Step by Step Portrait Art Quilts: Learn to Create Realistic Portrait and Pictorial Quilts

Well, I have to say that I admire almost all artists, and Ms. Bucklewis no exception. I loved the look of her quilts, and wanted to learn more about the processof doing portrait quilts.When I got the book, I thought at first it was a mistake. It was SO THIN!!The book is extremely skinny. I thought it would be average size,chock-full of photos of completed quilts, quilts in process, etc etc.I suppose shame on me for assuming what the book might be. There was no page count informationin the description at the time I purchased it. It is only 43 pages long,and 7 of those are for a copy of a kitten pattern of hers, so minus that and the one-pageintroduction, there are only 35 pages of actual instruction. The font used is pretty large aswell. My old eyes appreciated that, but it stretched out that little bit of information farthersimply by the formatting. In the end, there's just not much book for the price tag!While it does indeed explain how to break a photo down to getrealistic portrait effects for quilting, the book assumes that you are already a quilter.It is mainly explaining how to use various computer programs to get a value (color value) breakdownof your photo for easier layering for portrait effects. The author is very detailed and goes step-by-stepon three different computer graphics programs as to how to achieve layers in a graphicand how to tweak photos.That is all well and good, but as someone who already knew how to use Photoshop Elements and howto tweak photos, I was looking for more quilting information.I might be alone out here, but I was NOT happy with the book.The price alone was quite high, at least for me. I don't have a lot of extra money, and what Ido get, I like to spend on fabrics. I "invested" in this book to learn more about how to properlyquilt a portrait quilt, but instead got lessons on how to use Photoshop Elements or GIMP. I didn'tneed that.At this point, I am contemplating sending it back, but not sure. In the future, I am sure I can gleansomething I don't already know from the book, but I haven't even opened it since the first read-throughthe day it arrived. I didn't see a thing I didn't already know being explained. I do realize that is not thecase for everyone, so someone with no experience with a graphics program will find her instructions helpful.If you are not comfortable with computers or software, then this book could indeed help you. However, if youscan your photos or upload them to your computer digitally, and already crop and adjust the color/brightness,you won't learn much from this book.Very thin book, very limited explanation of how to actually do the quilting.For example, I like the multiple borders around the quilts in many of the photos, and would have liked toknow how to do those - I don't know how and still don't. It wasn't addressed in the book, despite being insome of the photographed quilts.So in the end,I felt a bit ripped off. Just be aware that the previews tell you about all you'll get from this book.If you have the extra money to spend on a 43-page book (several pages of which are HER patterns, which is fine if youwant to copy someone else - I want to do my own), and have no computer experience, then okay.Otherwise, your money is better spent elsewhere to actually learn art quilting technique.

Although I had an idea how to proceed with my art quilt, it was very helpful to have this book. I found it clear and easy to understand. The author was so specific and explaining the how to's. I really appreciated that!!! The price was great!!!

Overall it is a good book with lots of information on how to make quilted portraits. But I was disappointed in several ways. The book is from 2012. I feel there should be an updated version of this book. I was disappointed in how thin the book is for the price. As well as disappointed in the size of the picture samples. The author suggests making an 8x10 portrait but gives sample pictures that are barely 2x2.I am sure I will learn from this book but also have to search for updated information since the book is 6 years old. I should have looked into how old the book was before I purchased it.

No new techniques, I was a little disappointed.

This truly is a Step by Step book. I have looked a long time for a book that teaches how to make a portrait art quilt that makes sense. This book is perfect. Not only does Margaret have instructions in DETAIL how to use photo software, three different types including Gimp in this book, she also returns your e-mails ( promptly) for help if you get stuck. With the book and help from Margaret I now have 2 patterns ready to enlarge and I am on the misson of finding fabric.

I absolutely love this book. Margaret is a great person. I had trouble doing Photoshop Elements and I emailed Margaret and she walked me through the steps. I am so impressed. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to do portrait quilts. I do think you need some knowledge of quilting but her steps are so great, you can do it. It is a thin book but loaded with information. Thanks so much for helping me and being there.

i've only read the book so far and is explained clearly, good illustrations hope to get to practical use soon.

This book is very well written. I want to do one for each of my kids, but I am making afghans at the moment. I have read the entire book a couple of times. I can't wait to start. This will be used.

Love this book. I have not done any quilts as yet but definite on the radar. The only thing is you need a photo editing software to get the detail of the picture and the learning curve for adobe photoshop is steep. If you have the time, it is well worth it.

Its ok. Talks alot about how to turn your picture into a pattern. Not alot on actul fabric how tos id recomemd another portrait book that has more detail...called portraits for fabric lovers!

un peu déçue par ce petit livre que je pensais plus complet, il est en fait très succinct, pas assez étoffé.