Tag: Blocks

Around the Block with Judy Hopkins: 200 Rotary-Cut Blocks in 6 Sizes by Judy Hopkins

Around the Block is a 1994 book and one of my favorites. It allows my imagination to fly.

This book is a block dictionary not a project book. The directions for making blocks come in 6 different sizes. There are also worksheets for various settings (pg.133-134), but no specific projects as more contemporary books include. Readers will have to think when using this book. It provides blocks as inspiration. The evolution of this format is The New Quick & Easy Block Tool, which I reviewed a year ago.

The text starts with a very short introduction (pg.3) that is firmly based in the pre-MQG time frame. Judy Hopkins writes “my fondness for traditional patterns goes hand in hand with an unwavering commitment to quick, contemporary cutting techniques.” (pg.3) This is the first book I remember supporting rotary cutting techniques. My first quilt class used templates and scissors so this book gave me hope that I could complete projects faster than once every five years.

The introduction explains what a revelation this book was when the author writes “while there are numerous comprehensive block books on the market, many of them are reference books, geared towards pattern identification – tantalizing collections of possibilities that are out of reach of the quilter who is unwilling, or unable, to do the calculations necessary to translate small line drawings into usable quick-cut blocks.” (pg.3) I have a few of those such as Maggie Malone’s 1001 Patchwork Designs**. Hopkins describes this book as “…different. Designed for the quilter who loves both old patterns and modern rotary cutting techniques, it provides clear, complete rotary-cutting instructions in the multiple sizes…” (pg.3). She was very forward thinking when she wrote this as we now see many quilt patterns using classic block patterns all of which have rotary cutting instructions even when they are oversized or slightly different than the classic block. The introduction is very clear about what the book is and is not.

The next section is called ‘Using the Block Patterns’ (pg.4-6). The section explains how the book is laid out and how to use the charts. One useful piece of information included is that the underlying block structure/grid is identified (pg.4). If readers never use the cutting instructions, this piece of information is useful for understanding other patterns and how to combine blocks to make a successful quilt. The block sizes range from 4″ or 6″ to 12″ or 14″.

The explanation in this section uses one block chart as an example. The author methodically works through each section of the chart (pg.4-5) to explain how to use it to make a block in the size you want. The illustration and information of each chart makes the blocks really easy to cut and sew for visual learners.

Variations are included in each chart. It makes me think this was one of the foundation books, or pre-cursor books to the MQG movement.

‘Rotary Cutting Individual Pieces’ (pg.6) provides a brief description of rotary cutting.

‘Planning Your Quilt’ (pg.7-8) starts with “you almost certainly will want to use these patterns to make quilts, not just blocks” (pg.7), which may or may not be true. I have done block exchanges where the blocks were just an exercise in color and never amounted to a quilt or other project. Block exchanges can be a great way to do a fun activity with a friend. The author gives recommendations on how to design a quilt with blocks.

This section talks about settings, calculating yardage, quilt plans and provides a list of standard quilt sizes. Judy talks about using the charts to make multiple identical blocks. Of course, we now have tools such as Electric Quilt and Adobe Illustrator which allow quiltmakers to design quilts, calculate yardage and change colors or fabrics easily. The section also refers to several books that may be helpful in various steps of the quiltmaking process. I like this, because it means that the author acknowledges that the book is not a complete guide to quiltmaking.

The ‘Gallery of Blocks’ (pg.9-28) displays all of the blocks, for which directions are provided, in color. The colors used are all solids and not to my taste, mostly. It is, however, nice to have them in color to give the reader a different view of how the blocks might look. The name and page number for the cutting chart is included with each illustration.

‘Block Patterns’ (pg.29-128) follow. Each page has two patterns/ charts of block instructions and includes about six sizes. The sizes vary based on the block’s grid structure, there are always a combination of small, medium and large blocks. Looking at the blocks in this section always makes me see something different. I love this section as it really gives me the information I need to make a block without a lot of extraneous words. The visual element of the charts is super helpful.

The last part of the book is ‘Assembling Your Quilt’ (pg.129-134). The section includes information on squaring up blocks, straight and on-point sets, sashing, borders, mitering corners and finishing. The ‘Finishing Your Quilt’ section (pg.132) refers readers to other books, as mentioned above, with more comprehensive information on the topic. I approve!

There is also a ‘Block Index’ (pg.135) and a bibliography (pg.136).

This is a great book for anyone who likes to make quilt blocks. Although it is an older book, it is super useful. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make blocks or practice cutting and piecing.

Nota bene: This book is out of print, but has been been reprinted with v.2 and v.3 in a book called 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks. You can also get a used copy. Look for it in used book stores. It is a very worthwhile purchase. I would have a hard time living without this book.

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**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.

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.

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