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Friday, April 4, 2014

"Adding Layers"- a book review

Kathy Doughty's new book, "Adding Layers- Color, Design and Imagination", is indeed, full of 'vibrant, graphic designs!


A glance at some of the words used in the names of the quilts- 'spin', 'fractured', 'party' and 'madness' are an indication of the fun and movement in the quilts featured.

I like the rationale behind the book- the challenge 'to expand ideas and habits'. 

I love this one!

Kathy asks us to consider "what type of quilt do I want to create?"
- 'a pop song' - modern, popular, fashionable
or a traditional 'symphony' of colour and pattern.
An interesting concept.....

Practicalities such as tools/rulers, a design wall, stash fabrics and cutting techniques are all discussed in the first part.


This leads to the first group of quilts.  Kathy encourages us to 
'put our stash to good use'. We all need to use our stash!

My stash....

This section is full of unique and colourful 'scrap' quilts, one using ricrac, another an applique border of household items:

Not sure I'd make this with the 'odd' mix of applique though?

The next section is about using time saving templates, but most importantly, with traditional cutting methods also being provided.  

Shapes such as triangles, diamonds and hexagons feature here:

I love this one!

The final chapter is devoted to scale; 'upscaling' specifically! Large baskets, lilies, churn dash and stars take centre stage:




I like this idea. I think it could be applied to many patterns with interesting results.

There is no indication of the difficulty level for the projects but most, in my opinion, would require competent quilting/sewing skills.

Although I have not made anything from this book (yet!) the instructions are detailed and seem well written, supported by drawings and photographs, for those visual learners out there.



Kathy's style has always been innovative and brave and she continues to inspire with her latest publication.

I'm trying to decide which quilt to make first!

But that will have to wait, I'll be lazing by a pool or walking along a beach for the next week!

Happy sewing!

SUZ

16 comments:

  1. Great review, I've been told I have a parcel waiting for me at home, fingers crossed it's my copy of the book. Lucky you going on a sunny beach holiday, have a wonderful time!! L

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  2. Plenty of time to ponder which quilt to start on first as you walk along the beach! Looks like another great book - enjoy!

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  3. I have been looking at this book today Susan and it was such a delight to find your review. Will definitely purchase it! MO has certainly made its mark on the Australian world of quilting! Enjoy the holidays! Marie x (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

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  4. Looks like a bunch of beauties in there (unsurprisingly!) xxx

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  5. Hope you have a very relaxing holiday. Thanks for the review, you have nudged me to purchase this book.

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  6. I'm looking forward to getting a look at this book. Right now I have both Material Obsession books from the library. I really enjoy seeing the pictures of what's going on in Kathy's shop via her blog. It's a fun and different aesthetic that I like quite a lot. Thanks for sharing the book.

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  7. That looks like a great book. I look forward to seeing what you make. Have a wonderful Holiday.

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  8. Thank you for the review, I was looking at this book, and now I expect I will buy it.

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  9. Thanks for the review, Susan. It's the first I've read on Kathy's newest book. I'm tempted to make to own a copy now!

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  10. School holidays already! Ours don't start until Easter. Certainly looks like the spirit of Material Obsessions continues in Kathy's solo book. They certainly do have a look of their own.

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  11. I adore her books. I actually just ordered 2 copies yesterday - one to give to my friend and one too keep selfishly :)

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  12. Thank you for the review of Kathy's latest book. I really like her books and this one is going on my wish list. Her quilts are so colorful and inspiring. Love the quilts on your header. I invite you to link an old post to Hexie Weekend (closes Monday, midnight)showcasing one of those quilts -we love eye candy, hexie or otherwise. Thanks for sharing. Now off to Amazon to add Kathy's book to my wish list.

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  13. Thank you so much for this great review! These quilts definitely look like fun.

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  14. THis looks like a great comprehensive book! Something every quilter needs! I will have to look and see if it is available here. Thanks for such a fantastic review!

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Kind comments welcome!