53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cut once, make two, February 27, 2008
This review is from: Quilts On The Double: Dozens of Easy Strip-Pieced Designs (Paperback)
By the time I had gotten to the second page of this book, I was HOOKED. I thought "Finally, someone who makes quilt blocks easy AND they can be put together in so many ways". This will be a book that our guild can use over and over as we make our charity quilts for Habitat for Humanity and Love and Hugs.
The book shows 15 quilts but I'm going to bet that those 15 are just the tip of the iceberg with what can be done with these easy to make blocks. Showing how the basic block is made takes only one page to explain while in depth directions follow. Six pages show various ways to put the blocks together to make different designs. The authors include a section on choosing fabrics and explaining about fat quarters and their equivalents. They show fabric values and how one color can be many shades.
While you can make many, many designs with the basic block, the authors add another color triangle to the basic block which really gives you lots of possible designs. By cutting the triangles for each quilt, you will have pieces left over to make another one, thus the name, QUILTS ON THE DOUBLE. There are directions for making only one but if you are spending the time to cut for one, why not have pieces cut for a second without having to spend extra time to do it?
Each quilt is shown finished and its size is given. The materials list shows what is needed for making one or both. Cutting and finishing instructions are clear and graphics show what the directions are talking about. Finishing is left up to the maker. Quilting basics are covered for a new quilter or to refresh your memory if needed. And the final page gives a bit about each author.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful versatility with simple techniques, August 1, 2008
This review is from: Quilts On The Double: Dozens of Easy Strip-Pieced Designs (Paperback)
This is not just a book about variations in color and/or fabric style. The quilts you can design using the simple (yes, really simple) sewing and cutting methods are so varied that it's hard to believe they came from just 2 strips sewn together. The design possibilites remind me of the many ways there are to set together log cabin blocks; the difference here is that by beginning with 2 different sizes of strips sewn together,you end up with blocks that look really different from one another. You'll have top triangles, tail triangles and side triangles. And then the fun of designing begins.
The book has very clear and detailed instructions, many illustrations, and advice for using prints, solids and stripes. (There is a great section on the specifics of using striped fabric successfully, something I've struggled with before.) Bravo to the authors for giving us all access to this great design concept!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant idea, April 4, 2008
This review is from: Quilts On The Double: Dozens of Easy Strip-Pieced Designs (Paperback)
One of the best ideas I have seen. Can't wait to have a go at making the quilts in this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
