A Year of Quilting

Publishers Weekly
This cozy guide from Shore (Half Yard Autumn) and Nayler details how to create 52 fabric blocks that can be assembled into a large quilt. Writing for beginners, the authors recommend tools (rotary cutters “are useful for cutting around curves”) and show how to make blanket, overcast, running, and slip stitches. The blocks build on each other, with techniques from simple early designs later recurring in more creative configurations. For instance, week one’s flying geese design is incorporated into the upper-left-hand corner of week six’s “Bird 1” square, which is otherwise filled out by a half log cabin design, and week 26’s “Small Flower 4” square, in which the triangular “geese” are arrayed around a heart. Several blocks take inspiration from nature, such as the “tall bird,” created by sewing a triangular beak and teardrop wing on a half-circle, and the “tall flower,” which features an octagonal flower head with applique leaves. The authors also provide thorough instructions for assembling the blocks and attaching them, either by hand or sewing machine, onto quilt backing. The one-block-per-week conceit will help novices ease into the craft while learning a variety of design strategies. This is well worth seeking out. (Dec.)

Library Journal – Jan 15, 2025
Shore (Half Yard Sewing Book), host of the internet’s Half Yard Sewing Club, and coauthor Naylor present a comprehensive introduction to quilting with a quilt that can be constructed one block a week, with each week’s block building on the skills learned in the previous weeks. The result is an attractive quilt that has appeal for the experienced quiltmaker as well as the novice. In the first section, the authors introduce the tools and techniques needed, starting with the most basic patchwork building blocks, such as half-square triangles and flying geese, and continuing to introduce more challenging techniques including appliqué, foundation paper piecing, and English paper piecing. The instructions for each block refer back to the page on which the technique was introduced and templates are provided when needed. After the blocks have been assembled, the authors provide information on machine- and hand-quilting and a simple tie method. Every step is included, through the final binding.
VERDICT This book could serve as a handy reference work as well as the pattern for a delightful quilt.