Customer Reviews

Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been working with the squares and completed two which are wonderful. I know the final quilt will be awesome. The third square I've tried, however, # 35 has a measurement error. The A and C pieces should be 8 and 1/2 inches instead of 8 1/4. These will be cut into further pieces and those pieces do not match the instructions given. And, I see from a previous review that design 80 also has an error and that a 5 1/2 inch piece should be 3 and 1/2. I suggest that readers cut their first design on paper to make sure all pieces go together correctly.

Susan Briscoe has produced a gorgeous book, full of unique designs and patterns. Many of the patterns are simple; others, especially the appliques, a complex. The photos are beautiful and show how Japanese fabrics can be utilized in striking ways. In addition, Briscoe offers plenty of tips on color, block construction, design, piecing, sashiko stitching, etc. If you have any Japanese fabrics in your stash (or even if you don't), you'll enjoy this book.

The book,Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match, is beautifull illustrated.The instructions are clear and instructive. The applique patterns are truely unique, ranging from easy to more advanced.There are also pieced patterns and Sashiko patterns.The book gives instruction in Sashiko.I rated this book 4 stars. It lost a point because all of the applique patterns have to be enlarged 200%. Since my preference leans toward applique ,I find it frustration to have to wait untill I can get to Staples to have the patterns enlarged. That aside,this hard covered,color- illustrated book is a must if you have or want to have a keen interest in quilting Japanese blocks.

Susan Briscoe's Japanese Quilt Blocks book must be one of the top ten quilt design books ever. I had been searching for a long time for a way to make simple elegant 9-inch patches that are not the same old traditional American items.
Briscoe's book has so inspired me on to creating little 9-inch patches that I simply cannot wait to sit at my work table each day to play with further fabric combinations and designs. The extraordinary way she has combined her patches into quilts give me great pleasure and encourage me to do the same. The directions and color photos in the book are excellent. And the rating of each of the 122 designs by difficulty helps, too.
I treasure this book.
Also, it is the first quilting book I have felt inspired to buy in 20 years!

I think the designs in this book are terrific and the directions good but limited. As I began to make the blocks, I discovered that although the author defines the finished blocks at 9 inches, the measurements were not accurate in either the cutting or finished block. Even with the finest rotary tool cutting, the blocks became finished at multiple sizes ranging from 9.5" to 8.25". If you are a quilter who is comfortable cutting down block sizes or increasing them, then the book offers beautiful designs.

Wonderful book with inspiring designs, but the kimono pattern measurements (68, 69 and 70) are not accurate. The triangular pieces at the side are too small - 5 1/4 x 3 3/8, and 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 seem to work. Also the long thin pieces at the top are too short. They should be 5 x 1 instead of 4 5/8 x 1. Experiment before cutting fabric. Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match

I just received this book and I'm really impressed with it! The blocks are beautiful and well presented. Some of the piecing procedures can be done a little easier than is shown, but basically this book is a real find! I love Japanese motifs and have done a bit of sashiko so this book is a real inspriation for me!

I am so frustrated with this book. The patterns are so beautiful, but the measurements are inaccurate and the directions are none existent. I have spent days on 3 different blocks and ran into the same problems, measurements do not match, pieces do not fit together, or do not make any sense. Only small color squares are a guide to the cut pieces and the order of construction. I am sorry I invested in Susan Briscoe's Japanese Taupe Quilts before I tried some blocks from Japanese Quilt Blocks! Too bad, because I love her designs but I do not have the ability to redraft them.

Thanks for this great book. The illustrations are very helpful and the book is laid out in a very user friendly way. It's a beautiful reference text.

Although there was a reliance on templates in this book (I prefer template-free cutting and sewing) there was one feature I especially enjoyed. The author created a large variety of combinations of blocks. There were more than just Sampler-Style quilts. Many of these combinations of 2 or more blocks created beautiful additional design elements that tickled the eyes. With this kind of creativity Japanese Quilt Blocks is better than the average specialty block book.