotes on each project which I think is a lovely touch.

'Scnibbles Times Two' has many beautiful and simple projects to work on with clear, concise and step by step instructions.  There are also diagrams to aid understanding the piecing process and to which direction to fold the fabric.  If you are like me where looking at a diagram makes more sense than reading instructions, this is the book for you.

Happy quilting!