A few weeks back I showed some of the new quilting and sewing books I’d bought. I thought I’d shortly go through them one at a time and show some example pages. First up is Japanese quilt blocks to mix and match by Susan Briscoe. The first time I bought this book it was a gift but I wanted my very own copy as well because I liked the simplicity of the blocks. This is definitely a reference book for individual block designs rather than a book on complete quilt designs.
1. japanese quilt blocks: cover, 2. japanese quilt blocks: patchwork blocks, 3. japanese quilt blocks: sampler, 4. japanese quilt blocks: sashiko sampler
The book offers the schematics for making 132 different quilt blocks: 82 patchwork blocks, 20 sashiko blocks, 23 kamon blocks and 7 takarazukushi blocks. I like the visual construction guidelines and the way it fits two designs into one page. A drawback of this frugality is that all applique and some embroidery patterns must be enlarged.
The general technique part which every quilting book seems to have is nice and concise, less than 20 pages including the sashiko. In the very beginning of the book there is a handy guide showing you how to use the book and to read the instructions on the block pages. All blocks carry symbols according to: which technique they are made with, and what skill level they require.
1. japanese quilt blocks: sashiko, 2. japanese quilt blocks: how to, 3. japanese quilt blocks: kamon crest, 4. japanese quilt blocks: takarazukushi
In between the pages of block designs, there are plenty of suggestions on how to mix&match different blocks. The sashiko embroidery blocks are stunning and the technique seems simple enough although I’m sure it takes some practise to get those running stitches nice and even. I won’t attempt to tackle the takarazukushi applique blocks beyond their name :)
Go see more of the book in the Amazon preview. All the block designs are shown as thumbnails in the table of contents.
Craft Ahoy! 
