There is a broad appeal and a full color VISUAL approach set this guide apart. There are an estimated 21 million U.S. quilters. This unique reference guides readers through the entire quilting process, from selecting fabrics to assembling blocks to finishing seams, covering both hand stitching and machine quilting techniques. Full color, step by step photographs and 18 different patterns provide inspiration for quilters at all skill levels. Sonja Hakala (West Hartford, VT) has contributed how to articles to publications such as the "Boston Sunday Globe Magazine" and the "Old Farmer's Almanac" and edited a book of quilting stories, "American Patchwork" (ISBN: 0-312-34788-X).