Material Obsession Two: Shared Inspiration

by Kathy Doughty, Sarah Fielke

"Each of the pairs of quilts in this gorgeous new book by quilters Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke springs from a single idea or shared moment of inspiration. The results - like non-identical twins - are inextricably linked, yet intriguingly different. With practical step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive basics section and glorious photographs, this is a book to make your fingers tingle with sheer inspiration."

Genres: Quilting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Sewing, Reference, Female Authors

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Anna Hepworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, glossy odyssey through quilting that is ostensibly about how to make the quilts that the authors present, but really is about the journey from inspiration to artwork. Yes, the majority of the text is pattern/procedure, but the real heart of the book is the tiny paragraphs at the beginning of each section and pattern.

Apart from the obligatory 'how patchwork and quilting works' section, the book presents pairs of quilts made independently by Doughty and Fielke from combined inspirations. These inspirations include a collection of related fabrics, a vintage quilt pattern, and a specific block pattern.

As an enjoyment/exultation of quilting, it is a fabulous book, and I greatly enjoyed reading through it. As a source of inspiration and patterns, I think it has failed for me. I've bookmarked four pages, but three of them appear to be about specific techniques that I will probably use in different contexts. The final one is about the assembly of a small section of one of the quilts, and there is a distinct possibility that I will extract out just that section and experiment with it, and completely ignore the applique that goes with it. Although I'm planning on putting it on the crafting shelf with the rest of the patchwork books, I predict that it will be read as a comfort book for looking at the pretty pictures, and as motivation to get out there and find something I want to make when I run short of inspiration, and that I won't ever take one of the patterns and attempt to recreate it.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to compare 2 takes on the same original idea.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book full of stunning quilts.
I love the premise: two individuals start with the same inspiration then go off and work separately. Each of the paired inspiration quilts is very different, yet they started with the same idea, block, pattern or piece of fabric. The quilts are bright and have a fairly modern feel to them. Unfortunately I can't speak about the instructions as I have yet to make anything from this book. Let's face it; I may never do so, but I shall be enjoying leafing through or rereading about the inspirations behind these beautiful works of art.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Looking at the quilts gets me so excited! :) Have two projects on the go - Gypsy Kisses & Jazz Hands/Erica's Honesty. The template for Jazz Hands/ Erica's Honesty was not the right angle so I had to draft my own, which was too bad, since I had spent a lot of time cutting out templates etc.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me want to quilt right now!

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

have returned to quilting, lots of nice ideas, less deatil than a lot of books, dislike all the extra stuff

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many patterns in this book I would like to try. The instructions are easy to follow.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The delicious colors are an inspiration, though the construction is too fussy for me. I loved the Kaffe Fassett fabrics they each use. Eye candy.

[Susan Thornton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty quilts but too fussy for me.

[Ewa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good fabric ideas but unlikely to make any of the quilts.