Layered Waves

(More Reviews by This Staff Quilter)

You might remember Karen Eckmeier’s last book, Accidental Landscapes.  Layered Waves embraces the same basic technique, with 10 years of workshops rolled into one book, and with tons of new material on layering color with a range of values.

The simple description of Karen’s technique is that you work with a feeling instead of a detailed design.  You cut free form curves with a rotary cutter, press the edges under, layer and topstitch as many layers as you like until you are done.  Very simple and very freeing!

It might be scary at first to cut so freely with a rotary cutter, but without the ruler!  She eases you into it with baby steps so you don’t just hack away.  But if you are fearless and don’t mind jumping right in, she’s got such great visuals that you can skim and skip around to your hearts desire.  She’s got a great section called Rescue Mission with tips on how to fix an area you don’t like.  Trust her--it’s easy!  She also has a nice section on selecting your colors.

In addition to the basic technique, Karen shows us how to make Curvy Log Cabin blocks, dimensional roses, layered curves and layered points.  She offers seven different projects and seven different border options.  Most of all, Karen encourages you to let loose and find your own inspiration.  She’s happy if you find inspiration in any one page!