How to Make a Quilt

October 15, 2014

Storey combines its value-priced series (long a mainstay in the food and gardening categories) with crafts in titles designed to teach the basics of a particular craft in an easy-to-follow, no-nonsense manner. The focus here is quilting basics, from fabric selection to cutting, stitching, and pressing skills and quilt assembly. Talbert also includes directions for cutting and sewing ten easy, traditional patchwork blocks. The presentation is simple and concise: a description of the skill and its purpose is followed by step-by-step instructions that break down each part of the process, along with illustrations for key points. Tailored toward beginners, the information may seem obvious to experienced quilters but novices will welcome such crucial details including the distinction between ironing and pressing (yes, there is one) and the importance of a scant quarter-inch seam. VERDICT There may not be any glossy glamour shots of fabric or fancy projects here, but Talbert's skills-based approach makes this book a useful reference to quilting basics. A welcome addition to a crowded field where style triumphs too often over substance.

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