Around the Block Again: More Rotary-Cut Block from Judy Hopkins

I am afraid that template shy people will stay away from this book, and that would be a shame....The "T-3" etc. references when building the blocks can be measured out and cut with rotary cutter, as they are all straight edged peices such as squares and rectangles...What I find invaluable is the fact that each block has several different sizes to choose from...My guilds are constantly making raffle or sampler quilts that require certain size blocks, such as 8,9 or 12 inch finished....instead of thumbing thru dozens upon dozens of magazines, I pull one of these books out and choose from there. My favorite block is "Federal Square" found on page 60....I do it in seven diferent colors and twice so far, that block has been placed as the center or focal block of two sampler quilts.....Its a great investment!

The first book in this series is a favorite source of patterns, and so is this one, but....Instead of listing the measurements of common blocks, like a 2-5/8 " square it will say T1 or some such and you have to look in the back to figure out what size this is. I hate templates! It was a much better format in the first book.

This book offers quick rotary cut block patterns that will inspire you. All blocks are offered in several size options and diagrams explain how to construct the bolcks quickly and easily. A good investment, you will find yourself reaching for this book time and again. My advise is don't loan it as it will probably not come back!

As a beginning quilter I love this book! I use the templetes all the time and have no problems figuring out how to finish or use the blocks I make. I love the different sizes for the blocks as well. My only problem as a beginner is making my blocks come out at exactly the size they are supposed to. I'll keep working at it! :-)

Judy Hopkins once again provides quilters with a wonderful selection of blocks, including from easy to the very unique. Combining traditional blocks with rotary cutting techniques. I liked the variety, the basic instructions, as well as the color and black/white illustrations of each block. The advice on "Planning Your Quilt" though brief, is informative. I think beginner as well as advanced quilters will enjoy this book. However, beginning quilters will need other references to finish their quilts.