Thinking Outside the Block: Step by Step to Dynamic Quilts [Paperback]

Sandi Cummings (Author), Karen Flamme (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Contemporary quilts the easy way - no rules, just fun! Start with traditional blocks as Sandi Cummings shares easy steps to designing and creating your own artistic quilts. Next, move up to deceptively simple "transition" units that offer a bridge into the world of contemporary quiltmaking. Spontaneity and experimentation are key, so get ready to loosen up and have fun as you learn! • 6 different blocks teach Sandi's concepts - one step at a time • Easy processes include inserting strips into blocks, constructing free-form units, cutting double, and creating checkerboards • Learn to experiment with design and develop one-of-a-kind quilts

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing; 1st edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571202382
• ISBN-13: 978-1571202383
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #716,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must-have classic, April 13, 2004

By 

sarahbellum (MA, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thinking Outside the Block: Step by Step to Dynamic Quilts (Paperback)

Once every few years a quilt book comes out that completely changes the way you think about making quilts. This is one of those books. I just got my copy a few days ago and I am already wearing it out. It is full of ways to make beautiful, one-of-a- kind quilts easily and intuitively. After taking you through some vital information about choosing fabrics, Sandi has you start with a familiar star block, and go on to add a few "transition" blocks that make your stars suddenly turn into a whole new kind of quilt. Then you learn how to create all kinds of new free-spirited designs using methods that are as fun as they are easy. For example, Sandi has you cut a simple square or block in a couple of places and insert contrasting strips, then cut again and use the pieces in a variety of ways. She offers several methods and variations for "cutting double," in which you freehand-cut two blocks at once and then trade alternate pieces, and she offers a plan for making gorgeous strip-pieced garden quilts that will have you pulling out all your large-scale florals. There is also advice on setting up a group, on working in series, and on quilting collaboratively. And take a look at the fabrics Sandi uses! Her mix of hand-dyes, batiks, and commercial fabrics is spectacular, and a valuable lesson in itself.
This is not a book for those who like traditional, matchy-matchy quilts, but if you love making interesting and original works of quilt art, this book is a dream come true.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let yourself go!, June 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Thinking Outside the Block: Step by Step to Dynamic Quilts (Paperback)

If you are one of those people who hate to do the same thing over and over again, this book is for you. It gives you some basic design ideas then turns you loose. I love working with fabric, and this book is a fresh aproach to going your own way. There are three or four main block ideas, as well as ideas about how to buuild and learn from doing a series, getting feedback from other quilters, and using up your scraps. I quilt like I cook . . . learn the basics, then substitute what you like for what you don't . . . keeping what pleases you. This book may upset some of those who like to "stay inside the box" keeping the rules and never taking a chance, because of a fear of what the established quilting community may think. But, the methods are easy to learn, and let you make your own statement. I loved this book!

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a little juice for anyone looking for a re-charge!, February 19, 2005

By 

N. R. Evans (Nebraska, US) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thinking Outside the Block: Step by Step to Dynamic Quilts (Paperback)

The previous reviewer who stated that this is "one technique done over and over" clearly only looked at one PAGE of this book. There are at least SIX distinct techniques, along with multiple gallery examples for each, ideas for combining trad blocks with unique "transitions", beautiful color photos, an ending section on combining leftovers and layered throughout is a wonderful narrative of design basics and creative encouragement! Quilters who like watercolor quilts should check out the Garden Lattice technique - stunning! And the Irregular Checkerboards will appeal to Nancy Crow fans. There are art quilts, baby quilts, pictorial quilts - my personal favorite is Searching for the Light by Marilyn Felber. This book will be a boost to anyone's creatvity and imagination (providing you have some to begin with!).