Piecing Makeover - by Patty Murphy (Paperback)

About the Book

Perfect your patchwork with a visual, step-by-step guide to 21 popular quilt blocks. Learn fail-proof techniques, say goodbye to patchwork problems, and avoid common mistakes in sashings, borders, and bindings.

Book Synopsis

Do your quilt blocks tend to misbehave?

Perfect your patchwork with a visual, step-by-step guide to 21 popular quilt blocks. Piecing expert Patty Murphy shows you how with fail-proof techniques that can be used in all types of quilt designs, from traditional to modern. Say goodbye to patchwork problems like mismatched seams, blunt points, and too-small blocks, and learn to avoid common mistakes in sashings, borders, and bindings. Though mistakes happen to all of us, these easy techniques will help beginning and intermediate quilters achieve quiltmaking success every time.

- Learn to flawlessly construct 21 popular blocks in both traditional and modern designs
- Step-by-step photos guide new and intermediate quilters
- Avoid common patchwork problems like mismatched seams with expert tips from a lifelong quilter

Review Quotes

Do you get frustrated when your points don't meet? When you can't get a sharp mitred corner on your binding or when the points of your triangles get cropped off in your seam? This book answers all those questions and more and it works through common problems quilters experience when piecing a range of basic blocks including the nine-patch, the Ohio Star, the Ocean Waves block and ever curved blocks such as Drunkard's Path. Packed with plenty of good advice and helpful tips, this book will help curb your frustration levels on your next project.-- "Quilter's Companion"

If you enjoy piecing, the information Patty shares in Piecing Makeover is a gold mine. She has distilled years' worth of piecing knowledge into one resource that solves nearly every issue you might run into while constructing a quilt block. She begins with great tips for fabric preparation and cutting, as well as constructions and pressing methods. She gives examples of numerous common errors that occur while piecing, then analyzes the potential causes and provides techniques for correcting them. I wish I had had a source like this when I first began quilting.-- "Machine Quilting Unlimited"

In her first book, longtime quilter Murphy shares her advice for quilters interested in improving their piecing skills. The first chapter covers tools and foundational techniques and includes tips for everything from cutting fabric on grain to setting seams to using bar soap as a marking tool. The second section examines common issues with patchwork components (e.g., half-square triangles) and quilt blocks (e.g., Ohio star). A final segment focuses on finishing, including techniques for working with imperfect quilt blocks. Murphy's descriptions are thorough and her tone is helpful and encouraging. VERDICT Experienced quilters may find here solutions to some of their trickiest piecing issues, and beginners who have yet to develop not-so-great piecing habits can get off to a good start by following the advice in this excellent book.-- "Library Journal"

Most quilters are looking for ways to improve their piecing, and this book offers suggestions, shortcuts and innovative options for gaining more skills in this area. With this repertoire of methods, you can see which works best for you. It is always worth trying something new in case it is quicker, easier or more fun to do--after all quilting is meant to be a pleasant hobby, not a chore! Patty Murphy looks at how to cut accurately, press properly, and construct common blocks. She then works through specific blocks such as Dutchman's Puzzle, Ocean Waves and Bears Paw. In each case Patty identifies the potential problems that can occur when making these blocks and presents solutions to correct them. Once you are at the assembly stage, turn to the last section of the book, which looks at how all the components go together, and how to maintain accuracy even at this final stage. Clear photos help guide you every step of the way and show you what the finished article should look like.-- "Down Under Quilts"

Piecing Makeover tackles problems every quilter faces, including wonky strip sets, seam bulk, and pieces that don't quite fit together. The book's easy-to-follow solutions will help you fix any quilting hangup without frustration.-- "American Patchwork & Quilting"

The reason I love this book is right on its cover: 'Simple Tricks to Fine-Tune Your Patchwork--A Guide to Diagnosing & Solving Common Problems.' While most of us think we have piecing down, there's likely room for improvement. The problem is, it's easy to get information on basic piecing, but when it comes to fine-tuning and improving your piecing skills, it's much hard to get the knowhow. This book is the ultimate guide to making your piecing the best it can be. A detailed resource, it begins with the tools you need, to the basics of cutting and sewing, and the importance of pressing. Even if you're an experienced quilter, you'll learn new things from Patty's tips. It then moves into basic, classic and modern blocks, showing you how to piece them correctly and troubleshooting common problems. It's a great reference point if you're working on a specific block, or you could make the blocks featured as a sampler, using Patty's tips to perfect your piecing. Finally, there's a section on completing the quilt top that covers squaring up imperfect blocks, setting options, borders and bindings. This book is a worthwhile addition to any quilter's bookshelf, regardless of your skill level.-- "Make Modern"

Traditional and modern designs for blocks with flawless construction. Step-by-step photos help beginners and intermediate quilters achieve perfection in quilt blocks. No more mis-matched seams. These professional tricks will fine-tune your patchwork and keep your lines in line. It's true sadly, that as a beginner quilter, I had mis-matched seams and would get frustrated that my blocks did not match up. It happens. This book will solve your problems and boost your confidence. The contents are: Tools, Cutting and Sewing, Pressing, Building Blocks, Classic and Modern Favourites, Putting It All Together. From cutting perfect strips, to tips I wish I'd known when I started quilting. This book is a perfect primer to make your patchwork perfect.-- "yarnsandfabrics.co.uk"

About the Author

Patty Murphy has been sewing since age six and loves to share her craft with anyone who will listen. Her work has been featured online and in several books and magazines. Patty teaches regularly at Intown Quilters in Decatur, Georgia. pattymurphyhandmade.com