More Loose Change: 14 Quilts from Nickels, Dimes, and Fat Quarters
Here's a book of vibrant and colorful quilts, many for beginner to intermediate levels and some applique for advanced quilters. This is the second book in a series. This book's outlook is converting fabric pieces into currency. Nickels are 5" squares and dimes are 10" squares. Tips are called "piggie bank tips." Cute idea! This book is another using precut stacks . . . If you have a collection of these precuts, this book presents quilts that look more complicated than they really are. We love that! My favorite is the easy "Bright Bullion." --Stick Your Nose in a Book: Quilting Book Reviews by Jennifer ZoetermanHow many charm square packages or layer cakes do you have in your stash right now? Fat quarters and fat quarter bundles? I have to admit that I have 2 layer cakes and 4-6 charm square packages . . . and probably 6 fat quarter bundles, if not more. Why do I have them? The only ones I know why I bought were a few of the charm square packages I bought for a I-Spy block exchange. After I bought them I felt bad because they were pre-cut and I kept them instead of including them in the swap (felt like I was cheating by not cutting my own). The rest I don't remember, but I really liked the fabric. I want these fabrics to be used so I don't end up with "moldy oldies!" Hence my interest inMore Loose Change: 14 Quilts from Nickels, Dimes, and Fat Quarters.Claudia and LeAnn have put together a very fun book. They have coded their patterns $, $$, and $$$ (Simple, Intermediate and Experienced) for skill level. I just so happen to fall into every one of those categories depending on what day it is. The introduction talks a little about charm squares (nickels), layer cakes (dimes) and quarters (fat quarters) as well as color arrangement. I think the book is well written, with plenty of photos and diagrams and clear wording (you know that is really something when I say that, cuz I have the hardest time understanding sometimes).Honestly there is not a pattern in this book that I would not consider making, but the two that I would consider making first are 1) "Liquid Assets." This pattern appealed to me because of focus fabric inside the circles. Here they have chosen fish fabric and the circles look like port holes. I could just as easily see any other fun print inside the circles and the outside fabrics complimenting whatever your theme would be. The other thing that really surprised me was the way they put their pattern together. I think this looks like a rather difficult pattern and guess what? I'ts not. I'm not going to give their secrets away; let me just say they show you how to maximize the use of your fabrics while showing you how to get fun results. The other pattern I want to make first is 2) "Pumpernickel." Here they have used black as a background and I like that. I see lots of colorful quilts set on black or white to enhance the other fabrics used. Think about how many fabrics you could use up if you made this quilt. Who would not love to be the recipient of a "Pumpernickel" quilt? I would. So get to stitchin'! --Kelly Jackson, ihaveanotion.com