If you do any of your own quilting, by long arm machine, on your sewing machine or by hand, this book is a must have. I have subscribed to Quiltmaker Magazine since I first became aware of the quality of the quilting patterns they included in their magazine. The time and energy that they put into thinking what designs will most compliment their quilts is extensive. This book brings 501 of those designs together into a wonderful collection.
Quilt designs included range from holiday themes, animals, traditional feathered motifs, baby, season and abstract designs. One of the best things about this book is the extensive thought that has gone into how to use each of the quilting designs. The basic pattern is presented, and then suggestions for use in borders, in center squares and possible placement in a variety of arrangements.
The book itself is spiral bound to make copying patterns easier, either by hand or on a scanner. I have scanned (for personal use only) many of the designs to adapt the size for the specific project I was working on. The spiral binding makes this particularly easy. Designs are presented by theme, but an alphabetical index as well as a motif size index are provided in the back of the book.
In addition to the amazing quilting patterns, the book also includes a section on how to choose the right design for your quilt, optimizing your layout on the quilt, and determining placement. This is one of the most helpful sections, particularly for novice quilters.
"501 Quilting Motifs" by Quiltmaker Magazine is a book that I would recommend to any and all quilters, because the quilting really does make the quilt.
Karin Renaud
Author, "Quilts from the Heart"