These books are feast for the eyes! Full of bright and very energetic quilts, the two Material Obsession books are some great eye candy for the modern quilter.
Actually, I think these books would be fantastic transitions to modern quilting. There are a lot of elements and inspirations from typically traditional quilts. The adaptations, designs, and fabric choices make them decidedly modern. They are bright, they utilize an array of popular, designer fabric, and many of them are updates on traditional inspirations.
Both of the books are essentially books of patterns, with a brief discussion on basic techniques. No extra text in there, but loads of pictures. To me, they are books I would pick up for some new ideas. I'm not one to go out and make THAT quilt specifically, but there is definitely a lot to inspire from construction techniques, colour choices, or block design.
If you did want to make THAT quilt from either of the books, know that these aren't beginner quilts. Some of the patterns are easier, but a neophyte would probably have a hard time getting through most of them. Confident beginner willing to try? Go for it.
The book runs the gamut of techniques as well. I really liked the applique quilts and was drawn to all the angles in some others. They advocate a number of speciality rulers. If I were to make one of these quilts I would hesitate before buying some of the rulers and probably want to paper piece instead. That's probably just me, though, as I don't like a lot of one-use items around.
The photos are stunning and literally peppered on every page. Tonnes of detailed shots and a plethora of quilts draped here and there kind of shots. I did not like that you didn't get a full on quilt shot until the end of the pattern in Material Obsession. Material Obsession 2 does have small images on the first page of the pattern, but then they would face that page with a draped quilt shot. I'm not a fan of the draped quilt shot, personally.
The books' authors, Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke, were owners of the drool worthy store Material Obsessions in Australia. Kathy still runs the store, but Sarah is on her own now as a designer and the creative director at Sewn.
You know me, I'm not a pattern follower. I will, however, be returning to these books every now and then for a little inspiration. So many details to take in.
12 comments:
I'm really hoping someone got me MO2 for Christmas, because the original is drool-worthy eye candy! Definitely inspiring, I love their use of color!
I really like the mix of traditional and modern in Material Obsession, and I keep meaning to take a look at MO2 and see if I feel the same. Fab inspiration for colourful ideas.
My cousin gave me these two books recently. After reading your review and impressions, I have a much better appreciation for these books. I don't follow patterns too well either, but I really liked looking at these books through your eyes.
Hi Cheryl, I have the first MO and have three quilts from it on my queue, one being the bird quilt. A second is the is one with dolls and houses. I am both excited and nervous about doing that one because it's more like a recipe than a pattern. You gave good insight about these books. I look forward to seeing the second MO.
thanks for the review! I've passed on the compliments to the photographer who is my husband and so much more! I am surprised to hear you think the patterns aren't for beginners as most of the quilts in the first book we use in our beginner classes. Book two has lots more layers and in actual fact, I would hope many readers use the books as a leaping off point for quilt making as much as a pattern book as you suggest. I would also say that in most cases, when I buy a ruler I use it a lot. I only encourage people to buy them because they are so accurate and when you have them at hand they become more and more useful for deciphering antique quilt constructions. I can't bear to sell things that aren't multipurposed. If you are considering one you can always email me for a review of extended uses. Thanks again, it's always fun to find someone reading the book. best regards, kathy doughty
i liked the first book...haven't seen the second one. need to add it to my library list.
i'm enjoying your book review series.
I have been thinking about you all week as I try to figure out a basic yet funky quilt to make for a friends baby boy. If I could only channel your creative talent! I think the quilt will weigh far more on the basic side of things, unfortunately.
I have both books and there are definitely some quilts I'm adding to my list of things to do.
Wow, that list is getting long....
Your book review series is great!
Thanks again, it's always fun to find someone reading the book.good job.
I have both books and absolutely love them! Actually, I am currently working on my 3rd. quilt from the books. I have purchased a couple of the rulers from Marti Michell and, agree, with Kathy, that they are multipurpose rulers. But I am a sucker for a good ruler :) The Aussie quilters are so inspiring! You have a great blog!!!
And there is another one too! (Material Obsession Two -- not to be confused with Material Obsession 2). I just bought Material Obsession 2 becuase I loved the first one so much! You are truly right, they are eye candy with lots of inspiration. Have you figured out which pattern (or idea) you may attempt? I am going to do the Big Pineapple from the first book.
Nice review! I have to agree that draped-quilt shots don't do too much for me, especially if I don't also get a good-sized full shot of the quilt. They're just frustrating teases!
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