Looking for Good Books
 

I am looking for good resources for a new sewer and quilter. I'm not sure where to start at Amazon! Please let me know if you have any recommendations.

I learned how to quilt using Alex Anderson's Start Quilting book. I made the rail fence quilt. The other book I use, and love because it has big, clear pictures was Bits and Pieces Quilt by Anne Dease. I'm into simple so I bought Ursula Reikes Quilts for Baby books (I think there are 3 in all). Any design can be made with non baby fabrics for a whole different look and her instructions and pictures are the best. I'm a visual learner so need those pictures!

As for sewing, I would suggest three things. You read your machine manual cover to cover and then go back and do all the things it shows you so you feel comfortable with your machine. Then take a beginning sewing class. Nothing beats that hands on experience and being with other new sewers. If that is not an option, you could try some of the You Tube tutorials. As for books, I'm lost as to what to recommend. I teach sewing to high school kids and have gotten good information from the books geared to children, they just offer a simpler way to explain things and the projects are useful like pillow cases and removable pillow covers and tote bags.

Ellenor(?) Burns Quilt in a Day gives basic and then some, a quilt sampler teaches all kinds of blocks with cutting techniques and sewing. Amazon is a good place to get new and used books. The quilting magazines all have some basic instructions and some beginner quilt patterns. Good luck and enjoy yourself. Also this board has wonderful Ladies with lots of experience that love to help each other.

For quilting you can't beat the Better Homes & Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting - http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide...+quilting+book

I still refer back to it every once in a while, and it takes you through the entire process of making a quilt.

I have Quilting 101 - A Beginners Guide. I like that book a lot. Here a link to the amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Quilting-101-b...s=How+to+Quilt


For general sewing, Simplicity,, Martha Stewart, and Better Homes and Gardens have beginner sewing books out. You can also check out Youtube videos which are wonderful. Crafty Gemini on Youtube will teach you how to insert a zipper and how to make french seams. You can learn a lot by making the quick projects that are done in a 10 minute tutorial. Lots of wonderful resources on the internet.

In addition to the above , I recommend going to the "Sewing with Nancy" site lots of tutorials for more than just quilting.
Here is a link to the past 58 episodes. These are all free .. full episodes..
http://video.wpt2.org/program/sewing-nancy/

If you have a Half-Off Books store near you, I recommend going there. You can find all kinds of these books for really cheap.

check out Sewing for Dummys and Quilting for Dummys. I have the Q. for dummys and it is good. You might be able to get them at a half price store, or Abebooks.com or amazon or ebay.

There are so many utubes that will help you. You would be amazed on how quickly you will learn watching the videos

1001 Patchwork Designs by Maggie Malone. You'll find some copies for next to nothing at Amazon.