Traditional Patchwork Quilt Patterns with Plastic Templates: Instructions for 27 Easy-to-Make Designs (Dover Quilting) Paperback – 1 Feb. 2000

I have recently started getting into patchwork and was looking for a book that could take me a step on from the simple squares that I have been doing. This book fits the bill for me perfectly. It contains the patterns to create 27 traditional pattern blocks, which vary in complexity. All of the patterns can be made using the 4 plastic templates that are included, so there is no need to go out buying templates. What I really like is that all the pattern blocks are the same size, so instead of repeating one block over and over you could mix and match. Despite only ever doing patchwork squares before, there is nothing in the book that I couldn't do. For each pattern block there is a black and white outline along with with a diagram showing you the template required and type of colour. This book does not specify individual colours such as red or blue, but instead used dark, light, bright and medium. The diagrams of the pattern blocks show the variation in colour and pattern to help you visualise the block. Personally, I like the fact that colours have not been stated as it makes for greater individuality. There is one example of a completed block on the front cover which is very traditional, but a bit old fashioned for my personal taste. I look forward to having fun working out how to use colour and pattern to modernise these traditional blocks. There is some basic information at the start of the book about completing your quilt. However if you have never quilted before you might need to get some information from another source as it is very basic. However, if like me you know the basics, but want to start using slightly more complicated blocks then I highly recommend this book to get you quickly achieving your aims.

If you want a nice, basic introduction to making quilt blocks, using traditional designs, this is a great bargain buy. It comes complete with the templates, in fairly sturdy plastic, to get going. All you need to decide on is your fabric choice and whether or not you are going to machine or hand stitch each block.I'm afraid this does act as a gateway drug to the greater wonder of quilting; this was my first book, and although my first quilt was made using a couple of jelly rolls, I continually find my way back to this one. In the less than two years since I bought this book, I've made (and had finished) three quilts of varying size, colour and design, have just finished the blocks (using this book) for number four, have one more prepared and another in the planning!One word of advice; it's a good idea to buy more plastic of similar strength to make yourself some more templates, or buy a decent heavy plastic set as if you're anything like me, you'll shave the edges off the ones supplied in no time.In summary, if you aren't sure if quilting is for you, buy this before you embark on spending more on a larger book.

Good

If you want a cheap book with good, clear instructions and no frills then this is for you. If you are unsure about quilting and do not quite understand it, then this is a good book to try - it has some plastic templates too!. This book really will allow you to understand how quilting goes together - I now have the bug and it all seems so simple, but I was afraid to spend on too dear a book, so this is excellent. After that buy some good quality well known templates, a good mat and rotary cutter, the best you can afford and start a new hobby.

If you enjoy English Paper Piecing this book is invaluable (and an escape from the ubiquitous hexagon). You receive a basic range of templates and a range of traditional blocks to make with them. Yes, they are in black and white inside the cover but you are given a good idea of fabric value (light dark and medium shades) in each sample block, to be able to come up with colour combinations of your own - so much better than a copy of someone else's quilt. And, what's more you can make so many more designs of your own with these templates that are not in the book. I have used them over and over in designs of my own as well as traditional blocks that are not in this book. If you are used to English Paper Piecing then you are used to cutting out templates and you will know that this form of piecing is very forgiving of tiny inaccuracies with your scissors.

I was very disappointed with this. The only colour patchwork example is that on the cover. The remainder are simply diagrams of different types of patchwork patterns that can be achieved. Yes it does make the purchase and cutting out of the material pretty failsafe and gives good guidance on making the materials up but a few colour pictures would have been more inspirational. The cover of the book does show a couple of inside pages only in black and white but I hadn't realised that the entire book had no colour photos of the projects. Also I expected the templates to be ready cut. They are plastic but you still have the problem of cutting them exactly to size and if the scissors or cutter moves slightly you end up with a not truly straight edge which can effect the cutting out of the material. You can purchase plastic sheets clear or with gridlines at a much cheaper price so if one of your reasons for purchasing this book is getting the templates free I would think twice. This book cost more than "Fabulous Fat Quarter Bags" which is sumptuously coloured throughout and twice as thick.

Smashing little book. I , as a beginner found this very useful and the templates are a good starting set before the expense of the real ones. I can see myself using this book as a reference guide for many years to come.Later edit. I have just made a full size sampler quilt from all the patterns in this book. No problems , easy to use and the templates are still going strong. I have read a few books now on patchwork and found them confusing so I am still referring to these templates and patterns!!!How long is it now since I first reviewed this book. I am now doing patchwork on a regular basis and still refer to this book and its templates for my larger blocks which are perfect for tote bags !!! This little book is an absolute essential!!

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