Simply Quilts

Author and quiltmaker Margaret Miller shows Alex Anderson how to turn traditional quilt patterns into fascinating new ones using techniques from her book, Blockbender Quilts.

Alex Anderson welcomes quilt designer Jinny Beyer, who shows how to use a unique applique technique that brings traditional quilts to life. She also discusses fabric and color choices for use in these quilts.

Quilter Doreen Speckmann shows Alex Anderson how to make her Card Trick block, which is composed of two different triangles to feature multiple colors and fabrics.

Alex Anderson welcomes quilting expert Roberta Horton to explore the world of Amish quiltmaking. She discusses the use of color and differences in what colors are used by Amish quilters in different geographic areas.

Alex Anderson welcomes authors Donna Ingram Slusser and Pat Maixner Magaret to share their expert techniques for watercolor quilts. They show how to master the art of choosing color and fabric.

Alex Anderson welcomes historian Barbara Brackman to discuss the traditional significance behind friendship and memorial quilts, and they explore contemporary memorial quilts as well.

Alex Anderson welcomes author and quiltmaker Mary Hickey to show how to use bias rectangles, four patches and a nine patch to make a beautiful quilt she calls "Water Music." She also demonstrates her invention, the bias rectangle.

Alex Anderson welcomes Mary Ellen Hopkins, a quilt designer, teacher, author, and quilt store owner from Los Angeles, to demonstrate how to make a traditional Log Cabin block.

Alex Anderson welcomes Jean Wells, author, expert quiltmaker and owner of a popular quilt store in Oregon, to share her unique buttonhole-stitch applique technique and how to display a personalized wall hanging.

Alex Anderson welcomes quiltmaker Blanche Young to share how she makes a scrappy triple Irish chain quilt.

Alex Anderson welcomes author and quiltmaker Doreen Speckmann to share her famous peaky and spike units used in her quilt blocks. She explains the origins of these units and gives directions for making the block.

Alex Anderson welcomes designer, author and color expert Jinny Beyer to explain how quilters can gain color confidence with her foolproof method for choosing fabrics that go together.

Alex Anderson welcomes author and quiltmaker Margaret Miller to give a lesson on how to work effectively with color, turning a basic strip block into a beautiful display of color and design by breaking the colors down.

Alex Anderson welcomes quilter, author and publisher Mary Ellen Hopkins to show how to make her Baker's Dozen Doubled quilt and share insights on block and fabric choices.

Alex Anderson welcomes Roberta Horton to demonstrate how to work with tricky plaid and striped fabrics. Then instructor Nadi Lane shows how to make a Churn Dash block.

Alex Anderson welcomes quiltmaker and author Mary Hickey to show how to make the popular Garden Trellis block quilt.

Alex Anderson welcomes author and quilting expert Jean Wells to demonstrate how to make her garden-inspired Sunflower block. She discusses the techniques, fabric and color choices used to put the block together.

Alex Anderson welcomes Billie Lauder, who shows how to make a Bargello quilt with her looping and de-looping techniques to create the desired visual effect.

Alex Anderson shows the proper way to hand quilt, starting with how to make a quilter's knot. She also explains the best way to pick out stitches and how to use a quilting frame.

Alex Anderson welcomes quilting instructor and fabric designer Saundra Seth to share new ideas for using hand-dyed fabric. She also demonstrates how to dye your own materials and make a Glowing Pineapple block.

Alex Anderson is joined by Sharon Craig to demonstrate how to make a Half Log Cabin block. Sharon also gives ways to sew with scraps using her paper bag technique.

Alex Anderson welcomes historian Barbara Brackman, who chronicles the history and importance of traditional quilting bees. Then a mini-group visits Alex in the studio to share their projects.

Alex Anderson welcomes machine quilting expert Sue Rasmussen to share tips on everything from batting and basting to free motion sewing. Sue explains how to prepare for quilting and illustrates five techniques.

Alex Anderson welcomes quilt instructor Billie Lauder to show how to finish and sign your quilts. She discusses the three B's -- backing, binding and borders -- and demonstrates how to achieve mitered corners.