Skip the borders – Easy patterns for modern quilts

I was really happy when this book came up on the LMQG review list as it had been on my Amazon wish list for ages and the week before, I had purchased my very own copy!

Julie says in the introduction that she drew on her love of teaching to work out how to put together the text and I think that comes across in her writing style; friendly, relaxed and informative with permission to break the rules!

There are 15 quilts in this book split into 3 sections – “one block”, “two block” and “outside-the-block” quilts. There are no templates but each quilt is beautifully illustrated with a full page photo along with clear and easy to follow instructions on materials needed, cutting details and a cutting diagram. Once you’ve cut everything out there are further diagrams to illustrate how each individual block is assembled and how the quilt top as a whole is assembled.

There’s a section at the beginning of the book which breaks down the structure of a quilt without borders and I like the idea that not using borders means some of the designs look as if they could “go on and on”.

The book also includes a really helpful section on binding, which personally I think will be something I’ll refer to again and again. Especially the binding calculator which tells you how much you need dependent on the size of the quilt – no more cutting three times the length I actually need!

On to the quilts! Of the “two block” quilts, I have my eye on Raspberry Desert – I love the contrast of the pinks against the neutral background combined with the strong geometric pattern.

Framed Coins from the “outside-the- block” section is another favourite with the bold solids combined with black and white prints.

Of all the quilts featured though, White Stars has to be my favourite and I’ve started my own version using my prized Liberty stash.

First though, I wanted to make a smaller, one block version using some fantastic vintage scraps from Sew and Quilt. I thought the scraps would work really well with the negative space of the star and I’m delighted with how it turned out.