Learn as you go and enjoy quilting success from day one, guided by beautiful illustrations and step-by-step instructions in traditional and modern quilting skills. This title contains 12 projects to lead readers from the state of enthusiatic beginner to accomplished quilter.
Probably 3 1/2 stars. There is a lot of information in this book, not just the basics. Near the beginning, the book states that the material and equipment required for quilting are easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive. But what follows is a really extensive shopping list that looks very pricey to me. I feel that the most important items for a beginner to have when getting started get lost in the crowd and that beginners may be frightened by the amount. I'm not sure that sets of templates, applique supplies, embroidery floss or metallic threads, for example, are basic supplies. The space might have been better used for a longer definition of "Quilting thread." And each of the basic supplies are not given equal time. Measuring is important but rulers are explained very briefly and the illustration is pushed off the corner of the page. Various straight pins are given half a page and safety pins aren't even mentioned.
The photos illustrating quilting techniques are excellent, large and clear.
From page 27 on, the book covers step-by-step projects demonstrating quilting techniques and how they are used to complete each project. All of the projects look more difficult to me than any of the projects in Quilting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Quilting and end with things that I don't consider to be "basic" like bead work, sequins, couching and broderie perse. On the plus side, the projects can be useful and interesting even when the reader is no longer a beginner.
The book is indexed. The there is a short glossary at the end of the book with very short definitions. The book I have does not lay flat when open unless I put a brick on it.
Just my pet peeve: I would like the quilting project examples in the photos to be the best examples possible. I want the points to meet.
If you want to learn to quilt, this book is a great start. Filled with the tools needed, techniques, making templates, using a rotary cutter, types of stitching, and working with color, this book has step by step instructions and photos on the QUILTING BASICS.