NTQG LIBRARY
NTQG LIBRARY
The titles listed are available to be borrowed by members:
The titles listed are available to be borrowed by members:
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The next meeting: Monday May 12, 2025 at 7 PM Messiah Lutheran Church Mauldin
NTQG Library Books Updated 2025 - Copy.xlsxBook Reviews
Two-Hour Mini Quilt Projects
Two-Hour Mini Quilt Projects
By McKenzie Kate
Published 1997
128 pages
Four different designers contributed patterns for the mini quilt projects shown in this book. The full title indicates a total of over 111 appliqued and pieced deigns. The quilt projects are mostly small wall hangings that could also be mug rugs. There are some patterns for pillows and a Christmas stocking also. The projects have a “country” look to them that were popular at that time. (Look at the publishing date.)
I enjoyed looking at the different projects which were shown in full color. There is a nice variety so I think you could find something you like. One thing I did not like was that you will need to use a copy machine to print out all your pattern pieces. Information about what scale to use to get your pieces the size needed is included. I was interested in the book because of the title. To complete a small project in two hours sounds good when planning for gifts to make for Christmas, birthdays, showers, etc. If you are using a machine applique technique you could complete the projects in two hours if you are experienced with machine applique. If you are using hand applique for these projects it will take a lot longer, but it will be worthwhile when you look at the overall designs. A small wall hanging completed with handwork for yourself would be a treasure.
Book Review by Yvonne Stiefel
NTQG Librarian
101 Full-size Quilt Blocks and Borders
101 Full-size Quilt Blocks and Borders
By Better Homes and Gardens
Published 1998
215 pages
This book has a spiral binding so you can lay it flat when you are working on the patterns. The back of the book has a detailed “Quilting Basics” section that would be especially helpful to a new quilter—or a helpful review for the experienced quilter.
Chapter titles are: Floral Fancies, Country Classics, Americana, Just for Fun, and All the Borders. Because this book was published in 1998 you will not see directions for rotary cutting. You have full size drawings to make templates. Because of the full size drawings it would be manageable to measure to determine rotary cutting for blocks where applicable. With the full-size drawings, I would say this book will appeal more to the quilter who likes applique. We’ve been spoiled with rotary cutting and not having the sizes shown to rotary cut means more time is needed to plan out the blocks. There are directions for how to piece each block shown as well as the number of blocks needed to make a bed size quilt. Additional information is given to sew a variety of projects including: pillows, table toppers, a jacket, wall hangings, chair cushions, etc.
I liked the All the Borders chapter the best. Borders can be pieced, applique, or a combination of both. Sizes are given so you know the width of the border and the repeat so you can make adjustments depending on the size of your quilt. If you have only added strips to make a simple border for your quilts you may want to look at the ideas shown. These pieced borders are for more experienced pieces (in my opinion.)
Easy Stash Quilts
Easy Stash Quilts
Easy Stash Quilts by Carol Doak
Published 1999
111 pages
When you look at this book you need to start with the table of contents even if you are familiar with how to paper piece. If this is new to you, her introduction explains tools and supplies, a comparison of pieced blocks with paper pieced blocks, rotary cutting, and block assembly. I especially liked reading about choosing colors with the color wheel so that your blocks are spectacular! The add-a-quarter ruler is shown so you can minimize fabric waste as well as cutting your pieces to the size(s) needed.
When you first look at the projects you may be overwhelmed with the number of pieces and how small the pieces are in the projects. These are not bed size quilts. You are sewing small projects that can be wall hangings, table toppers, or even gorgeous mug rugs.
The chapter to explain assembly and finishing clearly illustrates joining the blocks, adding borders, backing, and binding your project. Block patterns (foundations) are printed with one per page and pieces are numbered. You would need to copy the foundations on lightweight paper for your quilt project.
I would not consider these quilt projects “easy” unless you are familiar with how to paper piece. But the blocks in the book are gorgeous and worth considering if you want to try paper piecing something beautiful for yourself or as a gift to a quilting friend who would appreciate your work.
Review by Yvonne Stiefel
NTQG Librarian
Egg Money Quilts
Egg Money Quilts
Egg Money Quilts by Eleanor Burns
Published 2005
240 pages
The cover of the book also says “1930’s Vintage Samplers” and you might be thinking “Oh, I don’t make sampler quilts,” or “1930’s fabrics/styles are not something I like.” You still need to look at what this book has to offer.
The contents make it very easy to find the information you need. Fabric selection, Supplies, Sewing and Pressing Techniques, and Cutting your Quilt are the chapter titles. There are thirteen different quilt projects listed. Quilts are shown in lap, twin, and queen sizes with additional details about adding borders. You do not have to make a sampler quilt. Directions are also given if you like a particular block and wish to make a quilt using just that block. You can also make tote bags, pillows, or add quilted details to a sweatshirt, or sew table toppers with the block patterns shown in the book. Directions for cutting block pieces with the rotary cutter are given as well as details about squaring up the blocks. Templates are included for the blocks that need templates. The heavy cardstock templates can be punched out or you could trace them with template plastic. The plastic templates would be helpful if you want to “fussy cut” your fabrics. Directions for all the quilt blocks are detailed with excellent illustrations.
One of the things I especially liked about the book was the detailed information about the quilt blocks. Quilt blocks often have several different names, and it was interesting to me to see the different names and read a little quilt history.
Review by Yvonne Stiefel
NTQG Librarian
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