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The 'modern' or innovative part of Celtic Quilts: A New Look for Ancient Designs is the use of pressure-sensitive adhesive for basting instead of time-consuming sewing, the use of nylon monofilament tread for 'invisible machine appliqué, the use of decorative threads and machine quilting to add extra texture, and the use of ready-made, quarter-inch, fusible bias strips for stain-glass-style Celtic quilts. Traditionalists may throw their needles up in horror, but for anyone who's never had the time to make a 'traditional' Celtic quilt, these time-saving techniques will be most welcome. The designs are a combination of designs adapted from ancient sources, modern interpretations, and brand-new Celtic-style designs. All remain true to the characteristics of classic Celtic knotwork and interlace: all the lines are continuous, without a starting point or end and all the lines cross each other, but no more than two at any one point.
The first section, Basic Steps in Creating Celtic-Style Appliqué, should be read carefully before tackling any of the projects, which make up the rest of the book. It clearly sets out what you need to know. Don't be put off: there are only 24 pages of instruction, and you're sure to know some of it already, such as basting a quilt sandwich with safety pins and basic machine quilting. Patterns are provided for each of the 12 projects (which range from pillows and table runners to wall hangings) with instructions on how much they need to be enlarged by.
Repliqué Quilts is, as the subtitle says, about making appliqué designs based on photographs. The basic technique is to enlarge the photo to the size you want the final appliqué to be, sew the fabrics onto this using satin stitch, and trim away the excess fabric. Starting with the objects at the back of the photo, and working towards the front, you gradually build up a replica of your photo in fabric. The first chapter provides tips on photo selection, pattern making, and essential supplies; the second explains the actual process of 'repliqué'. Six projects take you through the technique step by step, starting with simple images (a pair of scissors and a house), working towards a church, wildflower scene, a fire engine, and a cat. The last chapter is a gallery of completed quilts, or rather fabric photos with fabric frames. Even if you don't like the author's finished quilts, the technique is a very useful one and worth investigating if you're wanting to make photorealistic quilts.
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