I agreed to review new quilt books for C&T this year, and here’s the deal. They send me books they think might interest me and I tell you about the ones I especially like. (If a book isn’t to my taste, I just don’t mention it. That way you know that if I endorse a book, I really do like it.)
That being said, I am excited about several of the books they sent recently. The first is New Patchwork and Quilting Basics, by Jo Avery.
Photo Courtesy of C&T
This is a fresh, modern book with a whole range of projects. It starts with three quilts for the true beginner and progresses to projects involving special skills such as applique, curved piecing, and even paper piecing. It’s a nearly-complete set of quilting lessons all in one book!
I would LOVE to work with a local shop to develop classes from this book. I’ve started on one of the earlier quilts that I hope to use as a class sample eventually. Here’s the picture from the book:
Photo Courtesy of C&T
And here’s my quilt so far 😀
I think the projects in this book will appeal to quilters of all ages. I found the instructions and illustrations clear (and even more important, accurate) for the blocks I have made so far. Although I wouldn’t recommend someone learning to quilt with only a book, I think it could be done with this one.
Here are a few more of my favorite projects from the book.
As you can see, this one demands some skill with HSTs, but the blocks are fairly large:
Photo courtesy of C&T
This artsy one appeals to me because it is a little whimsical. It also looks as if it would be pretty easy to get an impressive result:
Photo courtesy of C&T
Finally, I think I may try this one just for the challenge. It’s pretty spectacular:
Photo courtesy of C&T
You can find the book at C&T, here. (FYI, this is NOT an affiliate link.)
You can go to Jo Avery’s website here.
Let me know if you have used this book or decide to try it. I’d like to hear someone else’s opinion–and that’s whether you agree with me or not!
Now, I’m going to wash my hands and go make a quilt 🙂
Zippy Quilts 
Looks like a good one.
When we get to have another guild mtg I’ll bring it for everyone to see
Love that last one, and the first one looks like fun.
It may be a while before I get that last one done 🙂
I like the first one as it’s another take on the ‘floating’ style of blocks that is so common these days. And your blocks look great, especially the consistent use of the geometric print – looks fascinating!
What are you using as the background color/fabric?
And the turquoise/artsy one I like,too. I think you’re spot on with your assessment: easy to get an impressive result…
Take care, Zippy!
Well,that background is a story (sigh!). I used a cute print that read white and it fell flat, so I am taking it apart to try something else. Pretty much like real life 😁
Yikes! Another deconstruction and rebuild??!!!
Like you say – kinda like real life. I definitely relate, Zip.
I like the squares within a square quilt. I had made some similar blocks, having no real particular plan in mind. The blocks are in a bin waiting to be used. This book looks like a good one.
I like these blocks, too. I’m having trouble choosing a background fabric. All the quilt stores are closed so background will be from stash.
And it will be beautiful.
Lovely review, which made we want to own a copy of the book. That American Beauty style quilt should keep you busy and focussed for a good while. Enjoy!
Yes, I think it will take a while! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂