Enough traditional quilt patterns exist to keep quilters happily busy for a lifetime. But if you want to try some new and unusual quilting techniques, plenty of them exist in widely varying styles.
Quilters have a strong presence on the Internet, and many of them generously offer their original quilting patterns, often for free. If you'd like to explore new and creative quilting techniques, checking online is a good first step. An added advantage to checking the Internet is that many skilled quilters exhibit photos of their creations on their websites; you may find these photos jump-starting your own creativity. If you want to go beyond online sites for comprehensive instructions in particular techniques, you may want to check out some of the following books.
If you're attracted to the elegance and simplicity of Japanese design, Quilting with Japanese Fabrics, by Kitty Pippen (Martingale and Company, 2000) will impress you. The book contains eight quilt designs developed specifically for the large patterns common in Japanese cloth. The book gives the reader an overview of the basic categories of Japanese textiles and provides detailed instructions for projects for both the beginning and advanced quilter.
Ricky Tims' Convergence Quilts, by Ricky Tims (C&T Publishing, 2003) uses a simple, but unconventional strip piecing technique to create quilts with an amazingly complex, modernistic pattern. Colorful strips are sewn together, then re-cut and recombined for a variety of dynamic designs, each with a unique look. Author Tims also offers DVDs demonstrating his quilting techniques.
Another dynamic technique is presented in Quilting Curves: An Innovative Technique for Machine-Piecing Curves with Incredible Ease, by Vikki Pignatelli (McGraw-Hill, 2001). The author makes combining curved quilt pieces, usually a harrowing experience, much easier. Not content to add a few curved pieces to her quilts, Pignatelli allows the curved lines of her art quilts to dominate her creations. Nine different quilt projects are presented in this book, which is aimed at more experienced quilters.
A book by Marge Edie, Bargello Quilts (That Patchwork Place, 1994) does a skillful job of explaining bargello, a quilting technique that uses strips of fabric, sewn together horizontally and then cut vertically and rearranged to create geometric designs in often flowing patterns. Easier than it looks but still demanding of attention and patience, this technique results in dynamic quilts. Eight projects cover a range of skill levels for a wide variety of patterns. Lots of photos and diagrams help the novice through this challenging technique. A later book by the same author, A New Slant on Bargello Quilts (Martingale, 1998), expands on the technique.
Of course, there are thousands of books available on more traditional quilting techniques, including books on quilts made from "fat quarters" and a number of specialized materials, books which teach you how to perfect conventional techniques of piecing, quilting, and backing your projects, and even volumes on designing your own quilt patterns. Whether you're a complete beginner or a skilled quilter looking for artistic inspiration, there's a wealth of information available.
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.