Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Book review-All Points Patchwork

by

All Points Patchwork Diane GillelandIn one sentence, this book is a keeper, as a valuable reference, source of inspiration and guide to expanding your piecing repertoire.

I love improvisation as much as the next hip quilter, but leading craft author and popular blogger (CraftyPod.com) Diane Gilleland shows us in her latest book, All Points Patchwork, that achieving precision is cool too.

But getting all those corners and intersections lined up properly can be daunting. Her secret weapon? She employs traditional English paper piecing (EPP). Now the EPP lovers’ go-to shape is the hexagon, yet Diane, in this book, takes you Beyond the Hexagon for Quilts and Small Projects.

From the publisher’s promotional statement:

This complete course in English paper piecing takes you far beyond traditional hexagons with step-by-step photos showing you how to connect triangles, octagons, diamonds, jewels, triangles, tumblers, pentagons, and curved shapes. It even provides dozens of ideas for incorporating the pattern designs into clothing, pillows, quilts, and home decor items!

All Points Patchwork is well written and includes meaningful how-to photos and instructions for hand stitching. Diane offers a variety of projects, and some I want to make, particularly the giant hexagon quilt and the baby quilt. So many craft books are meh, but this one sings. I’ve barely had my review copy out of sight since I snagged it out of my mailbox. Thank you Storey Publishing for providing it to me, and for also offering a free copy of the book to a Craft Gossip reader. More on that later.

In addition to all else, Diane’s teaching style evokes a feeling of camaraderie; it’s like sitting down with a friend to sew, only this friend has mad skills.

If you want to buy this book, you can find it here.
$19.95 paper ISBN-13: 978-1612124209

If you want to get a chance to win a free copy, look for my contest announcement post, coming shortly.

Image credit: {Storey Publishing}

Comments

  1. I like it I never done patch work so need to up my sewing skills up for trying

  3. I’ve gotten back to my sewing machine and love of quilting after being ill. Is it wrong to say I think my fabric stash missed me? Haha learning new methods is exciting.

Have you read?

Book Review- Scrappiness Is Happiness – Inside The Book

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

  • dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
     • scrappy quilt layouts
     • projects designed for leftover fabrics
     • Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

  • scrap quilts
     • sampler quilts
     • block-of-the-month style projects
     • mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

  • bright cheerful fabrics
     • vintage-inspired colour palettes
     • classic patchwork shapes
     • fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

  • quilters who love scrap quilting
     • anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
     • makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
     • quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.