Happy Wednesday! Today I’m happy to be sharing a book review as part of the Free-Motion Quilting Idea Book: 155 Mix & Match Designs Bring 30 Fabulous Blocks to Life Plus Plans for Sashing, Borders, Motifs & Allover Designs
blog tour for my friend Amanda Murphy. Amanda and I met through our blogs and through quilt markets, and she is just one of those genuine, down-to-earth people with incredible creativity. I was excited to review her book because doing my own machine quilting is something I would love to get better at!
The book is user friendly, and as a bonus, all of the designs can be used when quilting with a regular domestic machine. Amanda’s book is divided into several sections that make it easy to follow along: there are several different designs shown, and then Amanda follows up by showing exactly how the design works in a variety of different classic quilt blocks.
So, you can search by the type of design you’d like to make as well as by the type of quilt block you are working with. Amanda even tells you which designs coordinate well with each particular design style. Design elements are presented in step-by-step format, so it’s easy to see which section to quilt first, second and so on.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the design gallery which features photos of the quilting elements in actual projects and quilts. These pillows are gorgeous!
There are also larger quilts in the gallery as well as a sample project you can make to use to practice the various quilting designs.
There are also sections of the book dedicated to quilting sashing and borders…another area in which I am always looking for ideas and inspiration when I quilt small projects.
C&T Publishing is giving away a copy of Amanda’s book to one of my readers. US readers will receive a physical copy, and if the winner is an international reader, an e-book will be sent. So just leave a comment here to be entered in the giveaway, and I’ll choose a winner on November 12th.
To visit the other stops on the blog tour see the links below.
Good luck…and thanks so much for stopping by!
kt says
Looks like a book I need–I've got a lot to learn about free motion quilting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Granny's Button Box says
I am trying to learn how to free motion quilt on my vintage Singers, The Featherweight is slow and steady but can't quilt for long in case the motor gets hot. It's also a teeny machine so limited on size of project. The Singer 201 is bigger, faster and has a knee control so more of a challenge! A good book would be a godsend, I need all the help I can get. Thank you for the chance of a giveaway. Sharon x
Laura says
This book looks very inspiring!
Laura says
This book looks very inspiring!
Anita says
This book is a must-have for any quilter; thanks for the chance to win!
KaliaContiki says
That is exactly what I need! I usually end up going with a stipple or simple wavy lines because I just can't come up with anything else. This would be perfect!
Ruby Rose says
This book would really help as I try and learn this new skill on my home machine. I love how a quilt looks with all the special stitches and want to learn how to do that.
Josie McRazie says
I'm always trying to get better! One can never stop learning! Beautiful book! Thank you for sharing.
Kim Ziemer says
Would love to own this book, not giving up till I can freemotion quilt on my own! Thanks for a chance!
Kim Ziemer says
Would love to own this book, not giving up till I can freemotion quilt on my own! Thanks for a chance!
Lynne Stucke says
Ahhh! Thanks for the review. This book sounds like just the thing I need to add to my library! Thank you for a chance to win it.
Lisa Marie says
I'm working on expanding my FMQ options and skills — this book looks like it would give me lots of ideas!
MaryAnn Guappone says
Wow, the book looks like it would be a fabulous resource for those of us who are very uncertain where to begin.
Leslie at the Sugarhouse says
This book looks like a wonderful resource for the home machine quilter! Lots of ideas, options & new designs to change-up my basic quilting skills! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!
Patti Snyder says
I'd love to have a copy of Amanda's book. Thanks for the chance to win!
Elaine says
What a great learning tool, would love a copy, thanks.
Renea says
I so want to learn more than meandering and stippling quilting. Winning this book would be a good start to learning more quilting and get more ideas.
Cindy says
Looks like a great book! I'm always looking for the perfect design!
Renea says
I only do meandering and stippling designs when I quilt my quilts. This book would really help me to learn new designs. Thanks for the giveaway.
PBee says
This book looks perfect! I have too many tops accumulating because I want to quilt them myself and just don't know what pattern would look best. After all the work of piecing, I don't want to mess up with amateurist quilting.I would love a copy of the book!
Mommy Me Time Scrapper says
This book looks great, would love to have one.
PeggyinNO says
Thanks for reviewing this book and for the chance to win one. I am trying so hard to step away from "meandering" all my quilts!
Mary Jane Link says
This looks like a wonderful reference book, I have been anxious to do more quilting on my home machine and I can certainly use all the help I can get.
Kelly O. says
This book looks like just the thing to aid me in my FMQ journey!
Cortney says
I would love to improve my quilting and learn how to decided what design would look the best Thanks Robyn
SewBusyQuilting says
I have been using digital designs on my long-arm machine, but really want to learn free motion to expand my skills. This book would really help me plan block designs. Thanks for the opportunity.
DebrafromMD says
This looks like it would give me lots of new ideas for free motion quilting.
AJ says
I love Amanda Murphy's books. I have her Modern Holidays book, and would love this one!
Rebecca Stevens says
Thank you for your review and a chance at winning this book. I have been looking for help in designs as I try to learn free motion on a domestic machine. I was wanting advice and it sounds like this book is just what I need.
sincerely yours says
I would absolutely love a copy of this book! Who doesn't want to improve their free motion skills? It's so easy to get in a rut and simply do the same designs over and over.
Donna Adams says
I've learned some FMQ on my own, but this book looks amazing and I know it would help me improve my skill set.
Deb G. in VA says
I'd love to learn more FMQ options, thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!
lalaluu says
It amazes me how the quilting can change the look of those pillows. I want to learn how to do that!
TJ Sikkink says
Thanks for the chance to win this awesome book. Just the cover intrigued me so much. If I don't win, I'll definitely be purchasing it.
Hildy says
I'll try be get better at my FMQ skills and need all the help I can get. And my WIP pile would sure love to lose some weight;-)
Linda says
HI,thanks for sharing a great giveaway!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
Afquilt says
Would love to win a copy of that book! Thanks for the chance!
Brenna says
I've just started free motion quilting, so I would LOVE a copy!
Terry says
Would love to improve my FMQ…thanks for the sweet giveaway!
cwayons(at)yahoo(dot)com
Jane Hill says
Yesterday I got my first free motion quilting foot. My machine doesn't have the ability to drop the feed dogs so I tape a piece of transparency over them. I need all the help I can get!!
Susan says
FMQing is my new greatest love!! This book would be great to help me in my quest!!
Rachel Brown says
the 12th is my birthday:)
so far i have only done straight line quilting and am in the middle of my first free-motion project. This looks like a great resource!
Miss Becky says
Sounds really good! Especially for someone just learning to free motion. (Like me!). B)
Trevea Herron says
LoOkInG fOrDwArD tO lEaRnInG fReE mOtIoN qUiLtInG.
Bill & Suzanne Brown says
This book is just what I'm looking for to finish my quilt.
Flower girl says
Oh this book looks to be just amazing. I will hope with all my heart to win one. But if I don't, then I will certainly have to buy it. I am pretty bad at free motion quilting and I desperately need to get better. My quilting group look to me to guide them (Ha!) I am afraid that they will overtake me soon.
Kaye M says
I would love to win Amanda's book. I have done some free motion quilting but I'm not really comfortable with it. The pillow examples are gorgeous and show so many creative ideas for quilting them! tkmattson@hotmail.com
Shelia says
I would love to win this book. Thanks.
Jo says
This looks like a must have book! Thanks for the chance of winning a copy!
Cecilia says
This is a book I need to add to my library. I love having new designs to try and use on my quilts. Thanks!
coolbeans says
Lovely book. This would really help me learn how to quilt my own quilts. Thanks!
Kim Johnson says
I love having different free motion ideas in my library!
Allison CB says
Love the pillows!
Sewgirl says
I will have to put this book on my wish list. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!
Shari & Jim Borger says
I need this to help the design portion of my budding FMQ skills :). Thanks for sharing!
Kay says
Looks like just the book I need to help me to be able to do FMQ.
Liz Horgan says
For me, the hardest part of the quilt is deciding what designs to FMQ. Looks like this book would help make that part easier for me!
Thanks!
Karen says
I'm like you — fmq is something I want to get better at! Thanks for featuring a review of this book.
Teresa Stanulis says
Free-motion quilting in borders is a challenge for me so I usually do straight line quilting. This looks like a great book for adding variety to my quilting!
tstanulis@verizon.net
Kathy E. says
This book would definitely get used in my sewing room! I've been practicing my FMQ techniques, but just need more direction and ideas. It would make for a wonderful resource to have on hand!
Nancy says
What a great looking book,I do all of my quilting on my domestic machine, but nothing as lovely as the pillows you pictured. I wanna play with it! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
carolann says
This book is just what I need as I'm trying to learn machine quilting! carolann427@aol.com
Shelor Robin says
I've practiced and practiced, but mostly on very simple projects. I think that I'm now ready to meet the challenge of more complicated fmq. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. It would really be a super help. robinsheloratearthlinkdotnet
Peggy Wilson says
NEED this. My hubby gifted me with a tiara 2. Never machine quilted in my life !!!!! ������������ I'm going to learn though.
Vicki H says
I would love to learn more than meandering I usually do.
Lori says
Thanks for a chance to win. Looks like a great book!
Donna S. says
Ooooo! I would love that book!
Jeanine says
I'm always looking for more quilting ideas, and the book looks like it would be a great resource!
Ann says
would love to win a book full of quilting ideas. Thank you
PK Sews says
I would love to learn more about free motion quilting! Thanks for the book review, for the chance to win, and for your blog!
Dawn says
This looks like a great book, thank you for the chance to win. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
KMSC says
I would love to become more proficient at machine quilting. Maybe Amanda's book will help! Thanks for the giveaway.
GranChris says
This looks like a wonderful book to read, study and practice. I would say I need this one.
Baa. xxx says
This looks like a great book – I can see why you like it!
KaHolly says
OH, YEAH! This book is for me! And goes right to the very top of my wish list (hear that, Santa?)
Rike Busch says
Sounds like a fantastic book.
Thanks for the chance!
Rike
Dianne says
This is the type of inspiration and guidance that I am looking for in free motion machine quilting! I have purchased a sit down quilting machine and this book appears as if it would give me countless ideas needed to expand my skills. Thanks for the review of this book! Dianne
Doreen Auger says
Awesome book idea!!! and format.
Anita Jackson says
Much Like you, I need inspiration to make my project beautiful. My quilting is very standard as I am a novice, but I am learning everyday. Thank you for sharing your insight on the new book!
Karen in Breezy Point says
Looks like a wonderful reference book!
Noreen says
A book that looks user friendly and one that I can really use!
Andrea York says
Haven't tried FMQ yet-this book would be a great help to start learning!
Judith says
I would love to win this book. It looks so inspiring. I need help with how to quilt my quilts. I just use my sewing machine, so it would be wonderful. Thanks for a chance to win.
Tiffany says
I struggle with ideas for sashing and borders too! This book is genius.
begoodbabe says
Thank you for the opportunity to win this practical and instructive book!
kcneiman (at) gmail (dot) com
Béa says
This book look great, thanks for the chance.
Kathryn says
Doing more of my own quilting is a goal for 2015 and 2016. This would be a great resource and inspiration.
Helen L says
it looks like a fantastic book! I need help with my quilting too, and I like that it has different sections that cover how to quilt different areas of a quilt! Thanks for hosting Sherri! Hugs, H
bunbear says
oh i really really need this book!
tammy k.
kathy slaughter cummings says
I need all the help I can get!
Thank you.
kcummings71@gmail.com
Cat Lady says
I can always use more inspiration when deciding how to quilt my quilts. Thanks for the review and the chance to win a copy.
Cheryl says
My favorite design to do is a Loop-d-Loop.
Kim says
Looks like a great book.
OhioLori says
Would looooove too win this AWESOME book!! Thanks for the chance! 🙂
I am learning..tho verrrry slooowly..to try FMQ! lol am such a chicken…tho have lots of Potholders now! giggle I need help for sure. :/
Wilhelmina Gottschalk says
I'm learning free motion quilting, and this book looks like an excellent tool!
Cathie Lanier says
I really love meandering. I think this is a great book and would love to win it. Thanks!
Lisa S. says
I could always use more help and ideas!
Deb says
I'd love to have Amanda live right next door to me and teach me how to free motion!!
HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n says
I can't wait to get a chance to check this book out! I love Amanda ' s work and style. Thanks for a chance to win!
Susan McG says
Boy, could I use this book! I am working on my free motion quilting skills but need all the help I can get. Thanks for the giveaway.
Charald Comeau says
I would love this book. I'm new to FMQ.
Celeste Delostrinos says
Thank you for a very inspiring book.
Crafty Coffin says
I love the way FMQ looks but learning it is totally intimidating – this book looks like it would be super helpful since I always struggle with picking out quilting designs. Thanks for the giveaway!
Darlene B says
I love the many options this book gives which would really make my quilts extra special! I need this book and all the inspiration it offers!
Julie McKay says
Thank you for a chance to win this book. julie.mckay@xtra.co.nz
Audrey Matlock says
Looks like a great book, something I really need! Thank you for the chance!
Sherrye says
Im in the process of learning FMQ….still on the meander!!!
Norma says
I need this book and would love to win a copy. When it comes time to quilt, I usually draw a blank on how to fill the space in a way that enhances my quilts.
Glenna Denman says
I thought I had all the quilting books I need but this one looks SOOO useful and practical, I want it and will buy it if I am not lucky enough to win it. A quilting I will go!!
Jen Barnard says
This book looks wonderful, I always have trouble working out which design to use in different blocks.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
Sue Nugent says
I am learning to free motion quilt and this book would be very helpful
Lynn W. says
Wow, what a great book and chance to win it! I really need to work on my FMQ skills. Thanks for the chance.
Beata Ewa says
I'm reading all the comments and I thing winning a copy is like to win in the lottery: one to 13 million or so… 😀 but I give myself a try.
Yes, I'd love to win a copy of that book. In Poland quilting is still something exotic, but I really want to learn more and more
Brenda says
This is the kid of book I like. To the point, and with lots of content jam packed into its pages. I'd love to win a copy, but that's unlikely so will just wish good luck to all of the other commenters.
Becki says
This looks like a great resource book. I hope I win!!! Thanks for the opportunity.
Karrie S says
This book looks so amazing! Thanks for the chance to win!
ksmith8@emich.edu
Lesley says
Looks like a great book to help me learn! Thanks for the chance!
Cathy Wilson says
As a newish quilter, this book is just what I need! Planning what to quilt where is the hardest part for me.
Diane says
Love the pillows – looks like a fun way to practice different designs. Can't wait to see the book in person. Thanks for the chance to win!
Karen says
I love free motion quilting and I am always looking for inspiration. Seeing the gorgeous photos in this book has me itching to get on my machine and quilt
!!
tac73 says
So many great ideas in this book! It would really help me get quilting.
Mom C says
I love the pictures and ideas I've seen from the book on this blog hop. I've got to get this book. Thanks.
chromatobalomata says
This book is just what I need!!!
Diana @ Red Delicious Life says
Wow, this is exactly what I need right now. I quilt all of my own projects but I'm really stuck in a rut and would like to branch out with some new motifs. Thanks for the giveaway.
Jennie Wallick says
I love this book, I'm trying to learn FMQ, what fun I'm having learning
stichnRN says
i love the idea of quilting samplers….. i really NEED this book
Donna Cutting says
I have so much to learn about free motion quilting and I really want to start in the next week or two. I don't want to be afraid and put it off anymore.
alicuz quilts says
I sure could use help on my FMQing. Thanks for the chance!
klikes99 says
I am inspired to quilt on bags now. Lol. Thank you
Melanie says
I would love this book as my FMQ skills are lacking 🙂