Four-Patch Frolic: Quilts from 5" and 10" Squares
5 and 10 is No Longer a Dime Store!Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson, the gals from Me and My Sister Designs, have created a host of quilts using 5" and 10" squares that can be made up in a matter of hours. These are soft, happy quilts that are meant to be used every day. Throw them in the washer and dryer, take them on picnics, even let the dogs and cats sleep on them--these quilts were meant to be used and loved! After all, how can we pass on our love of quilts to our family if we never let them USE them! But just because you can whip these quilts up in a matter of hours doesn't mean that they aren't absolutely gorgeous. Barbara and Mary have a fantastic color sense so they incorporate great design with beautiful fabrics. Each quilt truly sings.In the project "Swatches," they set four patches on point so they float. The triangles are oversized and the entire block is then trimmed down to 8 1/2". What could be easier--fudge factors built right in! In this case the outside edges are on the bias, so be sure to use spray starch to help combat the stretching that may occur. You will love the results!Every quilt should be wrapped in a pillowcase; there is no better way to present the gift! When that pillowcase is made out of matching fabrics with a pieced cuff, it is irresistible. The instructions for this pillowcase are worth the price of the book. The illustrations show you step by step how to construct it so there are no exposed seams. These ladies must have a clothing background.This is the best scrap quilt book I have seen in a long time; you will be referring to this book again and again. It will be your go-to guide every time you are asked to make a quilt in 24 hours or less (and you all know what I mean!). --Checker Newsletter--Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers<br /><br />Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson are the design team behind Me and My Sister Designs. In their latest book, they have included projects that reflect their preference for fast, fun and easy-to-make quilts with simple designs. All of the quilts are based on the traditional four-patch block, a classic and a favorite with endless possibilities. They focus in particular on utilizing precut 5" and 10" squares. So if you've been swept up in the craze for buying fabrics in this manner, you'll delight in the generous array of 15 projects here. Eleven are full size bed quilts up to 80" square. The other four projects are a pincushion, a table runner, a pillowcase and a 50" square lap quilt. --Homespun's the Book NookEach of the 15 projects in this book is just a party for the eyes, splashed with colorful touches, and all made with variations of the Four Patch block using precut 5" and 10" fabric squares. There are projects for every quilter, from the beginner to those with more experience.The one that caught my eye first is called Gum Chain. It took me back to those lazy summer days of sitting in the backyard making a chain out of gum wrappers. All the neighborhood kids had a fierce competition, each of us trying to make the longest one. We must have chewed a lot of gum! This colorful quilt is such a nice way to remember that simpler time.The Berry Easy Table Runner would be a wonderful backdrop on a buffet serving a dessert of fresh strawberry shortcake. So easy to make from precut squares, it could be finished for this weekend's brunch.The zero calorie S'mores quilt combines some fun polka-dots, marshmallow snowmen, with a little brown to represent the chocolate and graham crackers. This one might be a candidate to be made from our Snow Days collection.The red, white and blue of the George and Martha quilt would be the perfect summer picnic table topper. All it needs is a little fried chicken, potato salad, apple pie and lemonade.What party would be complete without a little Confetti in the form of a quilt, and a gift all wrapped up in a Four Patch Pillowcase? There's lots of fun to be had between the covers ofFour Patch Frolic, so get comfy and enjoy. --connectingthreads.com