Marsha McCloskey's Block Party: A Quilter's Extravaganza of 120 Rotary-Cut Block Patterns

i hesitated in buying this book--i have so many books and magazines with block designs. but, after looking through it, i had to have it. some of the other reviewers have noted some of the minor drawbacks--for instance, the size of the blocks. however, if you want to put your blocks on point, 9" is a very useful size. and yes, it would be nice to have even more examples of quilts using the blocks, but i could say that about almost every quilt book i own. one of the best things about this book, which was first published in 1998, is that it does NOT give in to the current hysteria for 'quick piecing.' now, i use some of the time-saving techniques circulated in the past few years--i strip piece when it will really save time, i chain piece when it will really save time--but the current mania for not learning how to cut triangles to fit, for instance, flying geese, is driving me up the wall. not only do i hate the pointless waste of fabric, but the encouragement of ignorance, laziness and bad craftmanship is worse. and i really hate those unnecessary seams that limit the choice of quilting designs. in addition, the author offers traditional and original blocks that are based on more than just squares and half-square triangles. the quilter is given a choice of rotary cutting or using templates (and sometimes using templates is quicker and easier than using a rotary cutting ruler). which brings me to the charts--which are absolutely wonderful. everything is in them--illustrations of the sizes and shapes of the pieces, measurements for strip cutting, choice of rotary or template cutting, how the pieces might be sub-cut--these charts are the best i've seen. there are illustrations in grey tones of different value placements for each block. the piecing order is illustrated. the only thing lacking is a table of enlarging or reducing percentages for different sized finished blocks. there is a section which shows some of the blocks put together to show the secondary patterns, another section is called 'having fun with assymetrical blocks.' there are several other sections dealing with design matters, including sizing with straight or diagonal settings and sashing. templates are included, and they are drawn with points AND cutting lines for those who don't like points on their pieces. THAT'S thoughtful, detailed planning. the projects that are included are wonderful, as you would expect from marsha mccloskey. even the color choices for the blocks are inspiring. this is not a book for an absolute beginner, although there are very good sections about cutting and sewing. it does not include detailed instructions for construcing a quilt, though, again, what is included is first rate. however, for anyone who has made even a couple of pieced blocks, this is a bonanza. definitely belongs in any quilter's library.

I have many quilting books but keep returning to Marsha McCloskey's Block Party. Not only does it have beautifully colored illustrations, but several options in using the same pattern. The instructions are easy to follow and what a variety! I have made several quilts from this book and must say it is my all time favorite.

There are so many things I love about this book! First of all, the blocks range from simple to more complicated, from familiar to rarely-seen. Second, Marsha has so much good advice about all aspects of quilt making. Third, in the section of sample quilts she includes using various ones of the blocks is something for everyone, from beginner to experienced quilter. I have made three table runners and one wall hanging already and have plans to make several of the others. I couldn't recommend this book more highly!

I especially appreciated the little touches in this book, like showing the variations that can be acheived in each block by rearranging light and dark fabrics, showing how some blocks can be used together to create secondary patterns, and including standard quilt size info along with fabric yardage requirements. I bought this book to use in making a scrap/memory quilt out of the leftovers of all the projects I have done for my family over the years. Since each block in the book is 9 inches finished, I can do one block at a time over a long period of time, and not worry that they won't fit together. Great book! I highly recommend it!!

This book is beautifully laid out, with clear instructions and color photos of all 120 blocks. Both rotary-cutting instructions and templates are provided for all block patterns. There are also suggestions on how to combine the blocks to form interesting secondary patterns, etc and ideas on layout, border and sashings. A great book.