Whenever a new quilter finishes their blocks for their first quilt, it’s a real eye opener to see the different layouts that can be achieved.  A whole new world of creative fun is opened up for the quilter’s pleasure.  Finding circles and curves in quilts (that aren’t really circles at all…. just an illusion!) is another eye opener.  A new trick learned.  But this trick can’t just be stored away.  Once it’s been discovered, it just has to be explored!

Rings & Things comes in two sizes, full and queen.  “Circles” made from angled lines surround stars.  Extra stars also appear between the cirles. The two different shades of purple add more interest to an already visually pleasing quilt.

Bargello Circles is an eye catcher.  Using circle fabrics repeats the bargello circle theme.  The rectangles that are strategically placed in the center area are given a little more interest by using striped fabric for some of them. 

Illusions is just what all these quilts are about.  When you are not looking for the straight lines, but standing back and looking at these quilts as a whole, the “circles” really stand out.  Pictured here in reds and greens this makes a perfect winter holiday quilt.   Replace the reds with pinks, use a softer green and you will have a garden looking quilt.

Offset Log Cabin blocks and sashing are used to create the circular illusion in Prarie Night Starburst.  This quilt looks complicated but it is mostly strip piecing so it is fairly easy to put together. 

Isosceles 12421 looks like there are curves everywhere…. it really keeps your eyes moving around… and around!

Did you see any you like?  Go ahead, try a circular themed quilts and still use your rotary cutter and ruler.  Have fun!

While we are all drawn to certain patterns, and have our favorite quilt designers,  quilt books can offer a little more…. or a lot more!   Most books have several patterns for quilts, with options for different sizes for each pattern.   The designer will usually offer tips and insights for easier construction or color combinations.  If you will find yourself with a little spare time but can’t get into your sewing room, perusing a quilt book is the next best thing.

Summertime by Black Mountain Quilts features mainly quick, easy to construct summery quilts.  Many large pieces give you an opportunity to show off your favorite fabrics. 

Karen Eckmeier of the Quilted Lizard will show you how to make Happy Villages with an easy method of glue basting and machine stitching with a layer of tulle.  No seams or points to worry about; your mind is free to let your imagination run wild and make it your village.

Have you caught the “Modern Quilt” craze?  Embellishment Potpourri has dozens of creative accents using thread, fabric and more – don’t you want to know what that ‘more’ is?!  This book will be sure to fuel your creative juices.

Take a stroll through Miss Mabel’s Garden and you will discover projects galore.  From placemats to bed quilts, and difficulty levels from beginner to advanced this is a book you will return to again and again. 

If you have an athlete in your life, Fan-Tastic Sport Quilts is a must-have book.  Personalize the projects offered by using colors from your favorite team.  Five sport themes and five different projects are offered with simple, speedy construction techniques.  You’ll be a fan favorite!

Browse through the selection of quilt books we have available and find the books that you just can’t live without!

Do you like to dress up your rooms by adding pillows?  Do you change them with the seasons?  Do you change them with your mood?   If you are growing tired of the ones you already have, here are a few pillow patterns you might want to try.

Sometimes the simplest designs are the most pleasing.  More Splash Than Cash’s Peaceful Accent Pillows pattern offers two pillow sizes, 12″ x 15″ and 16″ x 16″, that are easy to sew and perfect for adding lots of accent color. 

If you know any little girls, they would probably love a couple of these Flutterby Butterfly Pillows.  These would made a great project for you to do with your granddaugther.  Have fun embellishing them…. let your imagination run wild…. or let your grandchild design the finishing touches!

Quick Finish Pillows from Seams and Dreams has instructions for four different pillows.  Each one is easy to sew.

Itza Quillow has instructions for a quilt that will fit inside an attached pocket, transforming a quilt into a pillow.  These are great for college students and you have just a few months to make one or two before school begins again.

Any pillow makes a good gift, but this one would make a special gift.   Bright patchwork, handstitched saying and button flowers combine to make the Friends Are Flowers pillow.  The pattern instructions for this 12″ x 16″ pillow are easy to follow. 

Check out the rest of the pillow patterns.  There are seasonal patterns, practical patterns, and pieced pillowcase patterns.  You’ll also find sporty pillow patterns, fanciful flirty pillow patterns, different shapes (like stars, hearts and flip-flops!) and floral patterns.  If you are really feeling ambitious there is even a pillow pattern that is covered in prairie points.  Now that would be something to have!

Susan Knapp and Mary Jane Mattingly really enjoy quilting and designing; their patterns are proof!  Many have elements of traditional blocks and some include a twist or two!

In this Fireworks table runner, star blocks are modified and made to look like fireworks.   Get ready for your summer parties and picnics.  The pattern also includes instructions for placemats.

Blocks of large spools of thread  are alternated with four square blocks of smaller spools of thread and squares of sewing notion fabrics.  The thread look is created with striped fabrics – isn’t that clever?!   Finishing at 49″ square this quilt is just right for hanging in your sewing room or gifting to your friend who loves Just Spoolin’ Around.

Six Halves Make A Whole is the first book in a line of books that make use of those beautiful bundles of six half yard cuts.  Or make your own bundle of fabric.  This particular book has patterns for six projects, so you get a lot for your money!

Table Topper Series #1 Spring includes patterns appropriate for March, April and May.  The Series is complete and has patterns for each season. Change your table topper and your mood each month!

Check out The Quilt Branch page for lots of wallhangings, lap quilts and a few bed sized quilts, plus table topper patterns. Feel at home with familiar blocks and the same time feel energized by the new life they breathe into them.

Birdhouses are a popular addition to many quilts.  Whether made by piecing, paper piecing or applique, they add a special something.  It’s fun to play with different fabrics for the houses and roofs.  Stripes and plaids look great.  Then you can add some more texture and interest with your quilting… parallel lines for boards on the walls, angles lines or scallops for the roof.

The Birdhouse Welcome wallhanging pattern can be made from  charm squares or you can raid your scrap bin.  Full size letter templates are included – you choose the applique method.  Finished size is 12″ by 28″. 

Spring Row Quilt is shown here in just a few colors, but with eleven birdhouses and lots of flowers and vines you could have so much fun playing with color and fabric. 

This is SO CUTE!!!  And just in time for Easter, too.  Quick Cozy Quilts series are patterns for three individual wallhangings.  Make just one or all three.  Each looks great on its own but are designed to look well together, also.

Love Grows… wall hanging features piecework and fusible applique.  Mary Kerr of Just My Imagination has written clear, easy-to-follow instructions.  The 16″ x 17″ wallhanging is embellished with ribbon (for the ivy) and yoyo flowers.

Kathy Sabatino designed these placemats and tablerunner with birdhouse duplexes… fully occupied; no vacancies In The Neighborhood.  The table runner has a birdhouse at each end and the middle has been left empty for a centerpiece.

Lovebird Lane Block of the Month is one of my favorites.  It’s so bright and cheerful. Each birdhouse has its own personality.  The border really completes the beautiful, romantic look of the quilt.

Periwinkle Lane Block 5 is another one of my favorites.  Of course, I like all the Periwinkle Lane blocks.  They are so colorful, fun to make, and the embroidery is just the right accent for the crayons.

Oops… gotta go. All this talk of birdhouses reminded me… I have to go put out seed for the birds!

Spingtime means rain and rainbows.  While you are stuck inside waiting for the rainbows to appear, here’s a few patterns to keep you busy.

Grab some bright colorful charm squares and create this beautiful Rainbow Garden.   This pattern uses simple applique and no curved piecing.  What a cheerful quilt to decorate a little girl’s bedroom. 

Bold fabric colors are showcased in Rainbow Crystals tablerunner and placemats.  There is no paper piecing or templates, just stack, slice and mix.  A great hostess gift and no two will be the same.

Hannah’s Rainbow quilt pattern is fat quarter friendly.  Moda Marbles, tone on tones, or very small print fabrics that read as solids work best.  The more different fabrics you use the more seamless the color transition will be. The rainbow binding really adds to the look.

Noah’s Big Job is an adorable wallhanghing that captures Noah as he prepares for the big rain.  Pair of animals are tucked in his pouch, he has a list in one hand and bird’s nest in the other.  Instructions are included for the rainbow sign and the wooden birds.

Rain, Rain Go Away is the April block from Indygo Junction’s Once Upon A Time… In The Country quilt.  It works as a small wallhanging all by itself.  I remember the next line of the saying as “Come again another day” – I like that it hasn’t been added – we wouldn’t mean it anyway!

Rainy Days by Bonnie Kaster will make you glad you are sewing and quilting instead of outside in the rain wrestling with your umbrella.   The silhouette applique shapes can be done by hand or machine.  You can almost feel the wind!