What are you going to do with all that Christmas gift money? Don't you just need another quilt book? Here is one you will love. Block Party: A Quilter's Extravaganza of 120 Rotary-Cut Block Patterns by Marsha McCloskey. I have had my copy for a couple of weeks and I am still reading and re-reading, while oohing and aahing over the blocks.
Block Party starts with some good direction on how to use the main sections of the book, "The Block Library" comes first, then "Designing Your Own Quilt", "Mix-and-Match Projects", with a small section on quiltmaking basics. The illustrated block index in the back is a great help in finding a block you like but can't recall the name.
"The Block Library" devotes a page to each of the 120 blocks. Old favorites and new designs are given although there is no distinction made between the old and new. Each block is shown in actual fabrics, and also several shadings for different effects. An outline drawing of the block shows the templates needed (included) if you choose that method. Rotary directions are given in the cutting chart. Clear instructions for assembling the pieces are shown in detail.
Since all the blocks are 9 inches, any combination of the various designs will fit together. Marsha also shows how combinations of 4 or more blocks will cause other patterns to appear.
In the section "Designing your own Quilt", setting ideas are explored, tips for borders, lattices, cornerstone possibilities and hints on proportions in using repeats of your block in the border.
The "Mix and Match Projects" include complete directions, yardage requirements, and have color photos of the finished projects, 16 in number, wall hangings, table runners, baby quilts, and full size quilts.
Most of the information in this 244 page book can be used straight from the book or can be adapted for use in your own designs. The basic quiltmaking instruction is a little sparse, not very detailed, but the book is a great one for beginner and advanced quiltmakers alike.
Published in 1998 by Rodale, Block Party is Marsha McCloskey's 16th book on quilting. Soft cover, slick pages, it is affordable at $18.95
Any comments or questions? Send them to Merry Sunshine or add them to the Discussions below. Do you have a favorite quilt book or a favorite author?
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