Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts (Paperback)

~ Bethany Reynolds (Author) "The "magic" works best when you choose a print you love..." (more)
Key Phrases: one full repeat, block kits, press allowances, Magic Stack-n-Whack Quilts, Morning Star, Diamond Ring (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Kaleidoscope quilts are one of the show-off pieces of a quilter's repertoire. They're judged not only on how perfectly the pieces are sewn to a point in the middle, but also on the cutting: if each piece isn't cut from exactly the same part of the pattern on the fabric, the effect is spoiled. The traditional way of making kaleidoscope blocks involves a special window template, much exaggerated care in cutting--and too often, much wasted fabric. Reynolds's revolutionary method of measuring and marking pattern repeats on the fabric, then cutting all the pieces for the kaleidoscope at once, is more precise, much less time consuming and wasteful, and keeps quilters from being slaves to the cutting process. Reynolds leads the reader smoothly through the process for half-square triangles, 45- and 60-degree triangles, and 45- and 60-degree diamonds. Magic Stack-n-Whack Quilts is an essential addition to the library of any quilter who's interested in the endless design possibilities in kaleidoscopes, stars, pinwheels, and hexagons. --Barrie Trinkle

Product Description

Working with medium- to large-scale prints, quilters can create dynamic pieced blocks without hours of planning and precision cutting. The kaleidoscope effects occur spontaneously, thanks to the ingeniously simple 'Stack-n-Whack' cutting technique. By stacking identical repeats of fabric, quilters can efficiently cut the pieces needed for all the blocks. Each block will be unique and unexpected, keeping the quilting experience fresh and exciting! With over 200 how-to illustrations and dozens of color plates. Designs include the classic LeMoyne Star, Hybrid Lilies, Kaleidoscope Pinwheel, Hexagon Star, Diamond Ring, Morning Star, and others, all pieced with construction methods that eliminate set-in seams and ensure quick, successful results. AUTHORBIO: The originator of this highly successful quilting technique, "Stack-n-Whack", she also publishes her own quilt patterns as part of BSR Designs. REVIEW: Whether you are looking for a way to create a dazzling quilt in a few days or whether you are simply a quilter who loves to play with fabric, I am confident you will love making [these] quilts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: American Quilter's Society; Ill edition (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574327046
• ISBN-13: 978-1574327045
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #65,593 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to easily making kaleidoscope quilts, May 2, 2000

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

As a beginning quilter, I found this book to be an excellent guide for easily making kaleidoscope quilts without mirrors or extensive measuring and cutting. As a paper crafter as well, I found the technique great for collages.

The book starts out by explaining how to choose fabric and pick colors. It's a great plus that almost any fabric that has a repeat pattern can be used. Then, there are lots of great tips on rotary cutting, machine piecing & pressing.

Next, the stack-n-whack process is demonstrated in detail with step-by-step instructions and full-color photos. Fourteen different quilt projects, in 7 different styles follow. Illustrations are used instead of photos for these.

The quilts themselves are beautiful. There are large color photos of each one. In the back there are guides and patterns for all the projects as well as lesson plans for classes.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful results, but recommend taking a class too., September 24, 2000

By	"deborahl" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Following this technique you will get wonderful results, but you need to have patience. Patience both in reading/comprehension as well as executing the technique.

I had seen a Stack-n-Whack quilt completed at a local quilt store. It was stunning! The store offered a class, but of course, it was already full. I was told that the class is so popular it usually fills in the first week it's offered. So, I made an attempt at it with the book alone. It was tedious at first, and I had to read the how-to's more than once. The patterns it created from only one print fabric were so varied it was amazing. Generally, I have trouble choosing colors for quilts, and with this technique all you need is one fun bold fabric, background and borders.

The author offers many helpful hints on selecting fabrics and has included photos of do's and don'ts. It shows each step through photos of an actual quilt's progress, so follow the photos as you read the instructions and you'll do fine.

I can't wait to start my next one!

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I COULD'NT WAIT ! ! ! !, January 3, 2000

By	Rita Reed (Baltimore,Ontario,Canada) - See all my reviews

I must say that I don't buy many books.I saw Bethany Reynolds on "Simply Quilts" ,I was so impressed at how simple her tecnique was that I ordered the book that same day. I told my friend about the book and sparked her interest too. We decided that we would do a quilt together when the book came in. I was so excited when I got the book that I looked through it and showed my friend. The book has many good pictures as well as a lot of detailed instructions. I got so excited about it that one week before Christmas I started my first stacknwhack. Since my friend had many things to do before Christmas, I started it without her.I COULDN'T WAIT! Luckily she was very understanding. I finished a baby sized quilt in two days. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another book from Bethany Reynolds. I don't think I have ever read a book with such clear instructions.