Pieced Flowers

This book is an absolutely must-have if you are into pictorial quilts and if you are experimenting with paper piecing techniques. If you are like me and love to flip through pages of quilting books for information and inspiration - you will never regret your purchase. All the blocks in this book are for medium to hard level of experience: complicated and time consuming, but the end product is very rewarding! If you are trying to find a book that will help you learn the paper piecing technique, this book is not for you. Try Easy Machine Paper Piecing

Ruth McDowell provides samples and directions for making multiple variations of 10 beautifully pieced flowers. Each has options in multiple techniques and skill levels. These are some of the most beautiful and realistic pieced flowers I have ever seen. Each flower has options for making it with straight seams or curved seams. Some have options with inset seams. Some have options with 3-dimensional, two-sided "flaps" that are sewn into the seams to create more realism. The straight seamed (template) versions of the flowers could all be pieced (or paper-pieced) by an adventurous beginner (like myself) although paper-piecing instructions are NOT provided, suggested, or recommended. The author gives her reasons for discouraging paper-piecing with these patterns. The patterns with curved or inset seams are more intricate and a goal for beginners to work toward. Each pattern has a description of the level of difficulty. For example on the asymmetrical version of the straight seamed Campanula the author says, "These blocks have been designed to be easy to piece on the sewing machine. There are no matching seams in either the block or along the edges where the blocks join." For the curved-seam version of the Campanula she says "Its gentle curves are time-consuming, but produce a graceful design." One potential detraction is that most of the patterns require enlargement. While the recommended percentage of enlargement is specified, if you don't have access to a copier able to enlarge by percentages, this could be a frustrating delay in putting needle to fabric.In addition to the patterns, Ruth McDowell uses fabric prints and colors in unique ways, both in the flowers themselves, and also in her background fabrics. Just studying her use of fabric is inspiring and educational as well.My goal is the curved seam, 3-dimensional full-bloom Rose. It is magnificent. There are also patterns for Campanula, Columbine, Cosmos, Daisy, Day Lily (to die for) Hollyhock, Iris, Morning Glory, and Sweet Pea.This book does not give detailed piecing instructions that might be required by brand-new quilters or beginners with little confidence. But there are tips, hints, and instructions enough to guide intermediate quilters or adventurous beginners. I have been quilting less than a year and the straight seamed patterns don't daunt me, the curved and inset seamed patterns are tempting rather than intimidating.This is a beautiful addition to your quilting library.