Streamlining in Quilting

I highly recommend setting up a binder where you staple on your sample of Irena's techniques. For example, using the diagrams on page 27, I sewed together the strips, cut rows as described, sewed them together in reversed pairs, and then finished my tiny 2 x 2 blocks. Now when I do Irena's shortcut suggestion, I have a sample page in my matching binder. My sample page is made up of strips uncut, strips cut into rows, strips sewn in pairs and then finally cut apart into the tiny 2 x 2 blocks.

Dr Swanson is an expert Quilter. Her method of Tube Piecing is astounding, once her technique is mastered, you will be able to make whatever block or quilt size you want.My review cannot adequately describe the experience with this book. I will try, I love Dr Swanson’s way of sewing quilt tops, but this method requires practice.Her basic principle of tube piecing involves sewing (40-42” length) strips &/or combo rectangles Together (include selvedge). Then form a ‘primary tube’ (horizontal orientation), cut secondary tubes (vertical from primary tube) then match sliced color wise. This part is similar to ‘trip around the world methods’The Brilliance & GENIUS of her method comes from constructing a tube as a parallelogram!! Then cutting the primary tube into secondary tubes & sewing them together to form HST, on point stars, on point triangles, on point diamonds, on point squares. Not only do they come out UNIFORMLY perfect, The construction is done with MINISCULE seams using miniscule fabric.The first part of the book is not tube piecing. She describes her method of strip piecing common popular quilt patterns. Her method produces intricate stunning patterns, tiny HST, on point diamonds, log cabin & variations. Once again minimum waste, minuscule amt of seams.A very important technique required for all her designs is her multi tape method. This is Key to sewing tubes together. It does not get the detailed attention it deserves. The principle is so important, it should have more explanation & detailed instruction with great pictures. This method is another GENIUS technique. Should be called IRENA method instead of multi tape method.It takes practice & a lot of re watching & re reading. She is on YT, Instagram, FB & has a blog.There is so much in this book!!! Each chapter packs so many principles & concepts to understand and decipher-lots of jumping around & new terminology unlike other quilt books. Although this is SOO much more than a quilt book (there are pics of quilts). it requires full attention & lots of practice.It is very challenging to ingest the terms & concepts just by reading.appendix A, a history of streamlining in quilting. It is a history primer and is a WHOLE other book aloneThis book is DENSE (scholarly & well researched, as only a mathematician professor can do). Do not expect a finished product, unless you are familiar with her techniques. NOT a quick beginner book.However, if you want points to meet precisely, produce complicated star patterns, OR make an 18” courthouse steps mini quilt using only 31.5” total fabric (yes!! That tiny) ONLY using 143 TOTAL seams to complete it, THIS book is the only book (I know of) that shows you how to do it.Recommend getting the companion Easy Geometric Quilts with Tube Piecing (I think the title needs to be ‘Irena’s Principles to Innovative & Stunning Quilts’