Fat Quarterly Shape Workshop for Quilters: 60 Blocks + a Dozen Quilts and Projects! by Katy Jones
I am sure I have mentioned in passing that I am going through all of my quilt books. This book is one I rediscovered. I have a vague memory of buying it but had completely forgotten about it until this recent inventory.
The book is described as “…quilters of all skill levels will develop a deeper understanding of how shapes can be incorporated into a design while completing gorgeous projects. “- Cover flap. After reading the book and looking at the photos, I agree. I think, overall, it provides a breath of freshness when thinking about shapes.
The Introduction (pg.6) describes the Fat Quarter Shop and the Fat Quarterly, a former e-zine, which I don’t think is published any longer. The Welcome page (pg.8) follows with a description of the Shape Workshop, “…the ultimate guide to understanding and incorporating shapes into your quilt projects.” (pg.8). The book “presents six common quilting shapes used in dynamic and exciting ways. “(pg.8).
The About Us page shows the team responsible for the book. Some were associated with Generation Q magazine, so very modern quiltmakers.
The shape ‘workshops’ start on page 10 with squares and rectangles. There is a description of squares and rectangles followed by blocks (pg.11-21) comprised of squares and rectangles. Some blocks are renamed classic block patterns. For example, Owl in the Corner (pg.20) is really a Nine Patch with cool owl fabric. Each block takes up one page including the instructions for making the block.
The shape’s block section is followed by a project section with about two projects in each section. Each project features the chapter’s shape(s). The directions are about 2-4 pages each.
The shapes covered in this book, in addition to squares and rectangles, are circles, triangles, stars, polygons and diamonds. Each shape is described on one page that includes some quick tips. Each section has about 10 blocks covering one page each. As with the squares and rectangles section, there are two-four larger projects.
In the circle section (pg.30-49) I really like the Modern Wheel block (pg.34). It reminded me of the blocks in my Eye of God quilt. The Quarter Twist block (pg.36) is similar to the Flowering Snowball block. I also like the Joseph’s Coat block (pg.40). This block keeps coming up in various ways, so I might have to make at least one of these block soon.
Both Circle projects are fun. There are pizza placemats (pg.43-45), which would be great gifts for a young person flying the nest.
The Orange Soda quilt (pg.46-49) looks like a big challenge. The example uses fun fabrics. The curves are done with applique’ not piecing so not as difficult as the project first appears. It could also be done with piecing, but would need more planning. If I had been writing this section, I would have included both options.
Triangles make up chapter 3 (pg.50-67). Migration (pg.52) and Points Practice (pg.53) stand out, but the blocks are interesting in general. Points Practice is one of those blocks where a classic that has been renamed. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Mosaic #17 and is n.345 from Ladies Art Company. The Fast Forward / Rewind quilt (pg.64-67) is a fun variation of Flying Geese.
Stars are the featured shape in chapter 4 (pg.68-89). Different shapes make up the overall star designs. Scrappy Star (pg.71) immediately caught my attention as it is one of the blocks the Patchwork Palooza BOM. In the Patchwork Palooza Project, it is called Whirl & Settle. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Indian Star. It was originally published in the Kansas City Star in 1937.
Three in the Breeze (pg.75) is a good use of, or a different take on, the Friendship Star block.
Chapter five (pg.90-109) is all about polygons. In case your last geometry class was too many ears ago, a polygon is a many sided flat shape with at least three straight sides, but typically five or more (pg.90). The authors help readers out by saying ” some are made from pure polygon shapes, some are simpler shapes that together create a polygon shape. ” (pg.90).
In the block section Castle Walls is a winner (pg.95). Dresden Plate is included in this section (pg.96-97) and has great directions for making the petal points. I also like Bathroom Tile (pg.99), but I don’t like the construction. It looks like the authors tried to simplify the construction and just made it more complicated using applique’.
The Saw Blade quilt (pg.106-109) in this section is a classic and stellar. I’d love to make this quilt sometime. The authors use templates for construction, but I think there is a way to make the blades using strip piecing.
Finally, diamonds, which are the subject of Chapter six (pg.110-129). Most of the included blocks have squares on point or a group of shapes that look like a diamond rather than incorporating true diamond shapes. Still, there are a couple of blocks, like Diamond Pinwheel (pg.114) and Diamond in a Diamond (pg.119) that use a true diamond shape. I like the way the authors expand the way readers think about diamonds and all the shapes, in general.
Pinchers (pg.121) would make a really fun quilt. It would be easy using EPP. The Starry Hanging Storage (pg.122-125) is a fun and useful project. I might choose different blocks or motifs for the exterior, or even a really fun print with no piecing or applique, but I like the idea.
The final chapter is the ubiquitous ‘Quilting Basics” section (pg.130-143). It includes how to piece various units like Flying Geese, HSTs and Four Patches. There are also instructions on how to complete applique’ and EPP. Templates are also included. They need to be enlarged.
Overall, this is an inspiring book. The layout is innovative even though the book is a few years old (2011). I like the styling, especially the way the different chapters used different colors.
The teaching element was good and not heavy handed. See if your library has this book. It is worth a look.
**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 website.
