Creative Quilts: Inspiration, Texture & Stitch

I love this book. I do quite a lot of textile art and this book has lots of inspiration and different techniques. The use of a sketch book mimics the use of a notebook for my writing. I often take photos of skylines and other scenery, then use them in my quilting. I thoroughly recommend this book for those quilters who need a bit of help to break out of the square. Cathryn Hart

Knowing where you want to go but not having a map to get there is a frustrating predicament. Fortunately, Sandra Meech has provided a detailed map for the new quilt artist striving to begin the creative journey. Her book Creative Quilts: Inspiration, Texture, & Stitch, is a thorough guide, lavishly enhanced with photos and drawings. This second book of Meech's (the first being Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface, and Stitch, Batsford, 2003), seems to be more focused on the serious artist vs. quilt art in general. Although some of the same topics are discussed, she illustrates with new examples. The two books complement one another rather than repeat the content. Ms. Meech serves as an experienced guide through the myriad paths of creativity, providing tools (mind mapping, creating a sketchbook); principles (design, composition, color theory); techniques (stitching, collage, photography) and plenty of ideas. She explores texture, including the technique called wireform, a method of stitching and manipulating fabric to render it in three dimensions. The book is best digested in small bites because of the richness of its content. It would be difficult to absorb all the chapters at once, as the burst of creativity each topic evokes is enough to keep an artist busy for weeks. This book should be in the library of anyone who is serious about working with cloth as art, if for no other reason than as a visual treat. Any artist struggling to get started or looking for a breakthrough would find ample stimulation here.

I thought Sandra's first book was the best textile book in my library until I received Creative Quilts. This book is wonderful. It is full of gorgeous photos that illustrate the ideas so well. If you want to move forward in your creativity purchase this books. I am sold on this author and look forward to more publications from her.

I really enjoyed this book as the subject matter and making it into art was something I had always wanted to do but didn't know how. I was able to visuallize my own ideas and plan a future project with her techniques. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to develop their own quilted ideas and memories.

Sandra Meech's new book is will take your quilting/textile art to a new level. Lots of design exercises, a comprehensive section on sketchbooks and inspiration, and gorgeous quilts from Meech and others. I didn't think her 2004 book "Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface and Stitch" could be bettered, but if you loved that book - you NEED this one. All new info, so it's good value, too. The best new quilting book of 2006, hands down.