Quilt Lab-The Creative Side of Science : 12 Clever Projects

Mar 14 There are certainly crossovers in art and science when it comes to quilting, but in this title they are inherent in the very fabric of the designs. Billed as Geek Chic, the 12 science-inspired projects in this title are intended to ignite your intellect and imagination whilst bringing style and charisma to your home. The introductory section approaches quilting from a completely logical perspective as you would expect, starting with the geometry of quilting - the shapes used for piecing and the angles within these; shortcuts, tricks and tips to make your quilt-making efficient; tools required; design process; and finishing. That is not to say that this title is in any way dry or clinical - the creative modern designs resulting from this process are testament to that. Starting with smaller projects such as a pocket sketchbook, cushion and bag then working up through more labour-intensive projects using a combination of shapes, the results are spectacular. My particular favourites include the delightful Molecular, Scattered and Fractal quilts. * Popular Patchwork * Mar 14 An excellent book for any `geek girl', this book combines quilting with designs related to maths and science. It is not an instruction manual on how to design from scientific graphics or images but, instead, the designs are ready for you to quilt in a variety of forms. The book works on a number of levels. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in the design of science because their origins are apparent but also, the blocks created are bright and colourful and bold and this aspect has broad appeal. A variety of patterns are available to make a bag, a book cover and quilts of several sizes with full instructions given for each. It is split into four sections: Small Projects, Rectangles, Angles and Circles, and each has a preceding section covering the techniques used in general terms before moving onto specific projects. It's a good way of dividing up the book into projects with increasing complexity, especially with the more intricate designs such as Molecular (featured on the front cover of the book) and Scattered (above), which looks deceptively simple but involves a good deal of cutting and piecing. This book offers a fresh approach. The designs are eye-catching and modern and it is something that will appeal to a wide range of reader ability. Science has recently become a fashionable subject for discussion and what better way to start a conversation than with a giant wall quilt depicting the molecular structure of caffeine? Samantha Packer * Workshop On The Web *