String Quilts

Praise

LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW

Once promoted as an economical art form, string quilting, a scrap-centric patchwork technique, is now recognized as well for its sustainability, since it puts leftover swatches to good use. (A “string” here is a fabric scrap that is longer than it is wide and might be uneven in shape.) Quilting instructor Forster (Hand Quilting Techniques for Farmhouse Style), a bestselling author in the arena, encourages readers to use materials they already have and offers tips for minimizing future waste by saving scraps and using as little thread as possible. The book focuses on large quilts, with 10 unique patterns, but also offers five smaller projects, including a pincushion and a table runner. Forster makes it easy to learn various quilting techniques, especially those for finishing, so the book is great for first-time quilters, though they will need basic skills in hand or machine sewing.   
VERDICT: An essential title for readers interested in the sustainable crafting movement and quilting.


BOOKLIST (American Library Association)

Waste not: put all fabric scraps into a string quilt basket! So-called because they can be made with fabric remainders as thin as an apron string (or wider), string quilts are pieced together in a thoughtful and flexible way. A favorite old shirt at the end of its life, for instance, could either function as the back of a string quilt pillow or as the frame for different fabrics in a series of tiles. Forster (known on Instagram as @quiltingonthego) is very thorough, helping readers adopt fully the notion of sustainability by laying out the details and how-tos of cutting, piecing, sewing, appliqué, layering, quilting, and binding. And by the way, a sewing machine is not a prerequisite. Traditional quilters may be surprised by some of Forster ‘s tips—and elated by the outcomes of these 15 projects that start from old standard designs like log cabin, stars, and snowballs. This is a seductive invitation to old and new aficionados of the art to recycle and reuse innovatively. Includes templates. — Barbara Jacobs