Like most quilters, I enjoy exploring quilting publications. My quilting magazine collection needs some serious pruning, but it's difficult to choose which ones to keep. All of them offer great patterns and ideas. Let's discuss The Quilter, a magazine published by All American Crafts.


Basic Layout

Each magazine issue contains on average between 15 to 19 quilting projects. At the front of the magazine are several pages devoted to the Table of Contents. For quilt projects, the name of the quilt is listed in the Table of Contents along with a brief description and the quiltmaker's name and the magazine page where it can be found. Some photos are included in this section, but it is mostly text driven.

The magazine also includes some feature articles about quilting techniques, equipment or places of interest. Included are regular Departments such as letters to the editor, the bookshelf, quilting basics, and Town Square (a listing of advertisers at the back of the magazine). Note: This magazine contains a lot of advertisements geared toward the quilter!

There is a paper tear-out section in the center of the magazine. The paper is sturdy since it contains additional information and pattern pieces for some of the quilt projects. Not all of the quilts require pattern pieces since many use rotary cutting or other techniques. However, applique quilts include the patterns in this tear-out section.

The magazine is constructed from a nice weight paper and contains lots of color photography. It is well laid out and easy to read. On average the magazine runs between 92 to120 pages.


The Quilt Projects and Instructions

This magazine contains a mix of traditional and contemporary quilts, including some quilts designed to make for children. Many of the traditional quilts are given a "twist" to freshen the design. A large beautiful photograph of each quilt is displayed on its own page. The pages following the photograph include a block of information that includes: the skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), the finished block size, the number of blocks in the quilt, and the finished quilt size.

Along with the above information is a Materials List. This includes a list of the fabrics required for the quilt (yardage, a description of the color or print), as well as any extra special materials necessary for the project. A unique feature of this magazine is that it also includes ordering information for the materials used in the photograph of the quilt. This way you can order the exact materials used to duplicate the project. Prices are included along with shipping/handling and any taxes that may apply. The name of the store, address, telephone number and website address are provided for ordering.

Following this list are Cutting Directions and Assembly Instructions for the quilt. The print is large to easily read, and there are step-by-step instructions for assembly. Drawn color illustrations highlight several of the steps for easier understanding. The instructions also include ways to finish the quilt, sometimes with quilting suggestions.


My Experiences

I own three years of this magazine, and decided not to get anymore. I enjoy leafing through the issues to see what other quilters are sewing, but I don't go that one step further to make the actual quilt. I'm at a stage in my 25-plus years of quilting that I don't like to sew quilts from templates. I'm also exploring other quilt techniques such as paper piecing and crazy quilting, which I love! This magazine does not focus on either of these techniques.

For those that enjoy creating quilts from patterns offered in magazines, then this magazine deserves a look at. The Quilter website features the current issue of the magazine with photographs of the quilt projects in that issue. This will give you an idea if the style of quilt making is a match for you. Some issues had articles on dimensional applique, miniature quilts, and how the Kewpie doll found its way into stitchery.

I enjoy reading the few articles in the magazine that focus on quilt-related things … such as equipment, people, and places. I remember one issue focusing on feather weight sewing machines and another on thimbles, with lots of photography. Articles about people include the art quilts of Cara Gulati, Eleanor Burns (Quilt in A Day), and a piece on Nancy J. Martin (founder of Martingale & Company). Some places visited include "A Quilter's Visit to the Cayman Islands", a tour of Nebraska quilt shops and the International Quilt Study Center, Quilt Art Barns of Ohio, and a quilting tour of Northwest Michigan.

If you enjoy small quilt crafts, then this magazine might disappoint. The projects are usually bed quilts in varying sizes with balanced levels of beginner and intermediate with the rare foray into advanced skill. Sometimes a wall quilt is featured, or a tablecloth or table runner. The Christmas issue is the magazine most likely to contain smaller projects.


Subscription Price

A one-year subscription includes 7 issues. The seventh issue is a Holiday issue, focusing on Christmas. The issues are typically titled "Quilting for Christmas".

This magazine costs $24.97 a year / 2 years $39.97 for United States Orders. In Canada a year subscription is $38.97 / two years $67.97. Foreign subscription rates are: $45.97 a year / $81.97 two years. Each issue retails for $5.99 U.S. / $7.99 Canada.


Summary

While The Quilter is not the magazine for me, I can see where it will be the perfect magazine for others. I am going to bring my copies of this magazine to the next quilt guild meeting for adoption. I know they will be snapped up in a jiffy.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Threads Magazine

Keepsake Quilting Online Store

Joann .com Fabric & Craft Store

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo

Quilter's Dream Sewing Table

Horn of America Deluxe Sewing Chair

Rotating Olfa Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Janome Jem Sewing Machine


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes