A Book Review - Judy Woodworth's The Art of Quilting

Judy Woodworth has a new book published, and releasing now.  I believe this is her third.  She has been so gracious as to send me a copy and I want to give my thoughts on this.

In a day and age where quilters are flocking to the classes of the new, more modern quilters (no names, but you know who they are), I want to remind you of another.  Judy has been in this business as long as some of these younger quilters have been around.  She's delightfully old-fashioned, down-to-earth, and generous in her knowledge.  I have taken at least 3 classes from her, and as somebody that has sat through lots of different classes, if you are a long arm quilter, Judy's are very informative. She makes quilters of every single ability feel welcome, and educated.  If I weren't busy trying to teach my own classes, I'd probably still be taking her's!

So she's got a new book out which I feel is a culmination of her years of quilting.  It is summarizes her "school of hard knocks", giving new quilters the benefit of some of the mistakes a seasoned quilter makes.  Her book is a mix of many things.  The beginning outlines many, many tips for quilters from battings, to backing fabrics, to you name it.  If you are a newby quilter, there are plenty of great tips in there for you.

The more seasoned quilter will greatly appreciate the many quilting photos and sketches in the book. Judy is known for her very organic-style of free-motion quilting, and there are many sketches like the next ones, with the actual quilting photos beside the sketch.  The book is colorful with photos of basic quilting motifs, as well as shots from her award-winning quilts.

My favorite section is at the end of the book.  This is definitely geared more for the experienced or intermediate quilter, but that is why I said that this book is really for all audiences.    Now, you all know I am a symmetry freak, but I think I like this because it is unique.  I have not seen another book with what are basically whole cloth motifs.  There are a dozen or more symmetrical designs, showing you what it would look like as a triangle sketch, and then projecting it 8 times to the full pattern. They are great!

 If you get a chance to get the book (it is published by AQS) you will agree that there is much inside!  Also, I heard that Judy will be teaching in October at MQX MidWest (as will I!!).  If you can attend the show, you can experience her classes and expertise first hand!