June 10
Australian artist Gloria Loughman has created a comprehensive and thorough guide for quilters just entering the arena of abstract art and design. Both theory and hands-on technique are discussed, and the opening chapters guide the reader thought the basic considerations of design, composition, and color schemes, as well as how to find inspiration in your everyday surroundings. Loughman also leads readers through the construction process step by step; however the author's technical advice goes beyond basic construction to include unusual applique shapes, mosaics, beading, fabric painting, and decorative stitching. A variety of binding and finishing techniques are presented at the end. Also included are four specific projects that enable readers to put their new skills to use (a pull-out pattern section includes the full-size patterns for the four projects). Beginning art quilters will no doubt be inspired by Loughman's simple but thorough instructions - as well as the impressive photo gallery of her students' work - while more advanced practitioners may find a new technique to incorporate into their own work.
* Quilting Arts *
Aug 10
Open Gloria's book and you could very well lose yourself in the to-die-for colors and designs of her Glori-ous creations.... But in case you decide you do want to make one of these babies, this award-winning Aussie art quilter gives you all the info you need to birth your own masterpiece. Working with applique, piecing, embellishments and more, she'll take you through some pretty darn complex designs and break each down into simpler parts.... Oh and there are four full-size patterns on the book's insert, making this worth the larger price tag. Should you buy this book? Pop for it. You'll learn about color, balance, shape and form without ever reading a word.
* Quilter's Home *
July 10
Gloria's introduction to the principles and elements of design and her demonstrations of ways in which representational pictures can be abstracted are a wonderful preface to her instructions on drawing out an abstracted design, preparing the fabric and constructing the final art quilt. Machine applique and quilting plays an important part in creating texture and visual interest in the quilt and several options are explored. Four projects using Gloria's techniques, complete with patterns, are included to get you started on your way.
* Machine Quilting Unlimited *
Sept 10
Those who have seen one of Gloria Loughman's award-winning masterpiece quilts and wondered how she did it should buy a copy of this book. It's a fabulously generous resource of guidance on an array of techniques that Gloria uses in her work to such great effect - a veritable workshop in print if you will. Lots of close-up photographs and line drawings illustrate the detailed explanations of her methods. A gallery of student work proves that anyone can make a Gloria Loughman-like quilt, and step-by-step instructions and full-size patterns are included for four small wallhangings so you can too. This book is a very generous gift of knowledge and skills from someone who is a genuine master quiltmaker: simply sensational.
* Australian Homespun *
Sept 10
Whether you are ready to take your applique to a new level or are just wondering how to start designing your own project, you must have this book. Gloria Loughman's book is not only filled with inspiring photos and eye candy, it is also a wonderful art lesson on all things quilty and applique. The back of the book says you will liberate your creative side with abstract art. Don't let that abstract word scare you. You will be able to apply what you learn from this book to all sorts of projects. Inside you will learn to connect quilts in segments that are easy to work with, embellish using applique, paint, beads and much more. Gloria tells you how to create your own designs from doodles, photographs and shapes. The color theory chapter is terrific and the decorative stitching section is sure to inspire. There are 4 projects to help you get started. The photographs and instructions are top notch and very easy to understand and follow. Gloria is also the author or Luminous Landscapes...
* Applique Society, The *