The Quilt Block Book: Fresh, Versatile Designs for Quilts, Clothes, Accessories, and Decor

Packed with photographs and diagrams for 75 quilt blocks, The Quilt Block Book teaches you three basic block construction methods to get you started in the world of quilt blocks. The blocks are divided into three sections by technique: quick piecing, foundation (paper) piecing, and appliqué blocks. Each section includes basic technique instruction, followed by 25 blocks. Follow the step-by-step instructions to quickly learn the order of construction and directions for pressing seam allowances, while color diagrams of the blocks show them used in multiples so you can plan out your full quilt as you go along. The perfect mix of original designs and modern interpretations of traditional patterns, this book offers something for both the beginner and experienced quilter. Each block can be interpreted in endless fabric combinations, so you'll gain a wealth of inspiration. Whether you choose to use the blocks for full quilts, small décor pieces, or even fashion accents is completely up to you. Links to online patterns make it easy for you to print out patterns for the blocks in the size you want. Paper-pieced blocks can be printed out on paper to go straight from printer to sewing machine; no tracing necessary. The author's unique approach to foundation piecing provides the full patterns plus the option of individual rough-cut templates for each segment that prevent inadequate coverage. Patterns for quick-pieced and appliqué blocks include seam allowances, so you can forget about having to draw templates and add seam allowances.

Nancy Wick has been quilting for more than twenty years and shares her love of textiles and quilting by teaching machine embroidery and quilting classes. Using her longarm quilting machine, she has also turned her art into a profession and finishes her clients' quilts with beautiful freeform quilting. Driven to create, she cannot imagine a day where fabric, thread, and surface design does not feed her soul. Although her roots are in traditional quilt making, she has branched out to contemporary quilt making over the years. As a former IT professional, she now explores ways to use her fancy, computerized sewing machines in innovative ways. In 2011, her quilt "Heather Feather" won a Viewer's Choice award at the Minnesota Quilter's Annual Quilt Show. More recently, her work has appeared in the 2013 edition of the Fiber Art Almanac and quilting magazines, such as the Autumn 2012 edition of McCall's America Quilts Together. Nancy's professional affiliations include IAPQ (International Association of Professional Quilters), IMQA (International Machine Quilters Association), and SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). www.textiletreasures.cowww.imapiecemaker.com