Several years ago I became a fan of Wendy Sheppard, after getting addicted to her delightful blog (Ivory Spring), where she shares tips, tutorials, inspiration and links to downloadable free patterns that she has written for various companies, such as major fabric manufacturers whom she also promotes awareness of beautiful new fabric releases.
Wendy is a very talented quilter, designer, teacher and author. SewCalGal also considers Wendy an "Expert" Free-Motion Quilter and excellent FMQ Teacher too! She is also a wonderful woman with a variety of interests, one of which is antiques and visiting museums which she has periodically shared insights on her blog. And, as I got to know her more I remember thinking "This woman would be a wonderful Director of a Museum" as she is creative, but also she always pushes herself to learn more. Over time, I have come to the conclusion Wendy will be successful at what ever she wants to do and as such, any company that has the opportunity to work with her will be better off with the experience.
Needless to say, I was delighted when I learned "Recreating Antique Quilts" was published and when she was able to attend Fall Quilt Market to promote this book. And, I'm absolutely delighted to be able to share insights with you today on this book:
PRESS RELEASE from Landauer Publishing:
Recreating Antique Quilts - Re-envisioning, Modifying & Simplifying Museum Quilts
, by Wendy Sheppard
Five antique quilts from four museums are adapted for today's quilter by author Wendy Sheppard. The historical quilts inspired 10 projects for quilters of all skill levels. Using today's fabrics and techniques these antique quilts come to life with new beauty and warmth to use and live with throughout your home. The Projects include quilts in a variety of sizes, table runner, table topper and pillow. Includes piecing and appliqué techniques, quilting notes and inspiration, and simplified construction. Clear, concise instructions and how-two throughout. Beautifully photographed.
Wendy Sheppard, originally from Southeast Asia, began her career as a chemical engineer. In 2005, with encouragement from a friend and no prior sewing experience, she made her first quilt. Needless to say, that dive into quilting changed her career path. Wendy's original designs are regularly featured in numerous publications, including The Quilter, Quilt Trends, American Patchwork & Quilting, Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting, McCalls, Australian Quilters Company, UK's Popular Patchwork and many others.
She also designs patterns for Benartex, RJR Fabrics, Quilting Treasures, and Island Batik. In addition to her design work, Wendy shares her free-hand and machine quilting designs and tips on her website (www.ivoryspring.wordpress.com) and blog (Thread Talk from My Sewing Machine). Currently she resides in northern Virginia with her family.
Recreating Antique Quilts (978-1-935726-63-0) contains 96 pages, comes in a softcover binding, retails for $24.95 US, and is available through your favorite distributor, bookseller or quilt shop, or direct from Landauer Publishing: 800-557-2144 or www.landauerpub.com. Publication date: October, 2014
There is also a great blog post on Landauer's blog Quilt Books And Beyond that shares more insights on Wendy and this book.
MY REVIEW:
Recreating Antique Quilts is packed with inspirational designs that all come with well written instructions that are easy to follow and also include great visuals, making this book perfect for quilters of all levels. Some of the projects use machine applique where applique templates are provided and there are also templates for some of the pieced quilts. Tips are also shared for precision piecing, along with suggestions and designs for free-motion quilting.
Projects include a lovely pillow, beautiful table topper/runners, stunning wallhangings, and quilts in a variety of sizes (e.g. 57- 1/2" x 61-1/2" to 56" x 68").
From a historical perspective, Wendy also shares a picture of an antique quilt, along with insights about that quilt, which gave her inspiration for each project she included in this book.
Ultimately, I'm confident this is going to be a Best Selling Quilting Book and there will be many quilters that make refreshing heirloom quilts using designs that Wendy has included in this wonderful new book.
Lastly, SewCalGal wants to share a sneak peak into the 2015 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge. One of the monthly challenges will have an option, for those that own this book, to make the beautiful "Ginkgos on Prince Street Pillow" and enter it in the monthly Free-Motion Quilting Challenges next year. More details will be shared on this blog soon.
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You should be able to find this book in your favorite quilt shop. Of course, if you don't SewCalGal recommends that you let them know you'd like to see them carry it, as they may not be aware of this book. Of course, you can also find it on Amazon, or order a copy from Landauer Publishing online. Although, I'd recommend that you order a "signed" copy directly from Wendy.
You can find Wendy at:
http://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/
Annie's - Online Free-Motion Quilting Class with Wendy Sheppard
You can find Landauer Publishing at:
http://www.landauerpub.com/
http://quiltbooksandbeyond.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LandauerPublishing
http://www.pinterest.com/landauerpub/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LandauerPublishing
