Random House Quilting Happiness: Projects, Inspiration, and Ideas to Make Quilting More Joyful

I love buying quilting books! I find that usually I'm drawn to the cover art and the lure of new patterns. Typically, I will get a new book, thumb through it in an hour or so, and then it goes on my bookshelf and looks pretty. Rarely will I pick it up again. And never have I felt compelled to write a review for a book in my sewing/quilting collection. Until now.This book completely captivated me. It is different from the usual quilting books I have purchased. It took me four evenings to read through the book, as I enjoyed poring over every page. I was trying to figure out how to describe the feeling I had as I read this book, and the only thing that came to mind was that I felt like I was sitting in a trendy coffee shop with these two women, chatting about quilting!There are 20 projects in the book. There are not only quilts, but a few other sewing projects. Each project has what I would call a brief conversation between the two authors about the project (LOVE that!). Interspersed throughout the book are ideas and exercises to help get your creativity flowing. One thing I truly loved were the included essays on "Tools for Happiness". It really helped put into perspective for me why I love this craft so much.The patterns are wonderful. They include cutting instructions, which I always find handy so that I do not waste fabric trying to get the most cuts out of it. All the fabrics used in the project were also listed. That's important to me, as there have been books where I have fallen in love with a fabric, but could not find any reference as to what line it was from. I am a visual learner, so all of the colorful diagrams included with the instructions are fantastic! I also liked the tips that come with each quilt, to help make the process easier. One of the other things I really appreciate about the quilt instructions are the suggested "Ideas for Quilting". A lot of the time I get truly stumped with what would be the best kind of quilting to complement or enhance a quilt top. These suggestions, for me, are such a wonderful help!As a new-ish quilter (less than 2 years), I find this to be an invaluable resource. I know that I love the cutting & piecing aspect of the hobby (following someone else's pattern!), but I flounder at coming up with my own ideas. So creating my own design, figuring out fabrics to go together and free motion quilting are struggles for me. I often think, and feel, that I am not a creative person, I just read patterns and follow instructions really well. However, this book is exactly what I needed to figure out my own style. To find what inspires me and allow myself to become creative with this craft.If you are a newer quilter, I believe this is a book that should be in your quilting library! If you're an experienced quilter, I would say the same thing to you; I think the patterns are excellent and this book is a great resource for continuing to inspire your creativity and a reminder about why we love this craft so much.Thank you, Christina and Diane, for writing this unique book. Not only is it well-written and chock full of inspiration, the pictures are stunning! I've already bought a spiral bound book to start my Quilt Journal. I won't be putting this book on the shelf any time soon. I keep it nearby and continually refer to it as I have time.Happy Quilting!

The authors of Quilting Happiness have put together something extraordinary: part straightforward craft book (loaded with 20 projects, lots of fresh patterns and color-ways, and tons of insightful and useful tips) and part creative manifesto (delving into matters of imagination, the fulfillment that comes from creating, and the joys of invention, exploration, and discovery).When it comes to the how-to part of the book readers will find extremely clear instructions, beautiful illustrations, and detailed photographs. Mixed in with this readers will also find exercises to help unlock their imaginations, stimulate their own creativity, and connect to other quilters. Especially valuable are the sections entitled "Quilter Stories" (profiles of quilters) and "Tools of Happiness", the latter of which highlight some of the many the pleasures to be found in quilting (from quilting for others to using meaningful fabrics; from the process of creating a quilt to the satisfaction of completing one).The authors not only share their knowledge (the lessons that form the core of this book) but also their wisdom (the insights and lessons drawn from a lifetime - two lifetimes, actually - of creative endeavors). They cover the topic of quilting quite thoroughly (and enjoyably) and then go a step further to tackle WHY we love to make things, and how we can capture, and share, the happiness that is present whenever we creating something.

This quilting book goes above and beyond to reach into the heart of quilting. Quilters take such pride in our craft. This book honors that "soul" as well as providing very detailed and clear instructions for the projects.The diagrams alone are excellent! Cutting and piecing diagrams are nice and large as well as in color. The projects and photography are fresh and gorgeous. This book is packed with excellent content and would make a great addition to anyone's sewing library. The book does not assume that you know how to do everything. The authors provide great instruction as well as some new shortcuts for cutting and piecing.The book leads you through how to find inspiration and how to journal your creative process. The authors include a great resource list for additional books, websites, etc. to help you continue on your search for inspiration and learning. The book is almost 200 pages and includes an index for easy reference. Very worth the purchase price!

I ordered this for my mom who is an experienced quilter. She said she really likes it - it has some new ideas, a lot of musings on why quilting makes people happy, and great photos. She also really likes the quality of the paper, if that makes sense. The pages are not like glossy magazine pages, they are heavier and will withstand lots of thumbing through :)

I bought this book without having previously seen it, which I seldom do, however, it was mean to be, because I love this book.I really like how this book has exercises and numerous ideas to make each quilt your own but also to hone in on what kind of quilts YOU really like to create. I love to look at quilting books and use them for references and this is one of my favorites. The designs are a good balance of traditional and modern and I like the fabrics used in this book as well.

I am always looking for new and creative ideas for my quilting. I found that this book had some very innovative approaches to quilt designs. They range from traditional to bold large block modern motifs. There are projects other than quilts that are interesting. If you are new to quilting, this book starts with basics and leads you to more complicated projects. I will be referring to this book often. It is a great find.

This is one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. It helps me to think about why I enjoy quilting so much, I have started a 'Quilting Journal', which already is fun to look through. I highly recommend the book. I have yet to pick a pattern to do, but I will!