The Quilt Block Cookbook: 50 Block Recipes, 7 Sample Quilts, Endless Possibilities by Amy Gibson
I received this book as a gift from a guild member as part of a swap quite a while ago. I wasn’t that excited about it and almost gave it away. I never did and I am really glad! This book is surprisingly awesome!The blocks are different from those in regular block dictionaries. The concept, which I like, is about putting different units together to create interesting blocks. The concept is very similar to Doreen Speckman‘s book, Pattern Play.
The introduction (pg.9) starts with an essay on why the author loves blocks. I agree with all of Gibson’s comments, especially “…quilt blocks are incredibly versatile.” (pg.9). Sewing one block IS a little triumph and well-done blocks ARE mini masterpieces.
Blocks are a great way to build community. The author writes “Quilting isn’t just about sewing. It’s also about community…” (pg.10), which is included in the ‘Share the Love’ subsection (pg.10). Guilds can use this book for group projects around blocks, or a Block of the Month project. Working together with different units can show how simple changes make huge differences.
The ‘Share the Love’ subsection is followed by a “How to Use this Book” section in which the author explains fitting the units together into larger blocks, explaining “12 inch blocks are a very common size, and for good reason. They’re divisible by 2, 3, 4 and 6, which makes them incredibly versatile and simple to both design and work with.” (pg.11). This section shows how to make high impact changes with a small switch in units. The section also talks about templates.
This book is named “…Cookbook”, so the cooking theme is carried out throughout the book. In the ‘Season to Taste’ subsection, the author shares “from fabric choices, to unity styles and methods, by all means, please make these your own. And this where the unit substitutions come in. Maybe you don’t enjoy curves and you don’t want them in your block. No problem – use a different unit…” (pg.12).
The “Working the Grid” section is GREAT. It is a “quick overview of how grid style blocks work” with examples of different grids. It is a good lesson that gives quiltmakers real skills and reminds me of Jinny Beyer.
“Combining Units” (pg.14) talks about combining the different units included in the book. This builds on the previous section and gives the reader practice on breaking down blocks.
Gibson talks about most blocks needing to be squared up after making them (pg.15). I don’t agree and am concerned when she doesn’t talk about squaring up so the block or unit looks correct, e.g. points aren’t cut off. Sometimes squaring up is needed, e.g. in the Patchwork Palooza project, but you have to do it properly.
“Stocking Your Kitchen” (pg.17) is all about the tools and supplies you will need to make blocks. The “Ingredients” (pg.18-19) are described as the basic units that the book uses to make blocks. The idea is to use these to build up blocks. These are mostly normal blocks, like 9 Patch and Flying Geese. Some of them are colored differently or turned a different way to fill out the section with ‘new’ blocks or units. In general, I love these pages and know I could happily make blocks forever with only these units.
The blocks start on page 22. All of the blocks are made by combining the units discussed above. Most of the results are not standard/classic blocks, though some are. I like the way the units with the 3 triangles are colored in Mango Tango (pg.52). It’s a good way to make a zigzag. Corner units in Moon Bug (pg.58) are awesome! They have the same structure as Four Patch Fun blocks. Windsong (pg.92) uses Flying Geese in a creative way to make a Friendship Star center.
There is a section called “Staples” (pg.101-), which has blocks that are described as being “…bold, quick and they show off fabrics well..” (pg.103). This is where you will find blocks that you might have seen in conventional block dictionaries. Piccadilly (pg.104) is awesome. I definitely want to try it.
Amy Gibson did a great job on designs for quilts (pg. 124-). These are not all standard, but lay blocks out in interesting and fresh ways to make interesting quilts. Off the Grid (pg.126-128), which is based on a standard straight layout, has an awesome border, which not only makes the quilt larger, but adds a lot of interest. Full Scale (pg.129-131) is a great layout when you want to use a few blocks to make a quilt with a lot of punch. Celestial (pg.134-135) uses a similar layout to my Carpenter’s Wheel quilt. I think I like all the designs. The good thing is that you can use these layouts with any size blocks.
The last part of the book has the obligatory “Construction Techniques” (pg.149) section. The section explains making units quickly and easily. The directions can be used any time you want to make these units even if you are using different sized patches.
“A Look at Seam Pressing Strategies” (pg.160) is a model of diplomacy and good information. I like it that Amy mentions reducing bulk.
One of the final sections, “Perfect Pairings” (pg.162-164) shows readers what blocks look like together. This is followed by “Unit sizing Chart” (pg.165-167), which gives cutting information for various sizes of units. Templates are included at the end with appropriate photocopying instructions in case you enjoy foundation piecing.
Overall, I am really glad I didn’t give this book away. It is a surprising gem that I can’t wait to use more.
