Clever Quilts: Making the Most of Panels, Borders, and Theme Prints

Review for "Clever Quilts Encore" by Susan Teegarden Dissmore,ISBN: 1564775100 or 978-1564775108 (same book, two numbering systems -- ah yes, I believe it's called "progress")So, I goofed... had all these fabric panels and in a moment of genius (NOT!) decided to get rid of them. After all, what on earth do I do with them besides look at, fold, unfold, et al, ad naseum? So I did.A few months later (like last week) Amazon recommends Clever Quilts Encore and I read the review... didn't really turn me one way or the other. Finally (told you I was a genius!) noted there was that Search Inside blurb/gizmo and gave it a look-see for myself.Rats. Rats. Rats!!! I should have kept all those pretty panels I had...Sure, the ideas are basic, but I needed to see them for myself.What I liked: At the start of the book the author tells *and* shows me what she's talking about... There are panels, and her illustrations show the border ones, rows, etc. There is no confusion on my part as to what sort she's talking about later in the book. I liked that.References to use of (what page to see results) are provided. Nice touch.Her basic how-to's are sufficient.What I didn't like: There is a decided lack of white space, and I'd have liked a blank page or two. Okay, what I do for my Keeper's (and this one definitely has that status) is, well, you know the quilting magazine advertisements they send around to entice us to subscribe to this new magazine or that one? And Keepsake Quilting catalogs too?Well, I'll cut out the pictures of quilts or patterns that interest me (either color, or fabric choices -- whatever) and glue them into the quilting books at appropriate places. Thus my Keepers become idea repositories and can be perused to get the creativity flowing. I wouldn't do that for a book I intended to sell, but for those I keep? They are mine, mine, mine and I'll do as I please. Obviously I'm not saving for posterity, nor creating a "valuable" addition to the library, but quilters some day (maybe even the Kidlet) will see what interested me way back when.....So, end random meandering, and back to "Clever Quilts Encore" -- specifically the pattern titled Versailles.Versailles (using the border prints) -- well, I saw a Baltimore Album quilt that could be adapted using the panels as borders, and as a featured single block in the center. So, scissors in hand, I cut out and glued the picture in with the Versailles section. Later, I can definitely see myself using a border print, pillow center, and a bit of imagination to make something *similar*In reflecting, I believe it might be that some of the negative reviews I've heard might be taking the how-to's literally -- looking to duplicate what the book offers. Rather differently (okay, I'm a hand quilter in an age of electronic, computerized machines that scare the stuffing out of me, but alas, not the fat, er fluff!) -- this book in my mind/for me/ will be a guide to options and leaves alive my creativity.Thank you. I'm impressed, and hope you'll take a peek (using Amazon's "Search Inside" feature) take a look for yourself. It's beautifully laid out, the book is well constructed -- I'm a bit rough what with folding flat and such. still, for me this one was well worth the price (granted, I bought used) and my regrets are:#1) That I sold my panels I had because after all, what do I actually do with them?!?#2) That I didn't know about/buy this book prior to that moment of brilliance when I sold said panels#3) That I simply didn't realize the potential in those fabric/pillow panels.What I loved:#1) The ideas provided I can adapt for my style (casual/scrappy) of stitching#2) That the precision, each fabric matches choices shown work too. Truth to tell, I rather like them, and that's not quite a first, but it's definitely not the norm#3) The illustrations are good, and imagination sparkled along with the fabric choices. I can do this -- and you can too.So, buy the book. It's worth the money.Bonus: Once you own the book, you know you'll need more of those panels. It'll be fun, and we get to SHOP!S-pendH-oursO-utP-erusing fabric choices.Sure, quilters have a rough life... (grin)Enjoy!

Easy to follow directions

As described, prompt service

This book seems to be detailed about the projects, however, I was looking for more project ideas and pictures of projects and not so much details.

This is such a great book for getting ideas to use panels. It has multiple layouts to make the most of those panels in your stash that you loved but don't know what to do with. Easy to follow and accurate instructions.

Allows me to apply the ideas found on this book to the panels and theme prints in my stash. With the math panel quilt book I am planning five more quilt using fabrics I have.

I have made many quilts using panels over the years, and I'm going to be teaching a quilting class on quilting with panels, so I'm looking for new ideas and fresh inspiration. This book provided neither. Her designs are cluttered and messy. Her fabric choices are not particularly aesthetic. She starts the book off with pages and pages of "how-to" information--most of it not necessary for experienced quilters, and daunting for beginning quilters who would rather see the fun stuff first and then dig into the nuts and bolts.I recommend Barbara Becker's Panel Play book, or Carolyn S. Vagts' Learn to Quilt with Panels. While those books have their drawbacks both of them do offer new ideas and fresh inspiration.P.S. I am posting this same review for Dissmore's other panel book.

Love ..this book. I know it will help me with my panel projects.

I actually found this book, accidentally, at the local library! Am also new to Amazon, so initially went hunting for it. Was so excited that I was able to find a copy. One of the best user friendly books I have & will NEVER part with it. Thank You for putting the extras into your publication, really appreciated.

In diesem Buch befinden sich einfache und kreative Ideen, die sich leicht umsetzen lassen. Auch wenn man nicht sehr gut Englisch kann, es ist gut bebildert. Nettes Patchworkbuch!