Quilted Symphony: A Fusion of Fabric, Texture & Design [With Pattern(s)]
Those who have seen one of Gloria Loughman's award-winning masterpiece quilts and wondered how she did it should buy a copy of this book. It's a fabulously generous resource of guidance on an array of techniques that Gloria uses in her work to such great effect - a veritable workshop in print if you will.  Lots of close-up photographs and line drawings illustrate the detailed explanations of her methods.  A gallery of student work proves that anyone can make a Gloria Loughman-like quilt, and step-by-step instructions and full-size patterns are included for four small wallhangings so you can too. This book is a very generous gift of knowledge and skills from someone who is a genuine master quiltmaker: simply sensational. (Australian Homespun, 9/1/10 )Australian artist Gloria Loughman has created a comprehensive and thorough guide for quilters just entering the arena of abstract art and design. Both theory and hands-on technique are discussed, and the opening chapters guide the reader thought the basic considerations of design, composition, and color schemes, as well as how to find inspiration in your everyday surroundings. Loughman also leads readers through the construction process step by step; however the author's technical advice goes beyond basic construction to include unusual applique shapes, mosaics, beading, fabric painting, and decorative stitching. A variety of binding and finishing techniques are presented at the end. Also included are four specific projects that enable readers to put their new skills to use (a pull-out pattern section includes the full-size patterns for the four projects). Beginning art quilters will no doubt be inspired by Loughman's simple but thorough instructions - as well as the impressive photo gallery of her students' work - while more advanced practitioners may find a new technique to incorporate into their own work. (Quilting Arts Magazine, June 1, 2010 )Gloria's introduction to the principles and elements of design and her demonstrations of ways in which representational pictures can be abstracted are a wonderful preface to her instructions on drawing out an abstracted design, preparing the fabric and constructing the final art quilt. Machine applique and quilting plays an important part in creating texture and visual interest in the quilt and several options are explored. Four projects using Gloria's techniques, complete with patterns, are included to get you started on your way. (Machine Quilting Unlimited, July 1, 2010 )Open Gloria's book and you could very well lose yourself in the to-die-for colors and designs of her Glori-ous creations.. But in case you decide you do want to make one of these babies, this award-winning Aussie art quilter gives you all the info you need to birth your own masterpiece. Working with applique, piecing, embellishments and more, she'll take you through some pretty darn complex designs and break each down into simpler parts.. Oh and there are four full-size patterns on the book's insert, making this worth the larger price tag. Should you buy this book? Pop for it. You'll learn about color, balance, shape and form without ever reading a word. (Quilter's Home, August1, 2010 )Integrate your own drawings, doodles, or photographs with the elements and principles of design to produce eye-catching art quilts. Gloria's step-by-step instructions are thorough and concise in this beautiful book. (American Quilter, September 1, 2010 )