The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns: 4050 Pieced Blocks for Quilters Hardcover – October 15, 2009

This is a very complete and extensive reference and training book for using and creating traditional patchwork blocks. It is not a quilt design book, although there are around a dozen illustrations of quilts that she has designed (these are all very elegant, some very unique). The book is about drafting patchwork blocks and the ways that recoloring and redrawing existing blocks can change them. There is an entire chapter about how the blocks are organized by the grids and templates that are used to create them. This is supplemented by grids printed on transparent material that can be used to identify what kind of grid a particular block is created with (you superimpose the grids over a given block until you find the one that fits). There are multiple methods given for recreating block designs if you do not have a computer with some built-in grids and for drawing various grid shapes (drawing a hexagon block takes some training). Every block has a line drawing that accompanies it at the bottom of the page. She also has a chapter on design ideas, including designing in black, white and gray to establish the values needed to produce the block, using mirrors to see how square designs will look when made from a particular fabric, designing two block quilts, fragmenting, using value when selecting fabrics, creating tessellations and how to use border prints for blocks and sashing. This is a particularly helpful feature of the book.The blocks are drawn from many pre-1970 sources and the documentation for each block and its variations is substantial. She includes some of the blocks that she designed for the Hilton Head seminars she used to give. These very interesting blocks will be useful to those using cube designs in their one block wonder fabrics and those creating quilts that have a more contemporary look, among others. All of the blocks are presented with the very elegant fabrics she has designed that are available on her website. If I can characterize the overall look of the completed blocks, I would say that it tends towards antique, baroque or gothic, reminding me of the mosaic floors that one sees in European cathedrals and palaces. The quilts are luminous, for the most part.She states in the beginning of the book that she now uses a computer program to design her blocks and quilts. The grid tools that she presents are very helpful for users of quilting software as well as those using traditional drafting tools. She designed some of the grids herself and these are very helpful in drafting complex shapes like hexagons. My own use of my computer quilting software has taken a huge leap as I have started using the tools presented in this book.Highly recommended for quilters using traditional blocks who are serious about developing their craft.

Love these books so manny nice patterns

Love this book. Clear pictures, well organized.There aren't any instructions on how to sew these blocks, but you can figure it out, if that's what you are into. =) So happy I could get a copy of this book- originally found it at my local library.

I love this book! It was in excellent condition upon quick delivery. It is like new even though you can’t get it new anymore. It’s the most amazing encyclopedia of quilt patterns and instructions. Includes transparencies with patterns, and measuring tools. Anyone interested in quilting would benefit from this book. I first got it at the library but decided it was so incredible I had to own a copy. I can only imagine the hours (more like years!) the author spent putting this wonderful book together. A MUST for quilt enthusiasts!! 💖💕

I bought this for my personal library. The pictures show actual fabric photos and piecing techniques. I keep it by my chair and refer to it while drinking a cup of coffee and reviewing. I truly enjoy looking at it.

Purchased for patterns. So much more than expected. Lovely book! It is really something to enjoy and inspire. (Note: Print small could be for older or compromised readers. Other wise would have rated 5 stars)

I bought this book for my wife who loves it . I am not a quilter but I have developed a love for Quilts . I consider them the stain glass of cloth . This book will inform and inspire any one to love and a appreciate quilts . In this book the Author not just give you pictures of blocks but the historical origins and applications . The color plates as well as the drawing guarantee this book will be a treasure of ever increasing value . I got it for $32 pre-order and at this time it is already at $70 plus and will only rise in price , it is that important a book in the Quilting world . A superb resource and a treasure trove of information . I do stain glass an have already been inspired to some new pictures . The geometry of quilting is as fascinating as the use of color . She has catalogued a collection of her pre 1970 quilt blocks along with a few of her newer blocks , giving both the source and date the block was published . Also give the various names that block is known by . All this in a single encyclopedia grade book . Quality binding that lies open with little trouble . Years worth of material . Get it for the quilter in your life. She will love it .

This is the most amazing compendium of quilting blocks. I own this book and bought a used copy for my daughter as it is long out of print. It is a must have for any serious quilter interested in the history of American quilt design.

Excellent colour illustrations and line drawings for the blocks. Well organised. Book is in excellent condition.

Esse livro é lindo!!! Fácil entendimento.

Für alle ProfiQuilter und für Patchwork Anfänger ist dieses Buch absolute Empfehlung!4050 Blocks/ Pattern, mit ausführlicher Beschreibung der Bilder.

Creo que es un excelente libro, pero se necesita mucha información para entenderle

Me recomendaron este libro para mis clases de patchwork y es absolutamente maravilloso. Es una pena que esté descatalogado pero afortunadamente pude conseguirlo de segunda mano.Un imprescindible!!!