"Walters thinks machine quilting is more fun than cutting or piecing. She amply proves that quilting is “another layer of art” through careful instructions in the art of free-motion quilting. Her book is not rule filled: she insists throughout that she’s describing what works for her, and she encourages quilters to experiment to find what works for them. The book falls into three sections. “Getting Started” includes definitions and supply lists; “The Designs” presents 28 patterns of swirls and circles, squares, lines and vines, and arcs and points. The final section on working with designs of modern quilts considers designs of squares, zigzags, strips, and off-kilter (“wonky”) pieces. Instructions direct quilters step-by-step in text and graphic illustrations, backed by closeup photographs of the designs quilted by Walters. In the final section of tips (followed by a helpful glossary), Walters exhorts quilters to answer a question to reveal the most important thing about the quilt at hand: the fabric? the piecing? the image of a child hugging the coverlet? -- Publishers Weekly, (June)
Walters is the go-to machine quilter for many modern quilt designers, and her first book is an introduction to the basics of designing for machine quilting. To make it appealing to a variety of quilters, it isn’t specific to a type of machine—any of the designs in the book could be created using a standard sewing machine or a long-arm quilting machine. Walters organizes the content by geometric shape (swirls and circles, squares, etc.), allowing quilters to quickly reference the designs when needed. A useful section on choosing what to quilt based on the design of the quilt top is also included. VERDICT Machine quilting is very popular, and this book is suitable for quilters of all skill levels, regardless of the machine they use for quilting.
--Howard Katz, Library Journal; 06/21/12
I chose this book because I wanted to extend my free-motion quilting skills (as hand quilting and long arm quilting are not options for me), but it may just have revolutionized how I look at quilting my quilts. Angela says, ”But over and over, I see quilters piecing such beautiful quilt tops only to resort to an allover quilting design, unsure of how to quilt it or doubtful about their quilting ability.” These words really resonated with me. I hadn’t really contemplated using multiple quilting patterns in a single project, but Angela does with stunning results and it has changed how I look at quilting.
This book features step by steps for a number of quilting designs with very clear instructions and diagrams. There’s also an extensive introduction and general guide. It is specifically geared to modern quilters and includes a section on using the designs in modern quilts.
I have already drafted my first quilting design using ideas from this book and I know I will be referring to it often. This book is truly a must have for any modern quilter. --Jane Kelly; 7/24/2012
Angela Walters is the talented, well-known machine quilter from Quilting is My Therapy and the author of the new book Free-Motion Quilting with Angela Walters. Angela works with many modern quilters to make beautiful designs even more extraordinary. Angela's gorgeous free-motion quilting enhances modern quilts, taking each piece to a whole new level. She learned to quitl from her husband's Grandpa and never looked back, becoming one of the most sought-after machine quilters in the industry.
--sewmamasew.com; 09/18/12
The big, bold, graphic designs that are often used in modern quiltmaking aren’t necessarily enhanced by quilting designs created for more traditional block-based patchwork and applique. Modern quilts, with their irregular shapes and random placement, are enhanced by a different type of quilting pattern altogether. Professional longarm quilter Angela Walters will open your eyes to countless possibilities for working stitches on your quilt tops that will turn them into true works of art. This is not a step-by-step guide on how to free-motion quilt by machine – you’ll need other references to learn the basic skills. Rather, Angela shows you how to consider the type of quilting designs that will enhance your quilt top, how to draw them, and how to work them by machine, whether you are using a longarm, midarm or domestic sewing machine. A very stimulating and practical workbook that will enable you to lift your quilts from ordinary to extraordinary.
--Australian Homespun Magazine; September 2012
If you've ever admired a quilt with beautiful free-motion quilting, you'll surely marvel at the skill Angela Walters embeds in her modern quilts. Her most recent book demystifies her techniques and lays out her building blocks for modern machine quilting.
She presents her approach in three well-illustrated, easy-to-follow sections: Getting Started is essentially Walters's "what and why" materials guide. The real meat of the manual, The Designs, provides a progressive tutorial and step-by-step guide to learning each quilting stitch. And lastly, Using the Designs in Modern Quilts is a gallery of inspiring quilts that illustrates the techniques in the book and provides insight into her artistic and technical implementation.
--Christine French, International Quilt Festival Magazine - Quilt Scene, 10/24/12
Angela brings a fresh, modern take on free-motion quilting that will make the reader want to run to the sewing studio to try her addictive stitching ideas. The relatively large negative spaces that are frequently seen in modern quilts, often featuring fabric in solid colors, seem to cry out for interesting quilting designs to complement and complete the overall look. Angela's 28 step-by-step stitching designs, along with her tips for successful quilting, will help give machine quilters confidence in choosing the right designs, thread and batting for each modern quilt that comes under their needle.
--Machine Quilting Unlimited; Nov/Dec 2012
