Elizabeth Root's new book, The Pillows to Patch Quilt Collection, provides beautiful Hawaiian quilt patterns and gives the quilter a tremendous value for the money. It contains patterns for tropical flower and leaf designs in abundance, for every skill level and with many variations.
The Collection is a real treasure trove of designs to make beautiful hand applique quilts. But you don't have to be an expert at hand applique to make one of these Hawaiian quilts. You can make the blocks with machine applique if you are so inclined.
Packed into an 8-1/4" square format book you will find 10 easy patterns for beginners, 11 detailed patterns for intermediate quilters, and 11 advanced patterns for those who really love applique. All 32 of these patterns make 18" blocks in solid color motifs on contrasting backgrounds.
Variations
Elizabeth also provides a second version of each flower pattern. In this version she shows how to use two or more colors in the motif to enhance the design and add a more dimensional look. She shows underlap areas to help with placement of the flowers on the stems. Her flower patterns also include joiner strips that keep the flower held together for perfect placement.
Elizabeth includes yet another one-color pattern for each block. These variations are in smaller sizes ranging from 9" to 12". These smaller blocks are perfect for the border surrounding a quilt made from the larger blocks. But if you aren't that ambitious, the beautiful detail in each large block stands on its own with small plain borders.
The small version of a block is a good size to see if you like Hawaiian quilting. It's small enough to finish without taking a long time, but big enough to give you a good taste of the art form.
Organization
You may be wondering how Elizabeth packs so much into this small book. In addition to 84 patterns, she includes 32 suggested quilting diagrams, four different color schemes for each block, and companion blocks that look good with each block. Elizabeth even describes the flower or leaf so you know a little about the pattern you are about to do.
The Collection uses a wonderful layout for displaying everything you'd want to know about each pattern. But the most amazing thing is that all this information is easy to find and easy to read.
Elizabeth's colorings on all the patterns in the book, along with her encouragement to try small prints and tone-on-tone fabrics, make this style of quilting right for all decors. Each block, or any combination, would make a beautiful focal point at any size.
The Pillows to Patch Quilt Collection is so well organized and so clearly written that it is the perfect book for beginning Hawaiian quilters. And the richness of its patterns makes it a great book for all Hawaiian quilting.
