Quilt Book Reviews

STARS BY MAGIC by Nancy Johnson-Srebro

I was instantly intrigued by the cover of Nancy Johnson-Srebro's newest book, which promises a new super-easy technique for creating diamond-free stars from squares and rectangles. When I got the book home, I discovered that, not only could I make eight-pointed stars from squares and rectangles, but I could make them with much more precision and with greater ease than using the old-fashioned y-seam approach. Her technique is amazing!

The book begins with a thorough explanation of her diamond-free method. This is followed by 30 star block patterns in 5 sizes. Each pattern is wonderfully illustrated, a plus for visual learners like me. The book ends with 10 quilt "maps" that allow you to use any of the blocks interchangeably.

If you've avoided eight-pointed star patterns because of the difficulty that they present, you'll want to take a look at this book. You'll never look at eight-pointed stars the same way again! 

For more information visit:

http://www.blockcentral.com/dir/go.php?id=5941

300 PAPER-PIECED QUILT BLOCKS - by Carol Doak

Carol Doak is my favorite paper-piecing expert. Her latest book offers an exciting array of blocks, all made easy by paper-piecing. In addition, there is a CD-ROM included with the book that you can use to print out the blocks from your computer.  

The book begins with a wonderfully illustrated explanation of paper- piecing. Each of the 300 blocks is accompanied by a handy cutting chart and a color photo of the finished block. Block subjects include letters, numbers, people, structures, vehicles, flowers, and a wide assortment of striking geometric designs. At less than 10 cents per pattern, this paper-pieced collection is a great value!

For more information visit:

http://www.blockcentral.com/dir/go.php?id=5962

5,500 QUILT BLOCK DESIGNS - by Maggie Malone

This book is an incredible source of information for anyone who shares my fascination for quilt blocks. It contains images of 5,500 pieced quilt blocks and includes source information whenever possible. I keep this book on my desk next to my computer and use it to answer block questions that land in my mailbox each week. :)

It does not contain instructions for making each block, but you can use the images to draft blocks in the sizes that you need. The author provides grids at the beginning of each section to help you draft the blocks within the section.

This is an amazing block collection that deserves to be on every
quilter's bookshelf!

For more information visit:

http://www.blockcentral.com/dir/go.php?id=5979

PEELED-BACK PATCHWORK - by Annette Ornelas

This book presents a technique to add curves to your quilts without cutting and sewing curved pieces. Simply sew a folded piece of fabric into place, peel it back, and sew it down. Instant curves!

Chapter 1 is full of information from selecting fabric to the "how-to's" of the "peeled-back" technique. This is followed by 12 beautiful quilt projects that will allow you to practice and master this wonderful technique.

For more information visit:

http://www.blockcentral.com/dir/go.php?id=5999

All books reviewed by Kim Noblin, Editor of BlockCentral.com.

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