Reviewed by ASG member Cindy Baker

I’ve been quilting long enough to remember when stained glass quilts burst on the scene in the 1980’s. They were impressive…lots of black bias binding, curves, & hand stitching…oh my. Well, if you liked ’em then, this book will knock your socks off! The author started making them back then & has progressively refined her technique to make them easier, quicker, & without the hand sewing. Think ribbon of different widths, braid, ultrasuede, even metallics…all kinds of “strippy” things with no-fray edges make the stained-glass technique easier & faster than before. And the patterns–no church windows here–the patterns are fresh & contemporary. The author uses cotton, but she also uses silk, velvet, flannel, & wool. She teaches 3 main techniques: couched fiber, appliqued ribbon & trim, & iron-on leading. A removable pattern sheet to trace is included. A chapter on basic quilt-making instructions is included. I found the chapter on design very useful. She recommends you think of stained glass as out-lined art & any design can be transformed. You can always begin with a coloring book or clip art, but she encourages you to look beyond…applique patterns, redwork, & embroidery transfers are also rich sources of design.