Classic blocks have been given a modern makeover in a vibrant mix of fabrics to create a stunning collection of patterns from some of our favourite designers. Our cover star, Bridges, epitomises the brief perfectly. Designer Mandy Monroe breathes new life into the traditional drunkard’s path block and the result is fabulous (page 78). Judith Hollies makes a beautiful, bold statement with her Oriental Clamshells quilt (page 34), and for appliqué fans – don’t miss Kerry Foster’s Banana Candy quilt (page 15). 

If, like us, you were inspired by the interview in our November issue with Swedish designer Kajsa Kinsella, you’ll be pleased to see this month she has joined the team. Bringing her unique style to Popular Patchwork, she has designed two patterns for practical accessories to pretty-up your work space (page 58). 

And finally, celebrated for bringing colour of the literary variety, Jane Austen’s quilting talents are less widely recognised, and with 2017 marked as her bicentenary, Elizabeth Betts recounts the story of her own involvement to bring together a community quilt project to mark the occasion in our feature, Novel Stitching (page 68).
So, wishing you all a happy New Year, it’s now time to make, create and take some brightly coloured inspiration from the following pages. 

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