It’s been awhile since I posted a book review. Here is a great book I think you will enjoy!
The full title is The New Ladies’ Art Company Quick & Easy Block Tool: 110 Quilt Blocks in 5 Sizes with Project Ideas.
The New Ladies’ Art Company Quick & Easy Block Tool: 110 Quilt Blocks in 5 Sizes with Project Ideas by Connie Chunn
I saw this book at a shop in Oregon last year. I didn’t buy it at that time, but I did add it to my wish list. One of my SILs bought it for me as a gift. I don’t ‘need’ any more block books, but I love them! In this case, I am glad I received this one as it has great ideas for using blocks. They also used lovely colors for the examples.
Ladies Art Company “of St. Louis, Missouri was the earliest quilt pattern company to publish quilt patterns in large quantities and design varieties. Officially established in 1889 (although the family gave a date of c1874 for the founding), Ladies Art Company continued to publish patterns until the 1970s. This collection is housed in the Michigan State University Museum.” See Quilt Index for more information.
This book starts off, after the table of contents, with directions on how to use the Block Charts (pg.4). This page includes a chart key giving makers tips on reading and using the various charts, especially the charts that tell makers how sew each block. Quiltmakers use this book in a similar manner to Around the Block**, a favorite block book, which is now out of print.
The Block Index by Name (pg.5-7) shows all the blocks included in this book. It is arranged by name as suggested by the title. The author or editors have colored the examples so readers get an idea of how the finished pieces will look. Remember to try placing colors in different places for different looks. Changing placement of the colors and fabrics allows makers to perfect their piecing by using the same pattern over and over to achieve different looks.
The Block Index by Grid (pg.8-10) helps quiltmakers combine different blocks together to create interesting secondary designs. This feature relates back to Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, but without the extra information Ms. Beyer provides. It’s a good start to learning about grids and understanding some of the math of quilt blocks. You can always level up with The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns**.
To help readers who use and enjoy precuts, a “Precut Friendly Index” (pg.11) is also included. This information provides a baseline to terms and sizes used in the book. Great idea! The terms and sizes are followed by lists of blocks suitable for the various precut sizes. For example, charm squares (5 in. x 5 in.) can be used for Crazy Ann and Cut Glass Dish blocks while fat quarters can be used for Home Treasure and Kansas Troubles. Remember: yardage can be used for all blocks. You don’t need precuts to be successful!
Block making instructions start on page 13 with the block, Album 1. Included on each block’s page is a wealth of information. Not only do readers find the name and a list of cutting instructions, but the grid, design options, a piecing chart, yardage for a quilt and written instructions. Note that yardage for only one size quilt is given. That varies depending on the block pattern. Some sizes give enable you to make baby quilts, while other blocks have lap quilt sizes included. Readers can extrapolate out for other needed sizes. The block pages are extremely well designed.
The Ladies Art Company (LAC) number is also included. It can help you reference other resources. For example, if you know the LAC number you will be able to find the exact same block in Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns (3rd Edition)**. This and The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns both have references to LAC numbers.
What sold me on this book was the ‘Design Options’ section. The author and editors show different creative ways in which the blocks can be combined and used. This visual aid really spurs on creativity. I particularly like the movement in the Barrister’s Block (pg.15). Combining Fanny’s Favorite (pg.42) blocks creates an interesting secondary design. Mrs. Morgan’s Choice (pg.80) also appeals through the diamonds adding additional movement to an interesting pattern. So many of these blocks look simple and even a little boring alone, but shine when combined. The quilt made up of Nonsense (pg.82) blocks is one such design. It really sings when combined with like blocks. Old Tippecanoe (pg.89), combined with Snowball blocks creates a great chain type design.
Rocky Glen (pg.98) has a lot of piecing which makes the quilt look modern and very complicated when the blocks are combined.
Swing in the Center (pg.112) is probably my favorite because the combination of multiple blocks looks like a mosaic floor.
Turkey Track (pg.117) reminds me of the Spiky 16 patch quilts I have made. Quiltmakers could make the spikes (HRTs) in this block with the Split Recs ruler**.
After the block section is finished, the author has included a section called Tips & Helpful charts (pg.123-128), a useful section. I recommend you mark it and keep in mind for later. There are tips on cutting different shapes (pg.123) and also how to sew various shapes (pg.124).
The ‘Corner Alignment for Piecing Shapes’ (pg. 125) is from Alex Anderson’s Simply Stars book ** and is one of the most useful charts around. Use this chart to ensure your are lining up your triangles the correct way for the best piecing outcome.
Find information on yardage (pg.126), sizes for on point designs (pg.126) and a chart for changing block sizes (pg.127) as well.
Piecing blocks is a great way to hone your sewing skills. This book can support that as well as a desire to step away from patterns and create your own quilt designs. It is also a great help if you are not feeling inspired.
Nota bene: The only edition available on Goodreads was the Kindle edition. I didn’t read the Kindle edition. I read a spiral bound paperback edition** and that is the edition I recommend.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.
