Patchwork City is the latest book from Craftsy's Inspired Modern Quilts instructor Elizabeth Hartman. Even though the book was released in November 2014, I somehow missed it. Once I read the concept, and then saw Elizabeth (one of my favourite teachers and quilters) demonstrate the book and quilts (watch video below), it was in my shopping basket as soon as possible.
This is a meaty book full of 75 modern blocks and 6 sampler quilts. Elizabeth encourages the reader to embrace the 'long term project' outlook when it comes to sampler quilts. She views each block as its own composition and the thoughtful selection of fabric should reflect that fact. The patchwork city that can result from the mix 'n match nature of her patterns allows one's own creativity and choice to shine. I love that I can use my scraps and stash (see yesterday's post!) and create whichever blocks I want in whatever order I desire.
Having done a couple of Elizabeth's quilts (Low Volume Tiles, Bias Stripes), both of which I was very pleased with, I am familiar with her style and directions. She is very thorough and I don't hesitate at all in following her patterns - even though they can seem to contain many pieces of fabric! In this book she once again includes cutting charts and detailed instructions, as well as alternate ideas for fabric selection and colour-ways. Best of all, I adore the Block Index right in the front of the book. There is a colour picture of every single block: 25 each in 8x8", 5x8", and 5x14".
I plan to embrace the project in a relaxed mindset so that I can work on blocks here and there, using whatever fabric appeals to me at the time. I won't worry about how they will go together in the end (there are endless possibilities) and I may even finish some of the blocks all by themselves as mini-quilts or pillows. I love this book from Elizabeth Hartman and hopefully it will be dog-eared and worn from use over many months to come. (Remember too, that Elizabeth does all her piecing and quilting on a 1600P like mine so I think I will dedicate that machine to this on-going project!)
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