Mixing Quilt Elements

Kathy Doughty began making quilts over 20 years ago after a move to Australia with her family. She opened a patchwork shop in 2003, and eventually developed the popular Material Obsession shop with her husband/site photographer, John. Kathy lives in Sydney with her family. http://materialobsession.typepad.com

Australian quilter Doughty, coauthor of the quilting classic Material Obsession, returns with a deeper investigation of her distinct scrappy style, this time with a focus on mixing English paper piecing and hand and machine appliqué with traditional patchwork. Doughty is best known for combining traditional elements with contemporary fabric settings, and this book brings a fresh point of view to fans, rings, Dresden plates, and log cabin blocks. The projects are divided into four sections: “Go Slowly!” focuses on English paper piecing; “Wedge Work” applies wedge rulers in both familiar and unexpected ways; “At the Machine” highlights machine appliqué and quilt-as-you-go techniques; and “Mixing Textures” considers wool and wool felt used in appliqué. Each project includes an overview of Doughty’s process for fabric selection—a plus for quilters who are curious about the factors that go into making that decision, or for quilters who have difficulty making the right selection—and the cutting and sewing instructions are easy to follow. Photography buffs will relish the gorgeous images of Doughty’s finished quilts in rustic outdoor settings. VERDICT Experienced quilters curious about handwork and appliqué will delight in this collection as well as the glimpse into Doughty’s design vision and execution.

• Table of Contents Prologue Introduction Sew Studio Projects Predominantly Hand Pieced New Star Love Birds Hope Hammock Baby Octagon The Challenge Wedges Wedge Log Cabin Ring Around Wild Child Machine Work Into the Woods Color Works Ballroom Dancing Adding Wool Felt Party Favors Magpie Cushions Resources About the Author