Customer Reviews

Carrie Hall Blocks: Over 800 Historical Patterns from the College of the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent resource book for those interested in quilt history. The more than 800 blocks were made between 1900-1935. Both pieced and appliqued blocks are shown in color. The pattern section of more than 200 blocks range from easy level to difficult. The template section is very easy to use. Each block is shown in color and then in sections with all template numbers listed. All blocks in this section have been converted to more standard sizes and could be converted to other sizes with relative ease by any quilter. A fantastic book and a must for any quilter's personal library!

An excellent collection of blocks. The book shows color thumbnails of each block. A section of the book has construction diagrams and there are also pattern pieces for many of the blocks included. A wonderful source of inspiration for use with the reproduction fabrics available today and for those people who belong to quilt block exchange groups.

If you are interested in quilt history or in the names of traditional quilt blocks, this book is an invaluable tool. Carrie Hall sewed and collected various quilt blocks along with their names in what is now an encyclopedia of quilt history. I have used this book both for inspiration in my own quilt block making and also for historical interest (which blocks were named after political events, etc). Definitely one to have on your quilt book shelf.

This book is an excellent design source for anyone interested in older quilt patterns. The book features color photos of 800 quilt blocks with captions giving the name of each and the approximate size of the original block. Included are patterns and piecing diagrams for 200 of the blocks. The blocks are all pieced with vintage fabrics for anyone who is interested older fabrics. Just a wonderful book!

I like the fact that the book has a hard cover. And with 800 patterns, a person should be able to find something they like. However, I found other books on patterns that I like much better ("It's Okay if You Sit on My Quilt", "Once More Around the Block" and "849 Traditional Patchwork Patterns) and I have never used this book for a reference (yet) because I like my other books better. And I'm not crazy about the choice of fabrics that are used; there isn't much definition in value. There are quite a few applique patterns.

Carrie Hall Blocks are a great resource to have. There are 800 different pattern blocks to look at with 200 having the templates completed in the back. But if you wanted to make a block not templated all you would have it do is xerox the picture to a desired size and then draft it. But with 200 templated you have more than enough to chose from. I have made some of the blocks and used this resource to research block names. Not only does she have a copy of blocks, but she also will have copies of blocks that have the same name but different patterns. This one feature has cleared up many confused moments.

istanbuljoy

This book is a must have for any serious quilter's library. Whether you like traditional patterns or not, you need to be knowledgeable of your quilting roots. Carrie Hall spent a great deal of time and effort collecting all of these blocks...they are truly museum worthy!

Wonderful book of Vintage block patterns, makes cataloging some of those old orphan blocks great or making that wonderful vintage look quilt. If you like vintage designs you need this collection of designs.

a good selection of old blocks, some of which are no longer made. It would be a better book if all of the blocks shown had the pattern for making it, along with directions for actually putting the blocks together. A beginner quilter could be easily confused or discouraged from trying the blocks because of this.