Crafty Sundays -- Quilt Art Chinese Style Review and My First Attempts at Paper Quilling

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This week I have been focusing on organizing my craft room. I'm about half way there! However last night I felt a strong urge to make something. I pulled out a cheap paper quilling kit I bought awhile ago (maybe at AC Moore before it closed). The kit taught how to make three different style flowers. I decided to give it a try. Here is my first one.

I tried each of the styles as well as some leaves.

I like that this one had two colors for the petals. You have to glue the strips together to get the two.

I was enjoying making them and learning as I went. The instructions with the kit were not very good. They had pictures with no words and were hard to follow. I decided to try the first style again.

I liked how this one came out. I think I got better as I went. Now I will have to figure out how to make things besides flowers! Since I was cleaning and only made a few quilled flowers I thought I would share one the craft books I have to review so today I am sharing Quilt Art Chinese Style by Qiao Shuang. 

This book has beautiful projects in it that are inspired by Chinese art and quilting. It also shares a history of patchwork as well as the history of patchwork and quilting in China.

The photos throughout the history chapters are beautiful. There are samples of art from museums as well as some of the author's own work. It is a style of quilting that is different than the western world's but uses the same skills.

I found it so interesting to read about the history of patchwork in China. The clothing is beautiful and it is so interesting to think about how long people have been using patchwork as art.

After the two history chapters there is a chapter about the tools and fabric to use. they are very detailed. That chapter is followed with a chapter that gives very detailed information about the basics of piecing patchwork and applique as well as all the parts of quilting. The explanations are for both handwork as well as using a sewing machine.

The next chapter begins the projects. It is about patchwork. The projects include a mouse pad, iPad case, bag, appliqued shirt, notebook cover, handbags for each season, frame, and a mat. The sixth chapter has more creative projects. It includes two sets of projects with each set having a wall hanging, cushions, tablecloth and either a blanket or carpet. The projects are very creative and the instructions are easy to follow. I have not personally tried any of the projects but they are beautiful.

If you are looking to add some culture to your quilting, learn to quilt or explore eastern art, you should definitely check out this book. It gives a twist to quilting that you do not see in American books.