Don Linn is a machine quilter fondly known as “Mr. Quilt” for his heirloom machine quilting. His first book with C&T comes out this month, called Sophisticated Stitches.
Because Don is new to the C&T Community, I invited him to tell us about himself and his new book. Take it away Don…
Hello fellow quilters. I would like to take a moment and introduce myself and tell you a little about my new book. I live in Redding, California, which is in the northern part of the state. My journey in quilting began about 15 years ago after a corporate downsizing. I began as a machine quilter doing quilting for other people. Over the course of time I have grown and now design quilts, teach piecing and machine quilting classes, and am now writing books. I live with my wife, 2 dogs and 2 cats in Redding. Our family seems to have a complete role reversal compared to the “traditional family”, if there is such a thing anymore. My wife is an avid golfer and I stay at home and quilt…the perfect arrangement for us. Other than my quilting interests I like to do fused glass work and construct welded metal sculptures. I truly love to make things and work with my hands.
Sophisticated Stitches is a book of 66 new designs that can be used for hand or machine quilting, applique or embroidery. As a machine quilter doing heirloom custom work, I was always looking for new designs that I could incorporate into my customers’ and my own work. Typically we are all pretty much limited to plastic stencils that we find at shops or shows. This is quite limiting because if you find a stencil it usually will not fit the area you want to stitch. As a result of this frustration, I decided to sit down and come up with my own original designs. I spent a lot of time studying designs in books, architecture and plants and making lots of rough sketches. I was so pleased with the outcome that I have decided to share them with my readers and students.
My hope is that people will buy the book and use the designs on their work. More importantly, I hope that you readers will be inspired enough to use the book as a springboard to go on and create your own original designs. You all have amazing creative gifts and I hope to provide the inspiration for you to unleash them. Just remember if I can do this, so can you. If you buy this book you will have 66 new designs, plus a guide on how to map out a stitching route for these and any other designs. As an added bonus, I show you how to take components from different designs and combine them into new originals. I would guess that you can easily come up with a couple of hundred different designs from this book. But wait there is more!!! (I am beginning to sound like my hero, Billy Mays…may he rest in peace.) Once you have your design in hand, the book shows you how to transfer it to your quilt top. This tip alone is worth the price of the book. Seriously folks, I hope my book will inspire you to create new and amazing things.
Related posts:
3 Comments
Hello Don! This sounds like my kind of book…readers can pick up where you leave off. Good luck!
I, too, love the “But Wait…” saying. In fact, my C&T book, Easy Bias Covered Curves (2006) has a “But Wait, There’s More” section at the end of each of the six pattern chapters.
I’m always looking for quilting ideas- can’t wait to get my hands on your book!
Sounds like a great book I’ll be sure to check it out. Good luck in your book venture!!
Hi there: Thanks for the kind words. I hope you enjoy the book and are inspired enough to try some of the designs. Check out my website if you have a chance.