Classic to Contemporary String Quilts: Techniques, Inspirations, and 16 Projects for Strip Quilting

As quilting designer and teacher Hogan explains in this delightful crafting guide’s introduction, after finishing her first book, String Quilt Style, she asked herself, “What else can I do with strings?” Her question produced a compilation of 16 “fresh, contemporary” projects, some with “no equivalent, traditional design.” Hogan carefully goes over string quilting, in which quilters can relax their normal “rules of perfection” and trade the classic solid block of traditional quilting for one pieced from “strings” of fabric left over from other quilts. As a result, there is “so much more to look at.” Hogan describes essential tools (a sewing machine, rotary cutter, and cutting mat), preparing and cutting strings of varied widths, picking foundations of fabric or paper (the pictures of paper backing she provides are especially helpful), and setting and trimming triangles and squares. Then come the striking string quilts Hogan designed, each photographed in a picturesque outdoor setting. Perhaps most notably, her “Night Flight” quilt, depicting a goose formation, exploits strong contrasts between light-colored blocks representing the flying birds and a dark background representing the night sky. Hogan’s enthusiastic, well-explained primer will leave experienced quilters feeling inspired to start their own string-based projects. (Apr.)