Simple Contemporary Quilts: Bold New Designs for the First-Time Quilter
Although no statistical sampling seems to have been conducted, the probability is high that many experienced crafters shy away from quilting because of the time involved and the mandatory precision. Shrader has erased that fear by calling on a dozen artists to create 20 quilts that are simple and modern. The basics are pared down; for instance, she specifies that a sewing machine need only be able to manage straight and zigzag stitches. Fabrics and design do the heavy lifting. "Wild Zebra," for one, pieces together different tonal blacks and whites to achieve an animal resemblance. "Constellation," on the other hand, positions different sizes of white stars against a blue top with random stitching encircling and connecting. Creative techniques provide the spark—and the ease of quilting, whether by using fusible appliqué or free-motion embroidery. Jacobs, Barbara