One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-Of-A-Kind Quilts

by Maxine Rosenthal

A single print, cut randomly with no fussy cutting, is pieced together with gorgeous results.

Genres: Quilting, Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction

72 pages, ebook

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in understanding a process I hope to master.

[Kristi Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a stack-n-whack without background fabric, One Block Wonders depend wholly on the fabric you choose. It should be entitled, "One Fabric Wonders." The new follow-up book includes instructions for the 3-D cubes.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, step-by-step book on one block wonder/kaleidoscope quilts. This book has images or sketches (or both) for each step to make alignment, cutting and connecting the blocks very clear. This appears to be the first book published on the topic and covers basics from what variations in fabric work well (or don't) for kaleidoscopes, how to align the fabric stacks, making hexagonal OBW, making octagonal with sensational squares OBW, and a few border ideas. She also gives 3 ideas for what to do with extra unused blocks (with patterns and fabric amounts needed).

I am presently fascinated by hexagons and the technique appears straightforward to execute.

Her website tool at http://oneblockwonder.com/design-helper/ will let you add fabric images from your phone or the web to demonstrate results prior to purchase or cutting.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows how to make a large block panel where the is no real rigorous pattern. Blocks are made of hexagons or octagonal blocks sewn together in kaleidoscopic pieces. Each kaleidoscope is different taking different parts from a repeat fabric. The author shows you how to line up fabric so that you cut the same exact piece for each part of the hexagon or octagon. Once you have this “method” down, your quilt becomes more of a canvas with swirls of movement of fabric. Each one will be different making it difficult to duplicate.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library Request. Loved this book on one block wonder quilts, I can’t wait to create one of my own. I think I will go out and purchase this book for my personal library.

[Joy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to use as a guide to teaching someone a technique

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

You want this for the pictures, really. The instructions for making these quilt blocks can be explained really quickly and does not require a book. Basically, you pick a fabric with a large repeating print and stack 6 or 8 layers of it so the print is lined up in the same place on each. Cut triangles that match and sew them to each other. The pictures are great, though.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept. Instructions for making quilts using one fabric. You cut matching triangles from the pattern and then sew them into hexagon or octagon kaleidoscope-type pieces. Then sew these all together. Turns out really unexpected results from your chosen fabric. Would like to try this some day with an interesting fabric.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This technique made a fantastic quilt! Amazing designs from one piece of fabric. Choose one with lots of action and color. I'd like to try others with this technique--a 4-square next.












1

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty helpful but does not provide quilting suggestions. I wasn't sure how to quilt mine when it was at that stage.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This taught me to look at fabric in a really different way! This quilting business is a never ending series of surprises. Where did Maxine come up with this idea?

[JayeL · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of how to do this technique is hard to understand in print format. Also, using panels to execute this technique is not covered in this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great idea... although you can find the instructions all over the internet, this gives a great overview of the process and the many, many directions you can take this single block/pattern.