Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More

Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More: Skill-Building Techniques for 60-Degree Patchwork
Gifted By: Martingale/That Patchwork Place
www.shopmartingale.com
Reviewed by Mollyhall Seeley, Editor for FaveQuilts

Angles: a quilter's best friend, and worst nightmare. Knowing how to cut and quilt geometric shapes, from star quilts to floral hexies, is an absolutely essential quilting skill, but it can be a difficult one to master. In Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More: Skill-Building Techniques for 60-Degree Patchwork Kelly Ashton breaks down the process into simple, easy-to-understand pieces. She acknowledges that "sixty-degree blocks and quilts are not 'instant gratification' projects," but writes that they are well worth the effort. If you have a passion for quilting, mastering 60-degree shapes and patterns is the next step.

Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More opens with a thorough explanation of the various types of 60-degree shapes, from hexagons to tipsy equilateral triangles to kites. Ashton seems to be of the opinion that the best way to conquer a new technique is to thoroughly understand it first, and this book is an excellent resource. Ashton covers everything from the names of the shapes to the tools and techniques you'll need before you even begin cutting and measuring fabric.

Every quilter worth his or her salt ought to have a copy of Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More sitting on the table beside the sewing machine. It's the type of book that will see plenty of use, every time you prepare to make a star quilt or a hexie flower bouquet. If you have any questions or confusion about cutting and quilting 60-degree shapes, this book has the answer. It's an absolute must for any passionate quilter.