Skip the Borders: Easy Patterns for Modern Quilts by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts

Skip the Borders: Easy Patterns for Modern Quilts
By Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts
ISBN: 978-1604680812
Gifted by Martingale
www.shopmartingale.com
Reviewed by Claire Hawkes, Editor of FaveQuilts.com

Have you ever noticed that the borders on quilts are similar to the frames that enclose paintings in a museum? While some masterpieces look better framed, there are other times when a frame actually limits the full potential and beauty of a work of art. The same concept rings true for quilting -- certain quilt designs are just better without distracting borders! That's why the nontraditional patterns in Skip the Borders: Easy Patterns for Modern Quilters by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts come together to form such an ingenious collection of boldly borderless quilts. From easy block patterns to flying geese designs and star quilt patterns, you'll be surprised at all of this book's innovative takes on dynamic quilts that aren't afraid to break from tradition.

The introduction lays it out flat: this book is meant to provide inspiring patterns to quilters of all skill levels. Readers are encouraged to "draw outside the lines" and explore the possibilities of quilts that possess sturdy patterns instead of neat borders. Before quilters start their journey through contemporary quilt patterns, Herman breaks down the basics of what a borderless quilt must posses in order to be successful. Most importantly, quilts without borders must have a strong structure in order to unify the fabric around the perimeter of the quilt. Skip the Borders also includes individual sections that stress large quilt blocks, careful color placement, and smart binding choice as the foundational decisions before starting a quilt without borders.

After the basic quilt-making instructions, the book features 15 patterns broken down into 3 categories: One-Block Quilts, Two-Block Quilts, and Outside-The-Block Quilts. Although all of the one-block quilts are made up of just one repetitive quilt block design, they are anything but boring. On the contrary, these simple quilt block patterns can be used to make large quilted sofa throws or bed quilts that showcase starflower quilt patterns and log cabin blocks. If you want to create an even more intricate quilt design, turn to the two-block quilt section for quilts that flaunt citrus colors and floral print fabrics that give off a modern, feminine feel. Lastly, Skip the Borders takes an even greater step away from conventional quilt patterns and provides instructions for row (also known as outside-the block) quilt designs with both horizontal and vertical rectangular shapes.

What makes this book so special is not the lack of quilt border; rather it is about what a quilter will gain when they are inspired to see the design possibilities beyond the rigid lines.