40 Bright & Bold Paperpieced Blocks: 12 Inch Designs from Carol Doak

love the book

There is a wonderful collection of blocks all named with various women's names from the publishing company and friends who've helped in the creation of her books. You can have these 40 blocks photo copied to any size you like, either at home or at a commercial copier. They are all made from 4 identical sections that are combined to make one block. Unlike some of her blocks in other books, these have fewer pieces overall so are quicker to make and put together. In addition to the blocks there are 8 quilts that use the blocks. I like that the blocks are all in the same style, 4 sections, so I can use any block I want in the layouts for the quilts giving me more than just 8 quilts from the book. Also I love when most, if not all, of these blocks are joined they create secondary patterns. Like most of her books there is a tutorial for those who are relatively new to paper piecing. Even someone who has never done it before can learn from this book. In addition to how to paper piece, she gives good information on how to choose colors that make the blocks "Bright and Bold", grain considerations and how to estimate yardage if you change the size of the blocks. There is even a two page spread that shows all the blocks in color and in the 4 piece finished layout so it's easier to choose the one you would like to do. There are only 2 things I would change about the book. 1. Even though her pieces are big enough, they are also tight enough that if you don't line them up exactly, they don't cover the entire space. I solved this problem by making my pieces 1/4 - 1/2 inch bigger than she lists. Yes, it's extra wasted fabric, but my time is valuable too, so I don't have to be as precise when placing the fabric and having to take it off and do again if I got it wrong. I use these trimmings to stuff toys, so it's not really wasted. 2. The book is not spiral bound, so it's hard to keep open. I solved this by having a commercial copier/ binder remove the binding and make it spiral bound. This costs at the time I did it around $5 - $6. The last time I did it was 2007. The one problem with that is I can no longer read the spine as it has been removed making them all look alike on the shelf. But I now can stand the book on typing stand and see the directions as I work without the book closing.

Carol Doak has got to be one of the best author, instructor and role model. I am very fortunate to have her for an instructor in paper piecing. You can purchase her dvd's and learn how to paper piece. She is the best instructor. She is very meticulous every step of the way. If you need to go over a certain part of a video you can just rewind to where you want to be. I have many of her books on paper piecing and I love every single one of them. Many of her books come with a learning dvd. You can't go wrong. In fact you are truly missing out if you don't have one of her books or dvd's. She is truly a master of her trade. Also, her books are easy to follow and she is very clear on her instructions.

the book looks like it has never been opened but....it has a very distinct cigarette smell.

I love paper pieced quilting and this is a great one. I would recommend it to anyone.

This book is full of awesome designs with easy to understand directions and full page patterns for copying. I am going to have a lot of fun with this one.

It is like a psycholdelic journey. Since I love bright colors and busy patterns, it is a fun book....and it would totally drive a traditional old fashioned quilter nuts.

the only thing I'd do better is make it easier to copy the images for producing proper counts for quilt top making. (ie. spiral bound to lay flat on scanner or copier) Other wise excellent easy to follow instructions and color pictures

The most beautiful wonderful book on paper piecingLove it

Great project maker, Disappointed as I thought it included a disc.

I already have this book myself and have brought another for a friends birthday present, really good for piecing blocks

This is the first paper piecing book, where I have seen the material sizes worked out for you, which is great. This is a book I shall use a lot. I would love to find one of her books on Stained Glass Piecing.

More fab blocks from Carol. Worthy addition to my library.