A&C Black £14.99
ISBN:978-1-40812-903-6 (s/b, 128 pages)
Susan’s book is a
compendium of patchwork
and appliqué blocks suitable
for Japanese Taupe style quilt
projects. Although this is not
a project book, six lovely
patterns are included, ranging
from a cushion to a stylish
wall hanging. The 125 blocks
are arranged in categories,
with a photograph of each block,
cutting instructions and a piecing or
appliqué construction diagram. This
is a mouth watering collection: the
taupe fabrics are beautifully
understated, and the book amply
demonstrates that neutral tones can
be fantastically effective. Susan also
includes mix and match quilt design
examples to show how blocks can
be combined into quilt tops or wall
hanging projects. Some really lovely
designs are suggested here. The
introductory chapters are very
accessible for beginner quilters, and
the chapter on fabric; which
explains how values, colour,
temperature and contrast apply to
taupe quilts, is extremely useful. This
is a great book, and one to which I
will refer often.