Traditional Patchwork Quilt Patterns with Plastic Templates

Book excerpt: No more scaling up of blocks. No more tracing patterns. No more gluing designs onto sandpaper or cardboard. Patchwork quilting has never been easier, thanks to the special feature of this volume ? permanent plastic templates. From the four easy-to-use templates provided, needleworkers can create 27 of the most popular patchwork patterns, using traditional handsewing techniques or the sewing machine. Choose from such authentic favorites as Windmill, Susannah, Road to Oklahoma, Stars and Stripes, Puss-in-the-Corner, Ohio Star, Dutchman's Puzzle, Martha Washington's Star, and others. Selected for their relative simplicity, the motifs are still intriguing enough to provide challenges for both beginners and experts. Use the blocks together to create stunning sample quilts, or repeat a single block over and over again for a striking one-design quilt. Many of these blocks produce wonderful optical illusions when an entire quilt is made of the same block. For equally eye-catching results, try repeating two or three different blocks in one quilt. The number of quilts you can make with this volume is virtually limitless! Colors have not been specified for the quilt blocks, but noted needlecraft designer Rita Weiss has indicated light, bright, medium, and dark fabrics as guideposts. Let your imagination dictate your own color scheme and achieve beautiful one-of-a-kind quilts that reflect your unique personality and creativity. You'll find 59 helpful illustrations, plus complete instructions for using the templates, material selection, cutting, sewing ? everything needed for successful quilt-making. Traditional Patchwork Quilt Patterns with Plastic Templates will inspire needleworkers at all levels of expertise. Now you can produce inexpensive, toasty warm, colorful bed coverings that will add distinctive period charm to every bedroom in the house.