A Year of Quilting

This cozy guide from Shore (Half Yard Autumn) and Nayler details how to create 52 fabric blocks that can be assembled into a large quilt. Writing for beginners, the authors recommend tools (rotary cutters “are useful for cutting around curves”) and show how to make blanket, overcast, running, and slip stitches. The blocks build on each other, with techniques from simple early designs later recurring in more creative configurations. For instance, week one’s flying geese design is incorporated into the upper-left-hand corner of week six’s “Bird 1” square, which is otherwise filled out by a half log cabin design, and week 26’s “Small Flower 4” square, in which the triangular “geese” are arrayed around a heart. Several blocks take inspiration from nature, such as the “tall bird,” created by sewing a triangular beak and teardrop wing on a half-circle, and the “tall flower,” which features an octagonal flower head with applique leaves. The authors also provide thorough instructions for assembling the blocks and attaching them, either by hand or sewing machine, onto quilt backing. The one-block-per-week conceit will help novices ease into the craft while learning a variety of design strategies. This is well worth seeking out. 

* Publishers Weekly *

A must have!!

This book really is amazing, full of 52 blocks that make a quilt. Debbie and Melissa have designed these blocks to incorporate 11 different colours, of course you could use your own colours, along with 21 techniques. All techniques have full instructions and are easy to follow. Full instructions are given for all hand stitching used during the making of these blocks plus all other fabrics and cottons you will need.

I have been sewing for years yet there are techniques in this book that I have never tried and can’t wait to do so. It is a book for beginners and advanced sewers. The first block is the easiest and they get more difficult as you work through them, but not too difficult that you could not make them.

All blocks can be used for all sorts of other items, as explained in the back of the book. It is not necessary for you to make the quilt if you do not wish to, there are dozens of other things you can put these blocks and techniques to use. There are also templates in the back of the book for you to trace and use repeatedly. All of this for only £15.99, it really is a wonderful book and would really be an ideal present for anyone you know who sews or just like me, for yourself. 

* Blodwen from Half Yard Sewing Club *

What an absolutely beautiful book this is!  

It is a complete guide to Quilting and is suitable for beginners through to more experienced quilters.

The first section of the book focuses on everything you need to get started, followed by details of the key techniques needed to complete the quilt.   

The instructions are detailed, easy to follow and well supported with beautiful, clear, close range photographs. There are detailed explanations showing how to make various shapes from half-Square through to Flying Geese, Crazy Patchwork, Dresden Plate and a range of applique techniques. Full size, traceable, templates are also included at the back of the book

The Blocks section are organised into weekly blocks, chronologically from Week 1 to Week 52. However, each block can be made independently, as you can dip in and out of the book, using the finished block in smaller projects. Debbie has included ideas to use the blocks as bags, place mats and other household accessories … the possibilities are endless!

The instructions for putting the Quilt together are clear, and provide a range of options to complete this beautiful quilt.

This is a comprehensive guide to Quilting…nothing has been missed…and it will provide many happy hours of sewing/Quilting, and is excellent value for money.

If you are a follower of Debbie Shore's Block of the Month on The Half Yard Sewing Club, you will adore this book.  If you are new to Debbie Shore and Quilting, you will adore this book!

* Jayne from Half Yard Sewing Club *

I joined Debbie Shore’s Half Yard Sewing Club a few years ago and in 2023 I attempted my first quilt using the Club’s Block of the Month patterns. And it wasn’t half bad! I really like the idea of a quilt made up of different patterns.

When I saw Debbie Shore advertise her new book, ‘A Year of Quilting’, which she co-authored with Melissa Nayler, I just couldn’t wait for it to come out and it has not disappointed. 

The theme of the book is a patchwork block for every week of the year, and there are some gorgeous blocks in the 52 patterns, I can’t wait to get started. Of course one can sew the blocks in any order, sew one or two, or a handful or maybe use a patchwork block for a repeat pattern in an inspired quilt project.  It’s up to the user.

Debbie and Melissa give the reader all the information needed to make their 52 block quilt measuring 72 x 60 inches, covering everything form quantities of fabric, details on how to tackle the different techniques such as curved pieces, appliqué, English paper piecing, foundation paper piecing to guidance for binding.

 As you would expect from a Debbie Shore book there is plenty of information on threads, tools, templates (full size at the back of the book), machine stitching and hand stitching. The photographs are bright and clear and the instructions are simple and concise.

I think the book is good value for money; there are 52 patterns, tips, techniques and inspirational project ideas.

A lovely book to own, one you’ll refer to time after time.

* Juliet from Half Yard Sewing Club *

This book is a delightful guide for quilters for all skill levels. Offering 52 beautifully designed blocks that correspond to every week of the year. Known for her approachable teaching style and creativity, Debbie provides a book that inspires both seasoned and those new to the craft.

The first 51 pages of the book offer a wealth of information enabling any skill level of quilter to enjoy this beautiful book. These pages explain about the fabrics used and the threads and tools you will need.

The next few pages on ‘key techniques’ clearly explains along with full colour photos, what hand stitching you require, machine stitches, Piecing and how to create each of the 52 blocks, making it easy to follow and achieve polished results.

One of the stand-out features of ‘A Year of Quilting’ is it’s accessibility. The clear instructions and practical advice remove the intimidation often associated with quilting. Having a block a week, encourages quilters to plan and create their year of quilting. The vibrant photography is both inspiring and instructive, offering a visual road map for each project. Their focus on functional yet beautiful designs ensures the projects are both practical and artistic.

This book is perfect for hobbyists looking for inspiration, beginners eager to learn quilting and experienced quilters seeking new ideas. Making this book an invaluable edition to any quilter’s library. It offers techniques into many different quilting styles and also includes applique, reverse applique, EPP, FPP to name but a few. The blocks don’t have to be created in the order given, which makes it lovely to choose any block you feel drawn to on any given week. Any template you need is included at the back of the book and also available to download.

After completing all 52 blocks there are extensive instructions on how to turn it into a beautiful quilt. And different ways of quilting it too.

This charming book is a must have anyone looking to enhancing their quilting repertoire. Whether you are crafting for yourself, your home or loved ones, this book is a yearlong source of inspiration.

At £15.99 this book is extremely good value.

* Sandi from Half Yard Sewing Cl