Liberated Quiltmaking

by Gwen Marston

Quilter and lecturer Gwen Marston introduces quilters to distinctive processes for creating original quilts. Without using templates or set patterns, Gwen guides the quiltmaker through each process, showing a way to work rather than actually dictating the destination. Over 100 beautiful and colorful quilts plus 150 illustrations are pictured in the book and the step-by-step instructions will serve as guides to help the quilter realize her own creative abilities. The adventure of Liberated Quiltmaking processes keeps the quilter engaged throughout the entire operation. These processes require using both intuition and emotion as well as technical skill. Discover true freedom to create your own quilt that is beautifully unique.

Genres: Quilting, Crafts, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this has been the #1 book recommended to me by the whole wide world regarding improvisational quilting, I'm having a really hard time getting inspired by this book. Mostly it seems like a new slant on the same old traditional quilt blocks - log cabin, houses, triangles, stars, stuff that I've seen time and time again. I do appreciate that this is a step away from the strict exactness of the traditional quilt blocks and patterns that I have seen, but to me it seems less like improvisational, which I think speaks to piecing without any preconceived notion of a block or pattern, and more like a relaxed approach to traditional quilting. I know that many, many, many of my modern quilting comrades believe strongly in this book, but I find that I just can't get into it.

[Kristin Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my quilting bible. I love this book so much, I'd never give it away. There are so many ideas and great examples of liberated piecing. This book launched a movement!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen Marston's technique she calls "liberated quilting" is just that---liberating. Just sew odd pieces of fabric together and see what you get. Since reading this book, I've made three minature quilts I plan to frame. No patterns or measureing necessary! This book is currently out of print. It normally sells for about $25.00. Now that it's only available through new and used book dealers, the starting price is about $100! Tells you what a good book it is.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually own this book and it is my favorite quilting book. It is a process book that describes ways of making traditional pieced units in a very free and "less math" way. This appeals to me very much. I like the 'quirky' and 'funky' look it produces. The results resemble the style of kid's drawings. Very fun.
The book was out of print, but I hear rumors that it is being printed again because of renewed interest. Good news for a new generation of peicers!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standout in its field, is this book on quilting. I tend to prefer the less 'studied' quilting methods, and I am an absolute sucker for color. This book has more ideas per page than most have between two covers. To learn to manage color, one could do much worse than merely study what Marston has done here--while she talks about form, the color competes for attention.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to rebel against the insane obsessive compulsiveness that most quilters think is required of them, with every point matching and every seam at exactly 1/4 inch, this is the book for you. It will lighten up your quilting in a heartbeat. Highly recommended!

[Carol-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! Prior to reading it, I did not feel I could achieve the high standards of accuracy needed to complete a quilt - this book gave me the confidence to 'have a go'. I did and I succeeded. This book (and other books by the same author) make quilting fun - not scary!

[Carolyn Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was in line with my patchwork no pattern style of quilting. (Perfection in quilts is never warm or appealing to me). Found a couple of good tips on fabric selection and piecing process. Nice to skim just before starting a new baby quilt~ motivation for a happy weekend of sewing.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool quilting book - definitely has a following, and is a good book to make a new quilter feel a bit more free to try things out.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not easy for me to "liberate" my quilts...I believe in straight edges and regular patterns! I may try a crazy house block.

[Denise Searles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I approach quilting - wonderful pictures to inspire, instructions (if you want them), and encouragement to create your own work.