There is a great deal to enjoy in this book for quilters and quilt historians alike. "Classic Four-Block Appliqué" is more than a book of projects. Author Gwen Marston provides a wealth of information on the history and characteristics of four-block appliqué in American culture, as well as a discussion of tools and techniques based upon her extensive study of this quilt form. With over a dozen books to her credit, her knowledge of quilting history certainly shows in this latest edition.

For those anxious to apply the information provided in this book, five gorgeous projects are included. In addition, there is an entire chapter devoted to adapting a four-block design into a single block crib quilt, as was the custom in the nineteenth century. Ms Marston even includes tips on finishing touches to ensure a beautiful completed project.

Although the end results are striking and one would assume difficult to create, Ms Marston's appliqué methods are relatively simple and require few tools. She uses three methods to create appliqué designs :

- folding paper and cutting shapes
- drawing designs freehand on fabric
- cutting folded fabric without marking

A gallery of quilts is also included in this book. For those wishing to just feast their eyes on lovely designs from the nineteenth century, this chapter alone makes the book worthwhile. It can also serve as inspiration for original designs as well.

Features

- Paperback: 112 pages
- Publisher: C&T Publishing (April, 2005)
- Language: English
- ISBN: 1571202757
- full sized patterns for five projects
- tips on color, border and quilt design choices

Pros :

"Classic Four-Block Appliqué" contains a wealth of information for quilt historians as well as appliqué enthusiasts. The book includes an engaging historical overview of this quilting form. Popular between 1850 and 1890, Ms Marston discusses four-block appliqué quilt design trends of various regions. She also outlines characteristics unique to these nineteenth century appliqué quilts, and how patterns spread across regions and were handed down from one generation to the next. "Classic Four-Block Appliqué Quilts" provides an engaging glimpse into the past, putting these beautiful quilts in context within nineteenth century American culture and life.

Ms Marston focuses on adaptations of traditional techniques. Rather than focusing on a single "right" approach, she reminds readers that the original creators of four-block appliqué were casual and relaxed in their approach to design and technique. Perfection and uniformity were never pre-requisites of nineteenth century appliqué. This fact is a great confidence boost to anyone intimidated by the intricacies of appliqué.

Photographs are used very heavily to illustrate technique. This is a huge help for those learning appliqué for the first time or quilters with some experience seeking to improve their skills.

Cons :

With patterns for five projects included, quilters looking for a pattern book may not enjoy "Classic Four-Block Appliqué" as much as others. This book is more focused upon developing an appreciation of this historical art form and learning techniques to create beautiful appliqué works.

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