Stars a la Carte [Paperback]

Bethany Reynolds (Author), Barbara Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

Bethany Reynolds, author of Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm) Quilts, details a "user friendly" version of the classic LeMoyne Star block. Step-by-step illustrations guide quilters in piecing eight-pointed star blocks without the traditional set-in "Y" seams. The book includes directions with complete yardage and cutting charts for two dozen quilt projects, each in 6" and 12" block sizes, along with a special bonus chapter on creating "Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm)" stars to showcase in any of the settings.

Fans of Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm) Quilts will recognize the author's practical and innovative approach to quiltmaking techniques. In addition to the "Stack-n-Whack(tm)" method, this book offers clear and simple instructions for paper piecing intricate-looking stars. Appliqu complements the star blocks in some of the projects, and instructions are included for machine appliqu using fusing web or Bethany's special freezer paper and basting spray method.

Quilters will enjoy the variety of projects offered, from nineteenth century scrap looks to elegant new designs for the twenty-first century. Busy quilters will appreciate the convenience of the complete project directions, and the design flexibility of the interchangeable block system.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This practical and innovative approach to quiltmaking techniques makes star patterns a snap! From the author of the AQS bestseller, Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm) Quilts, comes a new version of the LeMoyne Star, the classic block that has charmed and frustrated quilters for centuries. With the addition of a few strategic seams, this eight-point star is simpler to make, and quilters will appreciate the design flexibility of the interchangeable block system presented. Directions with complete yardage and cutting charts for over a dozen quilt projects are included, along with a special bonus section on creating Magic Stack-n-Whack(tm) stars to showcase in any of the settings. With exciting block variations and a variety of mix and match settings, pieces can be cut from scraps or yardage with little waste and outstanding results!

About the Author

Bethany Reynolds has been quilting and teaching since 1982. Before they became parents, Beth and her husband, Bill, owned a fabric and quilt shop for 10 years. Beth says, "Because I personally dislike finicky stuff, like set-in seams and curved piecing, I've always put a lot of my energy into devising easier ways to get great results. Thanks to the popularity of the Stack-n-Whack (R) method, I've had the opportunity to share my designs and tricks with quilters across the US, as well as in Australia, England and France. For a girl who grew up on a Maine island, this has been an exciting adventure and a good geography lesson. Bethany still lives on the coast of Maine with her son and husband, who manages their ruler and pattern business. She spends about a quarter of her time traveling and teaching.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: American Quilter's Society (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574327399
• ISBN-13: 978-1574327397
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bethany S. Reynolds is an avid machine quilter who delights in developing new techniques. She has been quilting and teaching since 1982, when she and her husband, William, opened a fabric store. The store closed in 1992 when Bethany moved on to motherhood and quilt design. She publishes her quilt and wearable art patterns under her BSR Design, Inc. label.
Bethany lives on the coast of Maine and is an active member of the New England Quilters Guild and the Pine Tree Quilters Guild.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but not a keeper, April 21, 2003

By 

Antique Quilt Lover (Lancaster County, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stars a la Carte (Paperback)

If you are looking for Stack-n-Whack, this book contains only a couple of examples - the rest of the quilts are 8-pointed stars made by cutting the background squares and triangles in half so you don't have to do set-in "Y" seams. I tried piecing a star this way, and the piecing is a little easier, but it is not that hard to do the set-in seams and I don't like seeing the seams in what should be solid pieces of fabric. I'm a big fan of Bethany's Stack-N-Whack books but was a bit disappointed in this one.

26 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stars a la Carte, April 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stars a la Carte (Paperback)

Ms. Reynolds has given those of us who have had so much fun with stack 'n whack many more exciting projects to look forward to. Her clear, precise directions make the patterns easy to use and her illustrations and pictures help to complete a beautiful quilt. I can hardly wait to get started!

5.0 out of 5 stars Stars A La Carte, September 23, 2011

By 

S. L. Roberts "avid reader" (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stars a la Carte (Paperback)

An amazing book from an amazing author. I love all Bethany Reynolds' "stack and whack" books and I've used them time and again. Once you get into this method of making quilts your creative urges will keep you busy.