Earlier this Fall, the talented ladies over at the Fat Quarter Shop published their first book, Simply Fat Quarters. They sent me a copy to review and will be giving away two copies to my readers too. See below on how to enter.
The patterns in this book are suitable for both beginners and experienced quilters. There are 10 patterns in total, one of which has appliqué (see Spa photo below). If you can make half square triangles, these patterns are for you. Each pattern includes cutting, piecing and layout images for four sizes (crib to king size).
It is a pattern book and, as such, does not include general how to quilt instructions. However, the detailed graphics for each piecing step are extremely well done. Definitely some of the best I’ve seen. The cutting instructions are labelled with letters that are then used throughout the piecing instructions. Additionally, there are drawings showing you exactly how to cut your fat quarter to make the best use of your fabric.
Let’s look at some of the patterns, my favourite is Poppy:
A collage of various quilts in the book:
This is Marbles, an excellent pattern to use for an I Spy quilt:
Another favourite of mine, this is Retreat:
And Zap which I think would be perfect for large focussed fabrics:
Hats off to the entire Fat Quarter Shop team, you’ve done a fantastic job on this book, and I highly recommend it. Purchase it here: Simply Fat Quarters.
Give-Away
I have two copies to give-away. To enter, simply leave me a comment below telling me which pattern you want to make first from those I featured above. The winners will be chosen randomly, next Friday, December 7th.
Winners:
Congratulations to the two winners. Please check your inboxes for an email from me.
I would like to make them all, but I think I would start with Retreat.
I would like to make Poppy with some of my oriental stash.
I would definitely make the Spa as the first – it´s so beautiful in its simplicity. But I love Poppy as well, so that will be number two ;-)
I am kind of crushing on Thistle for a guy quilt for my nephew
I just love that Retreat quilt – thanks for the chance for this book!
I would make Retreat.
The quilt that immediately caught my eye is “Retreat.” Thanks for the opportunity to win the book containing the “Retreat” pattern.
I want to use both Marbles and Retreat to make charity quilts
make charity quilts for my guild. At least
one will go to Hurricane Sandy victims.
I like the Spa
“Marbles” would be my first choice. I love novelty prints and have a ton of them. To fit more prints in I might just downsize the blocks. Oh, the possibilities… Thanks so much for the sneak peek into what appears to be a great book.
. r eally like the one on the cover I didn’t see a name for that one \so I will do zap thank you
Thistle, I have a huge stash that would be perfect.
I would make Retreat first. Wouldn’t it be pretty in batiks! Spa may be my second quilt. It looks interesting.
Thanks
With a new grandchild on the way there is no doubt that the first quilt to be made would be Poppy.
I like Boulveard. I like the modern clean lines of it.
I will make the Spa! I love it! Thank you! Brazilian kisses…
Oh my! All the samples are wonderful…I think I would do Poppy first! But how could you resist Spa, Zap and Heirloom? All wonderful! Thanks for this opportunity!
Hay todas son una hermosura!!!! Me encantaría empezar con Zap, me parece más fácil y luego complicarme un poco con Poppy, pero la verdad son todas divinas!!!!!!!! Un beso grande a todas!!!!!!!!!!!
It;s a toss-up between retreat and thistle. I really like both of them. Thanks for the opportunity on a great draw
I would love to make the one that’s on the cover or Zap. They are all lovely.
I like the one on the cover. I have SO many fat quarters – I can really use this book!
I simply adore the retreat pattern, so subtle. I would love to make it. I also like any bright coloured patterns, they are so fresh and remind that spring will come!
I love and want to make the poppy quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.
I really would love to make Zap! Very Exciting quilt, thanks for the opportunity.
I just love the Zap quilt. It is done in very earthy colors but seems very live. I also think that it is hard to have an alive quilt for a man and this is one I think would work wonders.
This looks like a wonderful book and I thank you for the chance to win it.
I love the Zap quilt…and it would be easy to make with all of the large focus fabrics I already have in my stash! I also love Retreat…a very close second for me.
Marble would be so fun to make for my grandson. Thanks for the chance!
Those patterns all look good but I do like Poppy and think it might be the first on my list to make. But then again the Marbles quilt is so cute.
The designs all look like fun, but Spa is pulling at me to try first. Looks very restful with the curves and limited colors. Also, somewhere I saw a FMQ design where you made a foundation curve, then went back and crossed to make a similar design with the thread. They would look great together I think! Thank you for putting my name in the hat for the drawing!
It is a toss up for me between Heirloom and Thistle. Thanks for the chance!
Oh, it’s hard to pick a favorite. It seems all of them are calling my name. I have two new grandsons and Marbles would be great for them, and I love the one on the front cover, too. It looks like one I’d just loved to snuggle under, but , of the ones you featured, I’m going to choose Poppy as my favorite. I love the colors, the pattern, and the quilting. Its old fashioned looking and yet, very modern. It would be suitable for a baby or for an oldster, like me! This book will be a favorite in anyone’s library.
I like Spa and Boulevard. They look cool!
Definitely MARBLES – without a doubt! I have a couple of “Sew Emma” patterns and they’re really great. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I love Poppy, but Spa is so pretty it makes me want to do some appliqué!
i would do poppys and the one that has crosses
RETREAT! and then off to all of those lovely patterns. Wow!
I love the boulevard quilt and I would make that one first.
Most definitely I would make Zap first using some bright batiks.
I would love to make Poppy.
I would start with Marbles. This would be great to highlight focus fabrics.
I love Poppy but Zap is also interesting. I think it would be a toss up for which I would make first! Love the giveaway.
I really like Poppy also and Truffle! What a great looking book, I would love to win it!
If I have to pick one it would be between Poppy and Zap. I don’t know if I would make Poppy first and then Zap or the other way around. The book is filled with great quilt patterns. But at first look these two I see first that I want too make. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book. Thanks for this opportunity to win this book.
Marbles, followed by Poppy and then Retreat…this book looks fabulous. Spa looks interesting too.Thank you for offering the chance to win one.
Poppy is very appealing and look fun to make.
My favorite from these is “Marbles.” Thanks for the givaway.
c.teasley@yahoo.com
what a fabulous lot of patterns in this book – if I was lucky enough to win I think I’d make the poppy and zap patterns first – I can’t decide between them so I’d have to make them both first :) thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Zap for sure. Thanks.
Poppy looks like it would be a very fun and pretty quilt to stitch.