Reader Reviews
Quilt on the go and before you know it, the project will be completed. - 05/26/2010
Reviewer: Connie Krochmal from USA
Projects are designed so they fit into a tote and can be completed one section at a time. Done in the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century, this has a nine block floral bed quilt as well as seven other floral projects. These include a tote, sachet cover, table runner, wallhanging, and bolster. The book features full-size appliqué templates and color illustrated, step-by-step directions. Each project has a list of fabrics, a cutting chart, and color layouts. The introduction covers all of the basics from appliqué to fabric selection and the supplies needed. --Connie Krochmal, BellaOnline, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art66204.asp
Truly an inspirational book. - 05/05/2010
Reviewer: The Quilter magazine from USA
Revisit a glamorous, more graceful time with the organic flowing appliqué motifs in Vicky Lawtence’s “Garden Nouveau Quilts.” Reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period of the twentieth century, Vicky’s motifs combine traditional with contemporary for a fresh new look. Designed for hand appliqué, the nature-inspired patterns can also be fused for faster results. The seven projects contained in the book include a sachet cover, bolster, tote, bed-size quilt, miniature quilt, wallhanging, and table runner. All patterns are full size, but must be copies directly from the book and joined, since there is no pattern pull-out section. Because of the size of the patterns and the complexity of the designs, we recommend this book for intermediate through advanced quilters, although beginning appliquérs should be able to complete the smaller projects. --The Quilter magazine, July 2010, page 100
Capture the flowing organic motifs that are Art Nouveau - 04/30/2010
Reviewer: Patti Ives, The Appliqué Society from Sequim, WA, USA
This book centers on the author’s beautiful quilt “Nouveau Fleur”. Vicky Lawrence’s patterns capture the flowing organic motif that is commonly referred to as Art Nouveau. There are a total of nine blocks that will result in a bed size quilt. Seven other projects are included, including a tote, bolster and sachet cover. Vicky provides instructions for two hand appliqué methods, both using freezer paper and one fusible. Stems are made using bias bars and instructions are included for this technique. The blocks are also set using bumper strips that give this quilt a unique look. The patterns are printed full size and you will want to jump right in and try one of the smaller projects right away to get a feel for the flow of the designs. --Patti Ives, Editor, “The Appliqué Society” newsletter, March/April 2010, Volume 13, No. 4, page 15.
“If you like appliqué and pretty, you won’t be bored.” - 04/30/2010
Reviewer: Quilter’s Home magazine from USA
This is something AQS does a lot: It takes a phenomenal quilt and has the maker break down its components to create a book of patterns. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Vicky’s quilt, “The Nouveau Fleur,” DEFINITELY works! With nine different appliquéd blocks (several repeat to create the queen-sized quilt) and an intricate interior appliqué border, these flowing Art Nouveau-esque florals are fairly screaming Mucha. Her copious instructions have a charming voice (“Okay, put the toothpick in your mouth to get it good and damp. Now you look like the tough guy who appliqués.”), and she’s adapted the blocks into some interesting projects, including a tote bag and a pillow. One problem though: Because this book works off one main quilt for its inspiration, there’s not a lot of color change-up, even on the secondary projects. For us color-challenged, it’s often helpful to see quilts worked up in different color and print variations. --“Quilter’s Home” magazine, April/May 2010, pages 70-71.
Garden Nouveau Quilts by Vicky Lawrence - 03/16/2010
Reviewer: Fabric Trends magazine from USA
“Garden Nouveau Quilts” is a collection of ten highly-stylized appliquéd garden motifs brought together into a beautiful Nouveau Fleur quilt. Designer Vicky Lawrence has translated original floral designs into patterns for framed quilt blocks that are reminiscent of the flowing curvilinear shapes and architecture of early twentieth-century art nouveau style.
Designed for portable hand appliqué, the pieces can also be fused for quicker results. Vicky's instructions include freezer paper, needleturn, and fusible appliqué, plus valuable tips and techniques for all quilters, from the appliqué novice to the experienced sewer. Her advice on fabric selection, color, and placements is helpful, whether you are purchasing fabric or pulling bits and pieces of scrap from your stash. There are full-size patterns and illustrations for each block and the elaborate border, as well as large colorful photographs showcasing the beautiful, intricate machine quilting.
Besides a large bed-size quilt and its miniature version, other decorative projects include a wallhanging, table runner, sachet cover, bolster, and tote--projects which encourage the Art Nouveau philosophy that art should be part of everyday life. --Fabric Trends Magazine, Spring 2010, page 77
