Japanese Taupe Quilt Blocks: Calm, Neutral collection

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.