Pretty Patchwork Quilts: Traditional Patterns with Applique Accents

A long lost pattern found!

By using sparely elegant applique, fantastic color choices, and lively settings, Cyndi Walker gives new life to traditional quilt blocks in her latest book Pretty Patchwork Quilts. Her "Granny Squares" quilt takes a simple nine-patch, dresses it up with a floral border, and bejewels each corner of the block with ruby red mini-snowballs. Sublimely soft colors such as peach, pear, butter, and teal are paired with cheerful gingham checks to make a standard spool block become extraordinary in "Tilted Spools".The hands-down knock-out of this array (but ask me again tomorrow) has got to be "Moon Flowers", a rich medley of star blocks in 3 different sizes and configurations. Its subtle applique is revealed as stems for the outer stars, and the red floral, tans, and aqua fabrics are just divine. The design on the cover is called "Robin's Roost"; its crimson four-patches, lime hourglasses, and snazzy saw tooth border just chirp "It's spring - get quilting!!"Every design is nicely balanced in both color and structure. All projects can easily be done on a regular domestic-arm machine; the smallest two are 44.5 inches square and the largest two are 56.5 x 72.5 inches and 64.5 inches square . Most of the photographs display exceptional all-over quilting designs that I am just itching to practice.If you've had experience with quilting short-cuts, you might be able to make faster work of many of Walker's instructions. For instance, there are oodles of Flying Geese and Hour Glass units that can be speed-pieced. Walker uses freezer paper for the applique, and you might also want to invest in a set of metal bias bar to make the stems. Her favorite brand is from The Celtic Design Company, not found at this time on Amazon, but if you Google the company name you will find many sources. This optional extra is the only notion you might have to invest in.Note: I am trying not to use exclamation marks in reviews anymore - they are just too jarring and over the top. But books like Cyndi Walker's make it impossible. (!)

I really love this gorgeous patchwork book by Cyndi Walker. I especially appreciate the look of applique with patchwork and this book has some great eye-candy to get one excited and motivated! The applique patterns are included along with hints and tips for beginners on up. I've chosen my fabrics for the cover quilt and can't wait to see the final result. What's great is I know I will make several from this book, which is an added bonus. It's a nice help with a little scrap reduction, too.

I luv this book because it combines applique and patchwork. Also the book features quilts that are doable suitable for quilters of all skill levels. I have had the book for over a month and started two projects because the patterns are not just limited to one line of fabrics. It's great for busting your stash!

This practical book gives instructions and ideas for those of us who are interested in patchwork quilts. I'm into appliques on my quilts and this book is helpful with my project ideas.

Very nice book, though I am not much of an applique-r, makes we want to give it a go!

I loved the book. Has some cute and really great patterns in it. I was satisfied w with it Great choice

Great patterns for exciting quilts. I love the colorful fabric selections, which are great for ideas. Patchwork is my favorite for quilting.

What it said on the description