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Book Review – More Than Just A Pretty Face

July 24, 2024 by Shellie Wilson

Last week we featured a Book review called ” Capture Your Own Life” and this week we are back with more collage style quilts. 

As the second installment in Phyllis Cullen’s and Cindy Richard’s fabric portrait series, “More Than Just a Pretty Face” takes us on a deeper exploration of the art of fabric portraiture. Building upon the foundation laid in Book 1, “It’s All About the Face,” this book delves into the intricacies of capturing the essence of the subject through face and figure.

Phyllis and Cindy leave no stone unturned as they guide readers through the portrait process. From anatomy and photography techniques to choosing the perfect fabrics and creating patterns, every step is meticulously detailed. The authors compare various digital programs for pattern creation and offer invaluable insights into fabric selection based on value.

One of the highlights of “More Than Just a Pretty Face” is the chapter dedicated to contour quilting. Through large, full-color images and detailed instructions, Phyllis and Cindy demonstrate how to add dimensionality to fabric portraits, bringing your subjects to life with depth and realism.

The book goes beyond traditional fabric portraiture, exploring genres such as abstract and AI-generated works. With multiple examples from the contemporary fabric art world, readers are inspired to push the boundaries of their creativity and experiment with new techniques.

“More Than Just a Pretty Face” is a must-have resource for anyone passionate about fabric portraiture. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to learn, Phyllis Cullen and Cindy Richard’s expertise and guidance will inspire and empower you on your journey. So, grab your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and let’s embark on an unforgettable artistic adventure together!

Jessica Bell’s fabric collage art

Valentine heart and a course in textile collage

Tutorial: Create photo collages | quick and free

Tutorial: Collage T-Shirt quilt

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Have you read?

35 Free Quilting Patterns for Beginners and Confident Quilters (Updated for 2026)

 

If you’ve been searching for free quilting patterns that are actually clear, printable, and beginner-friendly… you’re in the right place.

There are thousands of “free quilt patterns” floating around online, but not all of them are detailed, scrap-friendly, or realistic for everyday quilters. So I’ve gathered the styles that work — the ones that real quilters actually finish.

And if you’re new here, Quilting.CraftGossip.com regularly features curated free quilt tutorials, quilt blocks, and scrap-friendly ideas so you don’t have to dig through cluttered search results.

Free Beginner Quilting Patterns

If you’re just starting out, these beginner quilt patterns are ideal because they focus on straight seams, simple layouts, and manageable block sizes.

Simple Patchwork Quilt

The perfect first quilt. Great for fat quarters or leftover cotton prints.

If you love simple layouts, you might also enjoy our full roundup of
Easy Quilt Patterns for Beginners

Rail Fence Quilt Pattern (Free)

A timeless strip quilt that looks complex but sews up quickly.

We recently featured a detailed version in our

Nine Patch Quilt Pattern

The most classic beginner quilt block of all time.

You can explore even more variations in our
Nine Patch Quilt Block Collection

Free Scrap Quilt Patterns (Use What You Already Have)

Scrap quilting is having a huge resurgence right now — especially with rising fabric prices and sustainability trends.

If your scrap bin is overflowing, these are perfect.

String Quilt Pattern

Great for narrow leftover strips.

You’ll find even more scrap-friendly designs in our roundup:
[Scrap Quilt Ideas That Actually Look Beautiful] (INSERT INTERNAL LINK)

Log Cabin Scrap Quilt

Traditional and cozy — and ideal for color experimentation.

Crumb Quilt Pattern

For the tiniest pieces you can’t throw away.

If you love using every last bit of fabric, see:
How to Make a Crumb Quilt Step by Step

Free Quilt Block Patterns

Sometimes you just want to practice blocks before committing to a full quilt.

Ohio Star Block

Perfect introduction to half-square triangles.

More star variations here:
 Star Quilt Block Patterns

Flying Geese Block Tutorial

A modern quilt staple.

We break down easy construction methods in:
How to Make Flying Geese Without Waste

Dresden Plate Block

Vintage charm with endless color options.

See also:
Vintage-Inspired Quilt Block Patterns

Free Baby Quilt Patterns

Baby quilts remain one of the most searched quilting topics online.

They’re fast to finish, meaningful to gift, and ideal for beginners.

Charm Pack Baby Quilt

Pre-cuts make this one stress-free.

If you love pre-cuts, browse:
 Charm Pack Quilt Patterns

Patchwork Baby Quilt

Great for nursery prints or pastel scraps.

We also featured:
Easy Baby Quilt Patterns for Beginners 

Free Modern Quilt Patterns

Modern quilting continues trending into 2026 — bold color blocking, negative space, and graphic layouts.

Plus Sign Quilt

Minimal cutting. High impact.

See more graphic designs here:
Plus Quilt tutorial

Half-Square Triangle Quilt

An essential skill builder.

We’ve got a full tutorial here:
Half Square Triangle Quilt Tutorial

Free Seasonal Quilt Patterns

Seasonal quilts drive strong search traffic year after year.

Christmas Quilt Pattern

For holiday sewing inspiration, see:
Christmas Quilt Patterns and Tutorials

Fall Quilt Patterns

Autumn leaves, pumpkins, and cozy tones.

Browse more here:
Fall-Themed Quilt Projects

Spring Floral Quilt Blocks

Perfect for fresh, cheerful color palettes.

You may also enjoy:
Flower Quilt Blocks 

Want Even More Free Quilt Patterns?

If you’re planning multiple projects this year, bookmark:

  • Free Quilt Patterns
    • Beginner Quilting Tutorials
    • Scrap Quilting Ideas
    • Modern Quilt Designs

These pages are updated regularly with fresh patterns and tutorials.

Categories

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