Featured Book Selections
Nine Patch Gathering from Lisa Bongean and Carole Charles
Lisa Bongean and Carole Charles have just released their newest book, Nine Patch Gathering. They begin with directions for a simplified Nine Patch technique learned from Billie Lauder of Easymade Quilts. Now why haven’t I seen this before? When using this system you begin with two squares, stitch, cut, repeat… A single light and dark charm square yield two small Nine Patch blocks. The method is fun, fast and accurate!
The deep rich country style palette this duo is known for is spread throughout the book. Fifteen different quilts use either the tiny 1 ½” finished blocks or the slightly larger 3” finished blocks. The squares are showcased in both straight and “on point” settings. The addition of complimentary squares, triangles and borders makes for a diverse collection of small quilts.
I could barely wait to start a project from the book; any one would have worked because they are all wonderful. I choose to begin Strippy Nines by tearing into a stack of Hope charms from Moda. I pulled fabrics from my collection for the setting triangles (only because you start with a piece slightly larger than a charm square). I began after dinner and finished all the squares needed in just a couple hours. I slowed down a bit when it got to putting the rows together, mostly because I spend so much time planning where every piece goes, but still was ready for the quilting stage by bedtime. I can’t wait to start another one!
This book will make a great addition to your studio library - it is a fantastic resource to put your charm stack collection into use. It will also be wonderful as setting inspiration for those of you in our Stash Management group. I swear I had not even heard about the title before I left for market and Barb started you on our block exchange project!
Book $19.95
Eye Candy from Riley Blake
Riley Blake is a young company with novel ideas. They published a clever booklet that showcases many of their current fabric collections. Eye Candy is filled with fun projects including quilts, pillows, simple clothing, even a Tee Pee. Each project includes a supply list with illustrations of the fabric used, project photo and complete instructions. Recipes for some yummy sounding treats round out the mix (Mary Beth keeps thinking their recipie card artwork would make a great placemat design!). How smart of them to let us take a peak at what they had in mind when they designed the fabric collections. Book $9.95
Make sure to take a look at the Riley Blake fabrics we have available too.
Spectacular Rectangles Book
Mary Beth has just combined the beautiful artwork found in Gerta by Marcia Derse with stripes by Kaffe Fasset. The interesting shapes and color combinations in Marcia's artwork are perfectly complimented by the earthy stripes. This pieced rectangle stunner is the cover of Spectacular Rectangles by Ilene Bartos - fast, fun and fabulous - what more could she ask for?
Ellen has worked hard to present a wide variety of quilts, from simple to complex, which can be executed with her modern approach to piecing. Each design calls me, but I've begun with Star Whimsy - one blocks a start right?! Book $22.95
Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts Book
Kaffe's newest book has arrived! From cover to cover it is packed with stunning photography, beautiful text and exquisite quilts. Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts has been in the works for six years - and well worth the wait. His aim is to inspire you to look closely at the world around you for the simple shapes we use in our quilts. The details you notice may very well become the basis of an exceptional new piece.
The book contains step-by-step instructions for twenty-three quilts. The fabric selections shown make even the simplest designs breathtaking. I've already begun collecting fabrics for the Bow-Tie Circles quilt. The clearly written directions will make construction of the piece an enjoyable task.
Star Savvy Laps from Fats Quilt Book
Mary Beth came across Star Savvy Laps from Fats as she was looking through the newest books to share with members at our next Quarter Queens meeting. Ellen Replogle has done it again - yet another book filled with fantastic pieces created from fat quarters. This time you will find instructions for 13 different lap quilts featuring pieced stars (some of the quilts are fairly large, others could easily be enlarged to bed size).
Most of Ellen's quilts are made in country style prints - her fat quarter collection must look like the front left corner of the shop! Because the directions are illustrated with gray scale drawings you will be able to imagine them in other fabric styles as well - batiks would be an interesting alternative (bright contemporary style quilts would result).
Instructions for each quilt begin with a fat quarter lay out guide and are followed by a cutting chart and block and quilt assembly sections. Many of the pages also offer added bits of information - the designer's inspiration, technique tips and general guidance.
Ellen has worked hard to present a wide variety of quilts, from simple to complex, which can be executed with her modern approach to piecing. Each design calls me, but I've begun with Star Whimsy - one blocks a start right?! Book $22.95
Stop, Drop and Roll Quilt Book
If you're a Jelly Roll fan you'll want to take a look at Stop, Drop and Roll. Heather's premise is perfect - if you're stressed Stop, Drop what you're doing and grab a Jelly Roll. The finished quilts are great fun and the sewing is sure to be as well.
Bold fabric combinations enhance the simple piecing in these quilts. They are perfect for groups that include polka dots and stripes. Mary Beth had just finished sketching a design that mimicked ric rac when she opened the book - beaten to the punch - there was a perfect one already published.
Heather begins the book with general directions that include both piecing and machine applique techniques. The cutting chart for each project details how to use Jelly Roll strips, but also how to use other cuts of fabric to accomplish the same look. Clearly illustrated construction information (including pressing directions) and beautiful photos round out the book. These cheerful quilts will make a wonderful addition to your home. Book $15.00
