The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting

I agree with the previous reviewer. Buy this book and either Alex's or "Your First Quilt Book (Or So It Should Be)." The two compliment each other well. Prior to starting this journey, I could barely reattach a shirt button (heck, I still don't know how to use a sewing machine ~ that's next). Thanks to the above mentioned books, I completed a beautiful lap quilt for my mother in 6 weeks, BY HAND!!! (Mind you, if you don't have children and have your evenings free, you'll be able to finish even sooner. :oD) My mom couldn't believe it and kept turning the quilt over and over, looking for a label. :o)Anyway, the book is straight forward and even a bit funny, which helps. Once you get bit by the quilting bug, I suggest Keepsake Quilting's website and catalog. You'll go CRAZY!! :oD

I always loved quilts, but never thought I could learn to do it. After only two days with this book, I have completed my first block -- and it looks really good!This book is excellent in that it tells you how to buy tools and fabrics, and explains what is truly essential vs. what is just a "neat gizmo." It explains the color wheel and a foolproof method of picking a whole color scheme for your quilt. At the end of every chapter, the author sums up the very basic things you should know -- a sort of "cheat sheet," if you will.It also has tons of great tips that you would never think of asking about. I love the "Don't get stuck" items! Reading this book is like having an experienced quilter in your living room showing you how to do it step-by-step. Great book!

I love this book! I tried to make a quilt a year ago following directions in a magazine and it was a disaster. Of course, they expect you to know how to quilt, so there were no instructions. I was so frustrated when my quilt failed miserably. Then I got this book and I have read it cover to cover about 4 times (just because it is so fun to read!) The author is sooooo informative and really teaches you as if you have no experience. There are so many tricks in here that I would never have thought of, but after you try them it's like, of course! That makes so much sense! She tells you how to pick colors, how to launder the fabrics and finished quilt, what tools you need, and there are lots of basic and advanced blocks to choose from (with full size patterns). I am so happy with my results now and want to make sooo many quilts! The book is also so beautiful to look at... the color pics and the drawings are so accurate. This is the ONLY book you need to learn to quilt! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

This book is very helpful. From the history of quilts to how to put a quilt together, this book is truly helpful for people like me. It takes you through every step of the quilting process and even gives you all kinds of helpful tips along the way. If you know nothing about quilting and want to learn...this is the book to get