The 11 projects in Barbara Cline's new book Simply Triangles are striking and lovely; Ms. Cline imparts a surprising amount of diversity to the humble 60-degree triangle. First, she dresses up the conventional 6-pointed star with 7 patterns that incorporate borders, stacked strippy units, and even applique (making for a very Dresden-like star). Next, triangles morph into flowers with 2 unique designs. Cline ends with two Pinwheel-based projects: one is embellished with buttons and the other has a vivid tessellating appearance. Each project includes a short "Life Lessons" box illustrating the huge influence on the author of her Mennonite family. Photographs are in abundance, and highlight the exceptionally nice quilting details. Both traditional and contemporary quilters will find something very pleasing here.
As for skill level, my opinion is that this book might be a challenge for some new beginners, as there are templates (included) and Y-seams; precision piecing skills will be a must. But I still recommend this book for all skill levels, as I remember when I first started out I went straight to the tough stuff so I could learn everything all at once. (In retrospect, perhaps that approach is not recommended!) Additionally, an endless supply of fabrics - or friends with fabrics - would be helpful because each quilt allows wonderful opportunities to play with value and contrast.
This book is set apart from all the rest, and not just for its beautiful contents. Budget-conscious quilters might like to know there could be an extra ruler, an additional tool, and new products in their future:
1. Ruler - Creative Grids 60-degree Triangle Creative Grids 60 Degree Triangle (Finished Size Up to 8") Quilting Ruler. I was hoping I could use the Clear-View Triangle I already own, but no. The CG triangle is longer (and thus wider at the base) than the CV one, and most importantly the CG also has a differently configured tip.
2. Tool - Ms. Cline recommends using Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer Quilt Template for help with Y-seams
3. Materials - 108-inch wide black nylon netting (used as an overlay to create an amazing receding effect in several projects), batiste (for triangle foundations), 20-inch wide double-sided fusible web (Ms. Cline uses Shades SoftFuse which will add significant cost to your projects: each 8x9 inch segment is about 1.00 per piece)
Ms. Cline is also the author of another absolutely stunning book Star Struck Quilts: Dazzling Diamonds & Tradiational Blocks; 13 Skill-Building Projects. Now that I own both books I am convinced she is in a class of her own, and the quilting industry is fortunate to have such an inventive talent.