If you could just pick a few books for skill-building, what would they be? I LOVE this board, but I know so little that... I don't know what I don't know! Does that make sense? I don't know how to ask what I need sometimes. I love to use the internet, but I think that I need something in hand to keep by the project!!

Thanks in advance!!

Harriet Hargrave's books are great for learning applique and machine quilting skills. Here are links to two that taught me a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach.../dp/157120136X

http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Machi.../dp/1571202366

She has a new series of skill building books out but I haven't seen them and don't know how they would compare to the above.

Thanks, Prism!

I really enjoy the simplicity of Eleanor Burns.

Quilts! Quilts! Quilts!

It's OK to sit on my quilt.

The Rodale Quilting Library.

Your First Quilt book or it should be ! Red cover :wink:

My favorite is the Quilt Bible...has everything in it!

I have very few books on quilting. Most of what I know is from trial and error, or help from great friends. (guess who?)

I do have one that has helped me several times. It is called Leisure Arts Presents Quilter's Complete Guide". It is by Fons and Porter.

Harriet Hargrave has some new books out called Quilting Academy...there are going to be 6 in all....1 and 2 are now out on the market. They are set up in lessons; perfect for those of us who have lots to learn. I have both. You won't be disappointed.

The Quiltingboard has brought it all together for me. Having people discuss quilting in everyday life. Sharing the 'worked' and 'didn't work'. After spending endless hours soaking up the knowledge available on this board I have been able to read my books and understand what they want me to know from them. I have had many of the books for maybe 15 years. Now I can read them with interest and learn from them. Before the quilting board it just didn't 'come together'. Good luck on your journey. As you have a question or thought write it down. When you are on the computer put it in our search field and you have tons of information at your fingertips. I has helped me immensely./Regards, Dorothy

Thank you all so much! I have already found this board so valuable and know I will continue to... Just want to pick up a book or two, maybe even at the library, to learn terms and basics.

I can't wait till I can be the one to help someone out one day!!

I was just coming back to this thread to mention checking out your local library! That's how I got started with quilting many years ago.

My very favorite go-to reference book is Complete Guide to Quilting by Better Homes & Gardens. It is available on Amazon for $13.50. I bought one for my SIL and read it so much I had to get her an "unused" copy. My DD is just getting interested in quilting and she borrowed it two weeks ago. I wanted it the other day to check a technique. Guess I'll need to get her a copy of her own!

It's OK if You Sit on My Quilts is another interesting book for learning about block and pattern construction.

I know what you mean on that. Have you tried buying some of the e-books from this board.

No! E-books? I will have to look into that...

I would also start at the library, ours is a small one,but it still has lots of quilting books!

I agree. Her books walk you through every step. I always recommend them to someone starting out.