The Careless Quilter: Decide-as-you-sew, Design-as-you-go Quiltmaking (Needlework and Quilting)

"Careless" in this context does not mean sloppy workmanship; it is an invitation to create unique quilts without being enslaved to technical perfection. With this "design-as-you-go" method, anyone can achieve an attractive quilt, and what may have begun as a mistake can ultimately result in a masterpiece, with unlimited pattern and color opportunities. The philosophy behind this concept is to begin with a patchwork medallion that evolves as you arrange and rearrange fabrics, making design decisions piece by piece as you come to them, instead of plotting it all out beforehand. Though short on color photos (the color section is a mere 16 pages), there are plenty of helpful diagrams and black-and-white photos, teaching all about tools and techniques, fabrics and color, building the medallions, and quilting and finishing methods. With this book and an open mind, beginners and seasoned quilters alike can transform a few scraps of fabric into successful experiments in innovative quiltmaking. --Amy Handy