Machine Embroidery Makes the Quilt – A Book Review

Machine Embroidery Makes the Quilt by Patty Albin. 2004 C&T Publishing, Soft cover, ISBN 1571202668, 80 pages, full color photo illustrations. CD-ROM included with 26 machine embroidery designs in the following formats: .art, .csd, .dst, .exp, .hus, .jef, .pcs, .pes, .sew, .vip, .xxx. The book has 6 projects that utilize these designs.

This is a very inspirational book on machine embroidery combine with quilting. The embroidery designs that come on the CD are shown being used in several different ways, which can lead you into thinking of even more creative possibilities. You will also learn ways to incorporate machine embroidery designs into traditional quilt blocks.

The first chapter shows lots of different ways to use machine embroidery in quilts. Embroidery is shown replacing bows, appliqué (or being used to make machine appliqué), replicating hand embroidery and crocheting, replacing parts of the quilt block, etc. The clear illustrations really show off how to include machine embroidery into your quilt.

The next two chapters discuss embroidery designs, what to look for when purchasing designs and how to digitize and customize your own designs. You will learn how to take parts from several designs and combine them into a design that is perfect for use in your quilt.

It is important to always sign and document your quilt for those who come after us and in the next chapter you will find several creative ways for making quilt labels that will coordinate with your quilt. After that comes a chapter on supplies for quilting such as appropriate stabilizers, threads and needles.

After those preliminaries, we come to the heart of the book: six different projects to make using your embroidery CD. Each of the projects makes a small wall hanging, but with a little creativity could be enlarged. Each project has complete supply lists, cutting list and assembly instructions. There are even thread orders shown in color in case you wish to change a color. You will find instructions for an Irish Chain quilt, a small crazy quilt, a bouquet of three-dimensional pansies, a redwork quilt, a double wedding ring and a miniature Baltimore album.

This is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend. I am looking to making several of the projects myself possibly as Mother’s Day gifts for two special ladies.