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Book Review: Easy Pieces by Margaret J Miller

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Don't let the title of this book mislead you into thinking that it is for beginners only. The subtitle Creative Color Play with Two Simple Quilt Blocks hints at the true wonder of this book, which explores how a simple quilt block can act as a springboard for an incredible variety of exciting quilts.

As you page through the glorious colour photos in Easy Pieces you will be amazed at the possibilities of two easy-to-assemble blocks, made up of six wedges or triangles, that are used alone, in combination, or with their mirror images. By playing with the blocks you explore ways of using lights and darks in your quilt and discover the possibilities created by using more fabrics rather than fewer.

The well-written, easy-to-follow text takes you through choosing fabrics, paying attention to value and variety; the mechanics of making the blocks including careful diagrams of cutting your fabric and arranging the pieces prior to sewing; the patterns derived from the rotation of the blocks; and even step-by-step directions for two projects for those who wants more guidance in making their first Easy Pieces quilt.

Useful tips are sprinkled throughout the text. This example from the supplies list: "For easy retrieval of appropriate shapes, I set an ironing board up to my left, at the same height as and perpendicular to my sewing machine table." The item I liked best in the supplies list is "time" because "you need to let the design evolve."

The chapter of rotation patterns is mind-boggling. I doubt many quilters have the time to explore the possibilities of a block as the author has done here. As I turned the pages in amazement, knowing that I would probably never make the time to try even a tenth of the designs here, I started thinking afresh about other blocks and how they might be used. This I think is one of the reasons why this is such an excellent book - it invites you to play with possibilities.

And once I got to the images of quilts made with one colour family, with separators added as accent colors, different size blocks, panel prints, sashing strips, I was truly amazed and inspired. As the author says, you'll find the real challenge created by this book is "to stop playing with the blocks on your design wall and make a quilt with them".

Whether you have just started quilting, wish to be lead into a new direction, or are a confident quilter, Easy Pieces will surprise and delight you.

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