Lynne Edwards' New Sampler Quilt Book: Twenty Techniques for Machine and Hand Patchwork: New Ideas New Methods

After borrowing this book from the local library, I decided to purchase this book as a reference. I'm new to quiliting, and this provides good examples of various quilting techniques with how-to instructions.

I have joined a Quilting Club a few miles from the village, and have a lovely day working with a group of like-minded people. Most of them are far more experienced than I, but this new hobby has absorbed me. The Tutor is using Lynne Edwards' book as the basis of the course she is offering. I started off with small projects, but now I feel ready to tackle the Sampler Quilt. I have read the book and drooled over the pictures of Samplers and can't wait to start at the next session. Lynne Edwards explains everything so clearly and carefully, and her tips on achieving a good finish are excellent. My copy was offered as "As New" and it is in pristine condition. I was very pleased with my purchase, particularly as it had a hard cover. One very satisfied customer!

This book has clear instructions and good illustrations. Each block is well photographed so that the detail of piecing and quilting can be easily seen. The completed sampler quilt is shown in 20 different colour/fabric combinations which is really great for those who may have trouble visualising how colours will look together. Different piecing methods are used for each block but I believe that all could be completed in whichever method you prefer if the basics of piecing are understood. Included in the book is the usual "How To" section on tools required, choosing fabric, preparation, cutting, marking, batting, quilting, finishing etc, etc. These points are not laboured as there are plenty of other reference books around which cover much the same information. A nice book for beginners and experienced quilters alike.

I had received a copy of Lynne Edwards first sampler quilt book and was inspired to make a sampler quilt for the friend who gave me the book. When I decided to make another sampler quilt,I was looking for some new ideas and was delighted to see that Ms. Edwards had put out another sampler quilt book, the "New Sampler Quilt Book". I was even more delighted when the book arrived and I began work on my sampler patchwork. The blocks are a little more intricate in the new book but do not require extensive sewing experience. Ms. Edwards has a very clear style of writing and explaining the "how to" part of each patchwork piece. There is a chapter devoted to each sampler piece covered in the book, as well as chapters that cover some basic fabric cutting and quilt finishing techniques. Because of Ms. Edwards clear explanations and obvious sewing skills, these extra chapters are worthy reading. The sampler piece chapters open with a beautiful color picture of the sampler patch, an interesting short history of the patch, and then leads into construction methods that include clear diagrams of the piecing methods. This book is a "must" for every quilter's library because the patchwork construction methods are not limited to one style of piecing; the methods used include hand and machine foundation piecing as well as freezer paper applique, which gives the reader a chance to practice different techniques following clear, concise, instructions. Another wonderful feature of Ms. Edward's books are the pictures of completed sampler quilts of other quilters who took a class with Ms. Edwards for the purpose of completing a sampler quilt. Both books follow this format, which allows the reader to see how the patchwork looks in different color schemes and with different borders. I have purchased other patchwork collections; however, these are merely outlines of the patches and pieces used. Ms. Edwards expertise in reviewing pieceword construction methods make her books well worth purchasing.

There are several things that sets this book apart from other quilt sampler books. First, and most important is that the instructions for each block are provided individually, as opposed to general instructions provided in the front section of the book. The instructions are quite detailed, clear, precise and specific to each block. It is the next best thing to having an instructor in the room with you. Second, there are many variations of the quilts and blocks provided throughout the book, one more beautiful than the next. Third, the actual blocks are quite interesting and would be appropriate for any level of quilter. I believe that the novice and experienced quilter will benefit from and enjoy this book equally. Personally, I am a much better quilter for having used this book.