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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

free-motion Machine Quilting, by Don Linn

A new quilting book published by CT Publishing, "free-motion Machine Quilting", written by Don Linn, will begin shipping in February 2011.  I've had the opportunity to review an early copy of this book and am excited to share insights with you.

From cover to cover this is an excellent book for quilters that want to improve their free-motion quilting (FMQ) skills, or learn the art of FMQ.  The introduction was inspirational. I loved the reference to “Machine quilting has gone from a dirty word to an accepted art form”.

Lin has been teaching FMQ for 10+ years. This book captures his insights on how he has been able to teach and inspire the basics and art of FMQ to quilters of all levels.  

Basics are provided on selecting necessary tools vs optional tools and project supplies.  And good insights on the all too overlooked need of having good seating posture while doing FMQ.  Don also shares insights on proper batting and backing selection, preparation of your quilt for FMQ, machine tension, starting and finishing a quilting design, hand placement, practice exercises, potential problems and solutions, as well as bad habits to avoid. 

Excellent insights are shared on "Learning to Draw and Stitch Designs" with practice exercises that help you learn a create beautiful ropes, feathers, grids and more.

The section on how to select designs appropriate for your quilts is very helpful.  It also includes insights on how to transfer and mark your quilt, echo quilting, as well as making designs fit your border.

There is a lovely quilting gallery included in this book, with many inspirational quilts made and quilted by Don.

Lastly, Don also included an excellent section packed full of beautiful quilting designs that you can use on your projects.  There are actually 50+ quilting designs that are included in this book.
Overall, excellent blend of insights and visuals in this book.  I also found that Don's words of encouragement were as if I was seated in a class with him standing next to me and giving me the confidence that I could do this.   This book radiates a "you can do" approach to FMQ.

You can pre-order copies of this book directly from CT Publishing, or check it out at your local quilt store in February 2011. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to improve their free-motion quilting skills, and an absolute must for anyone interested in learning FMQ.  I'll even go further, by sharing, if you are to purchase just one book on free-motion quilting, this is the book you will want to buy. 

16 comments:

Joanna said...

I especially like books that provide patterns for FMQ designs because I need something to follow. Thank you for your review. It sounds like another good resource.

Janet said...

Wow, I can't pass it up with a review like that! I just pre-ordered thru amazon.com. Thanks!

SandraB. said...

Wow, thanks Darlene, i am going to pre order mine, I so need the help. I have a grace frame which I used my bernina on, but seems way to much trouble. thanks again.

SandraB. said...

Wow i am gonna order me one, thanks for the insights. I so want to learn more aobut FMQ.

free indeed said...

Thanks for that great review! I do want to learn the how to's for a better finished quilt and this book sounds like it would give me the confidence to step out and begin...

Ariane said...

This sounds like a great book to have! I like the fact that he shares a lot of patterns to use. This is going on my list to buy. Thanks for the review!!!

WoolenSails said...

I need to practice my free motion. I need to coordinate my hand speed with my pedal speed. I added the actual date, it is this friday.

Debbie

Jocelyn said...

Wow that is a pretty high recommendation! This sounds like a good book to add to the library. I'm hoping to be able to take time to practice FMQ in this new year.

MJ said...

Looks great! Maybe I need to spend more time learning FMQ'ing.
Thanks for the good info.

Ivory Spring said...

Great review, Darlene.

Jessica said...

Thanks for the great review! I just started free motion quilting and I'm going to pre-order the book!

Teresa F. said...

Thanks for your review. The book looks great and my quilting sure needs some improvement. I think I'm going to order it.

Deb said...

Thanks for the review Darlene. I have never been disappointed by any of the books I have bought on your reviews so will definitely be getting this one too. Thanks,

Katy P. said...

Sounds like a great book and I need all the help I can get with my FMQ! Thanks for the recommendation!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting the book review. I need to put this on my "to buy" list. One can never have too many reference manuals.

sewfunquilts said...

Another great recommendation from you. thanks for the review.