Double Vision Quilts: Simply Layer Shapes & Color for Richly Complex Curved Designs

by Louisa L. Smith

Overview

Learn how to turn squares and rectangles into circles and ovals with no curved piecing—it’s easy! Take an artistic journey with 11 mind-bending quilts that fool the eye with innovative layering, playful patterns, and delightful color choices. The best-selling author of Strips ‘n Curves shares three simple construction methods for endless possibilities. With something for every type of quilter, this opulent collection will inspire you to see your fabrics in a whole new light.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617451232
Publisher:	C & T Publishing
Publication date:	08/07/2016
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Louisa L. Smith was born in Indonesia, educated in the Netherlands, and moved to the U.S. in 1960. A popular quilting teacher and the author of three books, Louisa lives with her husband in Colorado, spending summers in Montana. quiltescapes.com

Table of Contents

Introduction How it Started HUGs and KISSes • The First Quilt • Familiar Shapes Are Everywhere • Working in a Series The Layered Approach Using Multiple Layers • Taking a Cue from M. C. Escher • Going in Reverse • Even More Possibilities Basic Construction Techniques • Method One: Using a Grid of Blocks with 1/4 KISSes and No Fusing • Method Two A: Using a Grid and Fusing • Method Two B: Using an Invisible Grid with Multiple Layers of HUGs and KISSes and Fusing • Method Three: Pieced HUGs and KISSes Color Value • Finding a Color Scheme • Balancing Color • Color Checklist Machine Appliqué Basic Appliqué Techniques • Choosing Stitches and Threads Embellishing Add Similar Elements • Machine Embroidery The Finishing Touches Borders • Quilting • Backing • Binding • Stretcher Frames • Sleeve Gallery Projects: Double Vision Ova Nova Color Play 2 Quadrate Pattern on Pattern Circular Anomaly Circle Takes the Square Circle Play Kissing and Hugging Hugs and Kisses Double Vision Patterns Resources About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Louisa L. Smith has a simple premise for this book: creating layered and complex quilts from circles and the negative spaces created by them within a block. In the theoretical section, she explores some of the fundamentals of colour theory and a very useful Proportionate Colour Wheel shows the strength of the primary and secondary colours, recommending how to balance colours in your work. Many of the examples are included later in the book as quilt projects. The quilts are made up of layers of different methods of construction. By building up the circles, the negative space shapes become shapes in their own right. In this way, the quilts created are like optical illusions, with parts popping out into the foreground or fading into the background. By using such simple, limited tools, a great variety of results is gained. By using hand-dyed and printed fabrics in addition to commercial ones, the detail in the quilts is increased. Templates are provided at the back of the book but if you wanted to take a shortcut, cutting dies or patterns on digital cutting machines are usually available (see Products in this issue for further exploration of this). This book has a beautiful gallery of work so there’s enough to keep you interested in the variety of designs or to get you started in tackling your own.

December 2016 Workshop on the Web

This is a book that appealed to my eye first, the rich colours used on the front cover demanded to be looked at more closely. It was almost put down as quickly as I had picked it up when I saw the word 'curved designs' as I am not a great lover of curves, but this book has made me think again and I am itching to try the techniques. Louisa calls her innovative method 'Double Vision' and it consists of clever cutting and layering of fabric to create curves in a very easy way. The book is divided into sections, each one explaining the technique in more detail, making recommendations about colours and fabrics and adding stitch and other embellishment. The 11 projects are suited to more contemporary patterned and coloured fabrics and the quilts are more of an art quilt than a bed quilt so this may not appeal to all. Louisa's double vision method along with the kisses and hugs—all will become clearer if you read the book—started as a doodle made on a car journey. From this simple drawing of circles in squares grew a way of sewing without curves and making stunning art quilts. I am already delving in my stash and thinking of the colours I will use in my own double vision quilt.

November 2016 Popular Patchwork

Well-known author and art quilter Louisa L. Smith provides thorough and easy-to-follow instructions for making complex looking quilts featuring circles and ovals. In addition to the material on techniques and color theory, directions are included for eleven colorful projects. Adventurous readers will also appreciate that the techniques Louisa features would be a wonderful starting point for original designs of their own.

September/October 2016 Machine Quilting Unlimited

Creating complex-looking, multicolored curved patterning is easy as can be with these clever fabric-layering techniques. Twelve projects with full-size templates provide a great way to experiment with the detailed methods, and a variety of resulting shapes and color interplay. Finishing options are included, as well as basic quilt-making techniques.

October 2016 American Quilt Retailer

If you really can't bear the thought of curved piecing, but love the look of curved designs, try this book! With simple layering techniques, you can create complicated looking patterns, and tell all your friends, "Yup, I did that!"

Fall 2016 Quilter's Connection

I am absolutely crazy about this book, I don’t think I have ever said that about a book before. This book is full of fantastic quilts that look very complicated but are achieved with a simple and easy technique. Once you plan and cut your pieces, the make-up is easy. You’ll be able to make visually stunning quilts. Follow the instructions for no curved piecing. There are 11 quilt projects to practice layering, texture, colour and pattern to produce vibrant designs. This book looks at shape, values, colour selection, machine applique, embellishing, finishing and hanging. Apart from the fabulous projects there is also a gallery. I am definitely going to have a go at this, got a few ideas myself. It’s certainly a new slant on quilting. The only draw back I can see is that I think it takes even more fabric. My favourite projects are the ones on the front and back cover. Highly recommended.

7/26/16 yarnsandfabrics.co.uk

Layering shapes and colour, you can create complex rounded designs using simple construction methods. Stylish quilts, here we come!

Issue 05 The Craft Network Sewing

08/01/2016
Art quilter and quilting teacher Smith (coauthor, One-Patch Plus) demonstrates her technique for curved quilt designs in this workshop-style book. Rather than using traditional curved patchwork piecing, Smith takes a layered approach, presenting both fusible and nonfused options. The terminology—Smith refers to circles or convex pieces as "HUGs" and concave pieces as "KISSes"—takes some getting used to, but her playful items are surprisingly easy to construct using her expert guidance. As with most art quilting, embellishment and color choices are key, and Smith provides ample direction in both areas. Each project includes full guidelines and an at-a-glance overview of both the difficulty and the construction technique. VERDICT Art quilters interested in optical illusion-style quilts or quilts using curved pieces such as circles or ellipses will appreciate Smith's practical and engaging guide.

Library Journal