Book review - Millefiori Quilts 3 Willyne Hammerstein
Willyne Hammerstein
After two very successful books, Which started a wave of millefiori quilts shown at instagram or group exhibitions (Passacaglia quilts, Nantes 2017) Willyne Hammerstein came out with her third book - Millefiori quilt 3 - released at September 2017th
Millefiori (originally from Italian means thousand flowers) is a glasswork technique which produces decorative decorative patterns on glassware. Willyne created a myriad of symmetrical motifs for pieced fabrics. The technique she uses is English Paper Piecing.
I personally prefer the English Paper Piecing method for accuracy.
To achieve the symmetrical millefiori / kaleidoscope look, it is therefore crucial to fussy cut the pieces.
The techniques for English Paper piecing and fussy cutting are not explained in the book, but there are several youtube videos and resources on that topic which would help you out, like that one:
The Complete Guide to Millefiori Quilts
Millefiori Quilts 3 includes instructions for 18 different rosettes , and each of them is represented in a quilt pattern, some of the quilt patterns are made from a combination of rosettes. The chapters are ordered by the complexity of the rosettes, from simple to intricate, and instructions in full size templates, which you could trace and cut out. However - it might not be very time consuming, but so is a boring job to make all the paper pieces yourself. So for the most popular quilts and their rosettes acrylic templates and paper pieces are available for purchase.
Rosette of the Moncarapacho Quilt, picture credit Anne Varley
Moncarapacho
The most famous quilt in the book is the Moncarapacho which is the quilt shown on the cover. Other stunning quilts are La Tarantella, Rondo Vivace, and the Can Can ..
There are extensive patterns directions in the book that help you with each quilt. This thesis also includes how to select fabrics (including fabric requirements). The instructions describe each of the unique blocks or rosettes (depending on the quilt), how to join the rows, and how to finish the quilt.
Conclusion
Handsewing is a relaxing technique that allows you to work on your project everywhere: You can take your project with you, whether you're on a plane, waiting for children, or at the library. You want to enjoy millefiori quilts by Willyne Hammerstein.