Cover Image: Classic to Contemporary String Quilts

Classic to Contemporary String Quilts

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Member Reviews

As a beginning quilter, I thought this book might be too complicated for me, but I wanted to review it for fun. I was attracted by the idea of using smaller strips of cloth (i.e., good use for leftover fabric). It does involve foundation techniques that I've not yet tried. But, the instructions were so clear and well-illustrated that even I felt like I could make some of these projects. Typically a quilt pattern book might have one or two quilt projects that interest me, but nearly every project in this book was one I'd love to try. The quilts were made with beautiful fabrics that really caught the eye and gave me new ideas for combining other fabrics to make a similar effect. The book was inspiring, beautifully illustrated, and the instructions were very easy to follow. I'd highly recommend this book!

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It's unfortunate that Classic to Contemporary String Quilts by Mary M. Hogan won't be available until April because string quilts are very big right now in the quilt world! Ms. Hogan has taken string quilts to a new level in her book. Innovative and creative designs bring new life to the standard string pieced blocks and break the mold! I hope that those who have jumped on the 2019 string quilt bandwagon add this valuable resource to their shelf...They can't go wrong!

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It never ceases to amaze me of what can be achieved with small pieces of material. A no nonsense book, with very good introduction to the technique of string quilts. Very easy to follow with great photos; the various ways of complete a string block is explained; this is followed by a good number of variants to putting together components to make stunning quilts, and a lovely series of season wall hangings.
The book is well written, simply explained and easy to follow.
Use it to incorporate all your scraps or follow the patterns in the book, either way a great and quick way of making a quilt.

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I found this book interesting, it did some things with string quilting that I hadn't seen before.

It appears to be a very early draft, however. There were font mismatches, oddities, and editorial comments all over. Which is fine for review purposes, but I didn't test any patterns - given the chaotic nature of the text, I wasn't very confident that the directions, measurements, etc. would be correct.

Looking forward to the final version!

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String quilts are made from strips of fabric that are usually leftovers from other projects and would in other circumstances be thrown away. Quilters are frugal and attempt to use every bit of fabric when they can. Hogan has provided an easy to follow book with instructions, clear graphics and pictures, to create beautiful string quilts. I have seen some unusual quilts made from strings; however, Hogan's quilts are gorgeous! Hogan has taken traditional blocks and recreated them with a contemporary flair!
Hogan covers the essential tools, foundation and background blocks, and the basics. A perfect gift for a beginner quilter and for someone who has a huge collection of scraps.

Mary Hogan, a self-taught sewer, began her sewing career making clothes for dolls. Now retired from her day job, Mary devotes nearly all her time to quilting, designing and teaching.

I received an ecopy for a review.

#ClassicToContemporaryStringQuilts #stringquilts

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This book shows a great way to use some of your fabric leftovers. Strings are actually small strips of fabric of many different widths which can be sewn together in several different ways. If you don't have scraps, Mary Hogan gives yardages for each of the quilts. There are thirteen example quilts in the book - I especially like the cover Dresden quilt and the Carpenter Star, but they are all beautiful. I can't wait to begin. But what really makes the book an excellent tool, is the front sections which show the basics of the technique from cutting your scraps, using foundations, making half and quarter square triangles, and sewing the strips in different ways. You will definitely want to make a string quilt after reading this book.

I thank Netgalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for allowing me to read the book and write an honest review.

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This book wowed me! I’ve been wondering how to do the string quilting and here it is! Step by step instructions. I see myself making several projects from this book. Thank you NetGalley for the free download and thanks to the author and publisher!

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Disclaimer: An electronic version of this book was provided to me by NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.


If you enjoy the visual art of enjoying books about quilts, this one is a delight. With that said, I didn't see any project I wanted to replicate and there was nothing that just made me say, "WOW!"

I really can't comment on the instructions because I did not do any of the quilts, but the directions appear to be straightforward.

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Very interesting thing to do with your fabric scraps. While this is not a book for a beginner, the instructions are pretty straightforward and I think I could follow along. You must have some basic sewing knowledge in order to be able to achieve the patterns shown in this book.

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This is a great book which gives so many suggestions. Everyone's stash is different, as is how it is organised and the offcuts and leftovers stored. Quilters throw nothing away and with this book you can get lots of lovely ideas, not only for your scraps but also for larger pieces of fabric as the total yardage is given for each project.

I love the idea of turning everyday designs such as the Dresden Plate, on the front cover, into a string design and can't wait to give it a go.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who wants to use up all those scraps in an original and vibrant way

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iClassic to Contemporary String Quilts by Mary Hogan is a book chock full of ideas. In making traditional string quilts one envisions various size strips sewn to a foundation. Mary Hogan takes the quilter out of this mundane idea and takes making string quilts into another whole level. She has created various designs that are unique, colorful and ones that you will definitely want to try. The photographs are beautiful and her directions seem effortless. This is a great use for varying widths and sizes of strips giving either a controled or scrappy look. There is something here for everyone. Mary definitely sparks the quilter's creativity. Terrific and well done.

I would like to thank the publisher, Mary Hogan and NetGalley for and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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What a terrific book.
So many designs and ideas for how to put together String quilts.
A simple process, with the help of some direct directions that are given in this book.
The patterns are very workable and the instructions are very clear and concise.
I am looking forward to making one of many quilts with help from this very informative book.

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What a great way to use up those smaller scraps of fabric leftover from bigger projects! Instructions are clearly documented along with photos showing the steps to creating string blocks of various designs. Multiple projects are included that utilize these blocks. These projects include total yardage requirements for the scraps in case the sewist isn't using actual scraps. Beautiful quilts and a perfect way to finally clear out all those scraps!

Thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

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