Free-Style Quilts:

A “No Rules” Approach

by Susan Carlson

Sorry. After 12 wonderful years, Free-Style Quilts is now out of print. You may still find used copies on online auction sites.

From the Back Cover

Susan Carlson's incredible quilts of underwater landscapes, floral designs, fish, and portraits come to life as she shares her easy, "no-rules" fabric collage technique and shows you how to create your own beautiful free-style quilt designs.

1. •Includes step-by-step instructions and 3 different patterns for Susan's fish designs, as well as how-to's for making flowers and butterflies.
   

2. •No limits, no rules to follow. The technique is fun and easy.
   

3. •Using Susan's collage technique, cut fabric shapes freehand or is a pattern, buyilding up layers as you go. Once your design is in place, you're ready to machine quilt.
   

"You might think only a gifted artist, such as Susan Carlson, could make beautiful collages quilts. Think again. Susan's quilts will inspire you while the student work will encourage you to start immediately." --Wendy Hill, author, quilt artist, teacher

"FABRIC FUN! Susan offers freeing techniques for 'painting with fabric' to create wonderful original designs--fish, flowers, or any other favorites. Now you can buy an use fabrics you once thought would never work. You won't be able to stop with just one!" --Faye Labanaris, quilt artist, teacher, author

"This is a great book for any level of quilter who wants to experiment with visual imagery. Carlson outlines her fabric collage technique in easy-to-understand steps, allowing the reader to create her or his own masterpiece." --Jennifer Gilbert, curator, New England Quilt Museum

Buyer Response

"Just bought your book this weekend in Sedona and have already read it cover to cover. Thanks for a very interesting book and new take on quilting." Cheryl A.

"Thank you for this book...it's the first technique book I've ever read cover-to-cover and been so excited about." Cindy W.

"Susan, just wanted you to know that I have been using scraps since I was a child, from braiding rugs to quilts, but never realized it was OK to use glue and not turn the edges under. Thanks for showing me the way. I got your book about 2 wks ago, and have been obsessed with creating ever since. Your work is totally awesome.Everyone who sees my first fish are amazed at how cool it is, so I show them your book." Jill W.

"I dropped into the local quilt store, saw your book and bought it. I sat down and read it that night, cover to cover!!! What a wonderful gift you have prepared for us. Thank you for taking the time to do this. You have a wonderful gift." Lynda W.

"I found your book to be very inspirational and I'm glad you spent the time and effort to have it published." Kay M.