Member Reviews
A beautiful and detailed book from Anna Maria Parry but I would have expected nothing less. The author brings her trademark use of vivid and stunning colours to a book that provides instruction and inspiration in equal measures. I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves textiles.
Anna Maria Parry, the creative force behind the vibrant and innovative Anna Maria Horner brand, has just released a fantastic new book called "Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting." This isn’t your typical pattern book; it’s a treasure trove that dives deep into the artistic principles that shape her unique design style. In this book, you’ll get a sneak peek into Anna Maria’s quilt-making journey, discovering the conceptual “blueprints” that guide her gorgeous creations.
What sets "Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting" apart is its focus on the design elements that can elevate a quilt from ordinary to extraordinary. While it does include patterns and detailed instructions for 16 diverse quilting projects, the real magic comes from Anna Maria’s breakdown of her signature style into four essential core structures. This approach encourages quilters of all skill levels to unleash their creativity and find their own artistic voice.
I loved the photography in this book. It is amazing! Each page is filled with vibrant, high-resolution images that showcase Anna Maria’s quilts in all their intricate beauty. The way she uses color, pattern, and texture is simply stunning, turning this book into a visual feast that’s sure to inspire and delight anyone who flips through it.
The concept of a "blueprint" is a brilliant addition to the quilting world. By sharing the foundational elements behind her designs, Anna Maria makes the creative process accessible to everyone. Readers are invited to understand the mechanics of her work, which opens the door to endless possibilities for personal interpretation and unique variations in their own projects.
One of my favorite things about this book is its focus on experimentation. Anna Maria encourages quilters to play with color, fabric, and different techniques, inspiring everyone to break free from traditional limits and fully embrace their creativity. With personal anecdotes and insights sprinkled throughout the text, she promotes a mindset of exploration and artistic freedom.
It’s good to keep in mind that this book isn’t specifically designed for complete beginners. While some projects may be easier to tackle, it helps to have a basic understanding of quilting techniques and terminology. Having that foundation will definitely enhance your experience as you dive into the more complex ideas and designs.
"Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting" is an essential resource for quilters looking to boost their design skills and expand their creative horizons. It beautifully blends artistic inspiration with practical guidance, making it a wonderful addition to any quilting library. The insights and encouragement found within will surely inspire quilters to think outside the box, tackle new challenges, and create one-of-a-kind quilts that reflect their unique style. Whether you’re aiming to refine your techniques or simply enjoy the beauty of quilting, this book is a delightful treasure chest of information and inspiration!
ANNA MARIA'S BLUEPRINT QUILTING is the fourth book by Anna Maria Parry, an artist, seamstress and fabric designer. The quilts are absolutely stunning and she offers 16 projects ranging from beginner through confident beginner to intermediate and advanced. The text is organized so as to "Explore Color, Pattern, and Technique" and separate sections deal with these, covering topics like composition, material choice, and necessary tools. Anna Maria offers four "blueprints:" Grand Central (square), Triptych; Kiss on the Lips (an "X" style) and Color Study (using gradations). Each project (there are 4 for each blueprint) includes notes on color choice, fabric, and cutting as well as sewing and assembly. Both photographs and colorful diagrams of the quilts are included. This is a very comprehensive book, although the projects seem large (mostly full-size quilts) and complex for the most part. A true feast for the eyes (see images below). In its starred review, Publishers Weekly praised: "Parry's sophisticated artistic sensibilities [which] set this apart from standard quilting manuals."
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anna Maria Parry for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting coming out November 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I’ve been sewing for about five years now. I’m still a beginner in a lot of ways. I was excited to check out this book. There were definitely some new things I learned from this book. I think listing the materials, cutting and instructions are laid out clearly. I think her quilts look very intricate, but some of them still seem beginner friendly. Unfortunately some of the pages were blacked out and I wasn’t able to read them, but I read the rest of it. I loved the photos. Some of the color schemes weren’t my style. I’m more of a historical traditionalist when it comes to patterns. I love more of the 18th and 19th century quilts. But there were some that I really liked. I would just need to sit down with one of the patterns and test it out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quilting!
This is a very well written, comprehensive guide to designing and sewing a quilt. It seems to be good for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with lots of information about various techniques. It would be a good addition to a quilter's library.
Anna Maria’s *Blueprint Quilting* is a gem for quilters looking to elevate their designs! This book makes Anna Maria Parry's rich, intricate quilts feel totally achievable. By breaking down her complex designs into four simple “blueprints,” she offers a fantastic structure to build stunning quilts while letting you experiment with color, scale, and texture. The QR-linked videos are a huge plus, especially for visual learners who want to see techniques in action. Whether you're new to quilting or experienced and looking to get creative, *Blueprint Quilting* inspires you to make each quilt uniquely yours.
I was amazed by the complex and clever patterns in this book.
It starts with the very basics of quilting, and gradually depicts and instructs on more complex ideas.
Anna Maria Parry's Blueprint Quilting is a fantastic resource for quilters at every stage of their journey. This book invites readers to explore colour, pattern, and technique through 16 vibrant projects built around four foundational design structures.
This book is inspiring and practical. It provides a wealth of information on quilting techniques and an array of stunning images accompanying each pattern. Like most quilting guides, it includes helpful beginner instructions while providing detailed insights into advanced techniques that will captivate seasoned quilters. Even as an experienced quilter, I found the book informative and inspiring, with techniques I look forward to trying.
Overall, Blueprint Quilting is a beautifully presented book that would make a great addition to any quilter's library, whether a novice or a more advanced quilter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry | Quarry Books for providing me with an e-ARC of Blueprint Quilting in exchange for my honest review.
Very nice quilting book. This would be great for a beginner, but perhaps one who has created art before. It goes over building blocks of quilting, color theory, different techniques. Then lays out a bunch of beautiful quilting patterns. I feel totally inspired to create some new pieces.
Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting provides information helpful to novice to more practiced quilters. As a novice, I appreciated all of the basic information, from color theory to everything to do with appliques. I did not complete any patterns, but they seemed to be easy to follow and the illustrations that went along with the instructions seemed to be a helpful addition. I would recommend this book for anyone exploring quilting as a hobby!
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry, and NetGalley for an eARC of this craft book for an honest review.
It’s hard for me to give a review because the file was corrupted or something and I couldn’t read several pages. The book wasn’t quite what I thought. I thought it was going to be more about a basic plan for improvising and making quilting your own and there didn’t seem to be much of that. It’s a solid book with colors I usually don’t see in other quilting books.
Anna Maria Parry's Blueprint Quilting is a great place to start no matter where you are on your quilting journey. This guide provides a fresh and well grounded approach to quilt-making, turning her unique, vibrant designs into accessible projects for quilters of any skill level. With several foundational “blueprints” at the heart of the book, Parry guides readers through 16 quilt and patchwork projects that build both skills and creativity. Her breakdown of intricate-looking designs into easy-to-follow steps makes advanced techniques feel approachable, while the vivid photography and behind-the-scenes insights elevate the reading experience.
This book is not just about replicating quilts; it's a toolkit for developing your style, with clear instructions on intensifying color, scaling patterns, and using appliqué. The QR code video links are a bonus, offering real-time visual support. Whether you're new to quilting or looking to expand your design repertoire, Blueprint Quilting provides inspiration and guidance to create stunning, personalized pieces. A must-have for any quilting library!
Quilters have certainly noticed artist and textile designer Anna Maria Parry’s textiles with their vivid color and original designs. Parry has designed quilt patterns along with her fabric line, her newest book being BluePrint Quilting.
The idea behind Blueprint Quilting arises from Parry noticing “certain aesthetic compositions or ‘blueprints'” in quilts she has made: the square, the triptych, the x, the color study. By switching up the details, these blueprints can be used to create a variety of original quilt patterns.
Parry begins the book with the basic elements of art: color, value, line, shape, form, space, and texture. She then shows the composition principles of balance, movement, rhythm, scale, and contrast. She encourages you to have a story in your art.
Next, Parry offers a chapter covering the basic tools of quilting. Batting, threads, tools, sewing machines, pressing, and adhesives.
In Building Blocks, Parry teaches the patchwork building blocks used in the quilt patterns and shows how they are constructed.
Instructions for each project are excellent with a full color picture of the completed quilt and how the blocks are sewn together.
The sixteen patterns include quilts of all sizes, a tote bag, and even a window covering. The quilt patterns include mixed techniques combing applique and patchwork, and all incorporate numerous blocks to create complex designs.
Her instructions and illustrations show how the basic patchwork blocks work together. The quilts appear to be for accomplished piecers, and yet are made with familiar blocks: half square triangles, rail fence, log cabin, dresden plate, snowball, shoofly, checkerboards.
I am stunned by these quilts and her combining traditional quilt blocks is inspiring.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley
**Review of *Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting* by Anna Maria Parry**
*Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting* is an inspiring guide that celebrates quilting through color, pattern, and technique. Featuring 16 vibrant projects based on four simple design structures, Anna Maria Parry makes quilting accessible to all skill levels.
The book is visually stunning, with colorful photographs and clear instructions that encourage creativity and experimentation. Parry also shares valuable tips on fabric selection and techniques, making it easy for readers to personalize their creations.
Overall, this delightful resource invites both novice and experienced quilters to embrace their creativity and enjoy the quilting process. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their projects.