Sarah Payne’s Quilt School

Booklist Nov 2019
For crafters who love instant-gratification projects, fashioning a quilt is almost out of the question, the work required too long-term and intricate. U.K.-based quilter Payne gets it, forestalling any notion of quilting-dropouts by focusing on quilt building-block shapes: squares, triangles, and circles. She packs a wealth of information intended for beginners into the first chapter, explaining terms like jelly rolls and layer cakes (nothing edible!). She also advises on choosing colors and emphasizes the much-needed accuracy of cutting, sewing, and pressing, all accompanied by close-up, step-by-step color photographs. The 15 designs themselves follow a similar pattern, with plenty of tips (e.g., remember thimbles are an option) and alternate layouts featured where appropriate. The biggest plus of this very accessible how-to on patchwork and quilting are the smaller projects that can be finished quickly, from a French braid table runner to a quilted handbag. — Barbara Jacobs 


Postcard Reviews – Oct 2019
Step into Sarah Payne’s world of sewing and learn from the expert the basics of quilting and patchwork. Each chapter includes a number of different-sized step-by-step projects, including quilts, cushions, tote bags and table runners. Sarah discusses different shapes (squares, circles, triangles) and different techniques (appliqué, piecing blocks and curved piecing) in turn. She also includes information on basting, layering, quilting and binding, as well as pre-cuts.

I have been watching Sarah Payne on TV for quite a while and love her zest for all things stitchy. So when I heard that she had written a book I was very excited. Ms Payne has not disappointed me. From beginner to advanced sewist, everyone will take something from this book, whether it be a new skill or a fabulous idea.
The book is sectioned in ‘lessons’.  So from beginning to end, each project introduces a new skill.
With simple language, easy instructions that are in written and visual format and brilliant hints and tips, there is no reason why you would not get a professional finish to your very usable project.
Quilts, bags, runners and cushions are all included and each step is easy to follow.
The bright glossy pages showcase the projects and the colours ‘pop’ giving you so much inspiration and they will definitely  boost your creativity and imagination.
I loved this book, it has a wealth of information of fabric, fat quarters, thread and gives expert advice on what you will need for your sewing journey.
5*/5