Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts: Patterns Inspired by Antique Quilts

Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts: Patterns Inspired by Antique Quilts
by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms
ISBN: 978-1-60468-034-8
Gifted by Martingale
www.shopmartingale.com
Reviewed by Kathryn Wright, editor of FaveQuilts.com

 

Thinking about all of the pieces that go into a quilt can be overwhelming, and for some quilting, actually making a quilt with such small pieces might seem even more difficult. You'll soon find out this isn't the case if you read Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts: Patterns Inspired by Antique Quilts by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. They not only show you some amazing quilts constructed with thousands of small pieces, but also give you the chance to try some out for yourself with a series of eye-catching patterns that will take your artistry to a new level.
 

Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts takes a different approach in a beginning that is very helpful when it comes to the visual aspect of this work. In a section entitled "Quilts That Make Our Hearts Sing", the authors show readers a series of quilts that were pieced together using small parts. Each image comes with a "Look at This" note which breaks down both the artistic nuances and the technical aspects of the patterns. What better introduction could there be to learning how to make a quilt in a particular manner? Such intricate patterns may seem intimidating, but Mary Elizabeth and Biz are all about comfort and ease, as they give quilters some sound advice in the next section, "What Small Pieces Has Taught Us" so that the lengthy process of making these quilts is smooth and pain-free.
 

This book certainly lives up to its name when it comes to the actual tutorials. Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts generously offers 10 full patterns filled with diagrams, measurements, and tips that break down the process of making these stunning quilts much easier. Readers will find ways to experiment with their favorite shapes with geometric patterns like the mountain-inspired "Homeward Bound" (pg. 46), make hypnotic medallion quilts like "Across the Pond" (pg. 80), and use smaller pieces to create larger patterns, as seen in "Pumpkin Peel" (pg. 73). Once you've finished your pattern, you can read the section called "Finishing School" to learn about some finishing techniques that will make your piecework quilt truly spectacular.