Machine Quilting Made Easy!

You may be an experienced quilter and familiar with the the book "Machine Quilting Made Easy!", by Maurine Noble, published by Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place.  Or, maybe you you could be a new quilter, or an experienced quilter that hasn't embraced free-motion quilting on a home sewing machine.

In 1994, Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place, published a book by Maurine Noble titled "Machine Quilting Made Easy!".  There have been over 150,000 copies of this book sold to date and SewCalGal views this book is still a "must have" for any quilter interested in learning to do free-motion quilting.

"Machine Quilting Made Easy!" was actually my first book on machine quilting, but I will confess it is a book I enjoyed reading, but set aside. Yet, I'm confident that if I had completed any/all of the 16 exercises included in this book, when I originally purchased it, my machine quilting would be much better today. Thus, I've pulled this book out of my quilt library and am now going thru all of the exercises with vigor and enthusiasm.

For those that may not be familiar with this book, or may have forgotten having it in your library, I want to share a few insights.

First, Maurine Noble is a talented quilter, with many years of experience.  She has taught and is also the author of three best selling FMQ and applique' books. 

Machine Quilting Made Easy starts off providing basic information on threads, needles, various feet used for machine quilting, etc.  The 16 exercises covered in this book are perfect for quilters at all levels that want to learn to machine quilt, improve their machine quilting skills, as well as learn about embellishment.  She also shares insights on planning your quilt, where you'll gain insight on pattern ideas, marking your quilt, selecting batting, etc. 

The exercises are all well written, with step by step instructions and include excellent photos and diagrahms.

There is a spectacular photo of a beautiful quilt, "Cleared for Take-Off", by Caryl Bryer Fallert.  I probably looked at this photo in 1994 as an art quilt and was focused on traditional hand quilting my quilts, at the time.  But now, I look at that photo and realize I do have the ability to machine quilt such designs, I'm just not quite as good today as Caryl was in 1994.  Double darn, as this is another reason I should have been practicing more with this book since I purchased it.  On the other hand, it is never too late to start practicing free-motion quilting is it?

Along with the inspirational picture of "Cleared for Take-Off" is a gallery of many more beautiful quilts and clothing items all machie quilted.

To clarify, Machine Quilting Made Easy! is not for the experienced free-motion quilter, but it is a great resource for someone wanting to learn to machine quilt, or improve their FMQ skills.  If you have it in your library, I hope you'll pull it out and join me with some of the exercises in this book.  And, if you do not have it, I hope you'll get a chance to check it out at your local quilt shop and/or online at Martingale & Company.

This is definitely a "must have" and "must use" book for anyone interested in learning about machine quilting quilting.

http://www.martingale-pub.com/