Quilter's Academy Vol. 3 - Junior Year: A Skill-Building Course in Quiltmaking

I love this book for her method of using one large and one medium square to make flying geese. It does waste a little in trimming them down but it the ONLY method I've ever seen that consistently makes perfect flying geese with a full 1/4' seam allowance at the goose's "beak." I have seen that method only here and ONE YouTube video that is hard to find and the video only talks one through a single size, whereas this gives you tables for many sizes. I keep the book in my library to show people that method. The rest is very detailed instructions for things I already knew and a few patterns I have no interest in making.

There are three books published at this point in this series that will eventually entail six books. These are great books whether you are a novice or an experienced quilter. There is an amazing amount of information in each volume. It is written clearly and well-illustrated. I have an entire library of quilt books - we are always looking for that perfect one, right? - but all I've ever needed was this series. Each volume builds on the previous ones, but each one can stand alone as well. Each book in the series tackles a different type of quilt making - and everything you need to know about that type of quilt is in that volume. The first one is on basic sewing and quilting, how to draft a quilt, and how to make quilts using squares and rectangles. The next one is sewing blocks on-point, the third on triangles. Each volume shows how to use multiple techniques, so you can find the one that works best for you. Plus there are plenty of little tips in easy-to-find boxes sprinkles throughout each chapter. These books take time to read completely since there is so much information in each one. There are plenty of illustrations, tips, and techniques that help speed up the process of quilt making, which I loved. Different quilting tools are reviewed and their use demonstrated. I have learned a great number of handy tips about sewing in general from these books, not just about quilt making, and I have been sewing for decades.I can't wait for the next one to come out!

Harriet and Carrie Hargrave are masters at their skill and uncompromising in their standards. They are not caught up in the fad of teaching projects, but rather teaching skills and discipline so readers can create their own projects with a sense of pride and accomplishment. If Quilter's Academy is read cover to cover, starting with volume I readers will learn from the best how to prepare fabric, choose threads, fabrics, needles, batting and other tools to make whatever quilt they want, whether published in the book or observed anywhere. There are even lessons in making your own stencils from any quilts to transfer to your own creations. Harriet, and now her daughter Carrie are invaluable members of the quilting world and I highly recommend attending one of their classes or workshops, and barring that, studying Quilter's Academy. Volume III is a masterpiece in diagonals, which were a real challenge for me before learning their methods. I recommend starting with Volume I, working through each volume, then starting Volume III. Although not entirely required, Volume III uses many of the skills acquired in the earlier lessons. Volume IV will build on all skills learned in the Volumes I, II and III. I cannot wait for its arrival.

The Junior Year (Volume 3) builds on the skills developed in the first two volumes of Quilter's Academy. I have sewn professionally and hobby quilted by machine for 35 years and didn't consider I would need a "How to" book on sewing and quilting. When I received Volume One in a quilting accessory "bundle," I realized how much I had missed along the way, and began learning something "new" from the very first page. These books are an invaluable tool for anyone whether beginner or experienced. It is nice to have experience, but it doesn't count for much unless the experience has been the right kind. Volume 3 has all the integrity of the previous books and continues to amaze me. Harriet and Carrie give credit to all the great names of quilting who have devised and developed the techniques that elevate drafting, piecing and quilting to classic craftsmanship.

I have all 3 now. I have begun on Vol 1 and the information is invaluable! Cannot wait to get into Vol 2 and then Vol 3. Of course I peaked! I am so anxsious to get to Vol 3 before 4 comes out! Its a goal! Even if I don't follow step by step these will help me with the questions I have. I have only completed about 10 quilts... so I have questions. Then, I am teaching (or rather helping to learn) a good friend and my daughter-in-law to quilt. It isn't easy if you don't have reference material. Well these are it!!! Cram-packed with info, some things that you need clarification on and/or confirmation that you are doing it right, and other things that you didn't even know you needed to know! Be prepared to be blown away!

Better than five quilt classes. Teaches you step by step how to do your triangles. It also provides many tips to make life easier. I would love to have all four in my repertoire. However, being an advanced quilter, I will settle for books three and four. I have made over 100 quilts but book four alone taught me so much more that I didn't know that I bought book three to see what I missed. My quilts go so much faster now and far more perfect. My husband says I don't yell at my sewing machine as much any more.

This book is very good for beginners to master some of the aspects of quilting. Harriet and her daughter are clear and very percise. I am so glad to have this reference, I had no idea how many designs are made from simple squares, triangels and circles. I highly recommend this book. I try to do at least one of the projects in each section of the book for practise.

The whole series or volumes are the best teaching tools. Clear and concise, step by step Instructions from sophomore volume to senior volume. You will learn about setting sewing area, selection of essential tools and supplies, quilting fabrics, cutting and piecing. It is just like going to a 4-year college degree in quilting. Get these book-->the 4 of them and get quilting!

this book is aout triangles and seems to make them look easy to do (I am going to start soon). What I like most if the fact that it shows different techniques and one can try them all and pick what suits her or he project best, An actual skill builder.

Superb series of books for both beginners and advanced alike. So much to learn from them. They will really improve the quality of your quilts without losing the fun of quilting.

Still working through Vol 2, this is the carrot dangling in front of me. HH magic, the ronseal of quilting.

If you're an advanced beginner, intermediate or experienced quilter, this series is for you!! If you're a beginner or advanced beginner, I'd recommend you purchase volumes one and two as well. This series teaches you how to piece and design your quilt the RIGHT way! And yes, there is a right way to achieve perfect quilt tops.This third volume focuses on triangle and working with bias edges. I can't recommend this series enough!

the concept is great but the lack of patterns etc really limits the value of this whole series. I was excited to do one of the designs, I am a very advanced quilter, but the lack of specific info left me high and dry. A very exalted concept but no follow through. Pity, as their intentions were good but the cavalier attitude to assisting quilters to complete quilts shown is disappointing to say the least.