Time-Saving Quilts with 2 1/2" Strips (Annie's Quilting)

I have made several of the quilts in this book. The directions are very clear and the quilts are pretty easy to make. I recommend this book.

Love a good pattern book

Very helpful book!

So, I bought this book hoping there would be some patterns that interested me and I’m happy to say, I found a few I will definitely put together. The pamphlet is very nice quality. The pages are a decent thickness, glossy and the images are in color so overall, I have no complaints about that aspect of it.With regard to the patterns, I especially like six out of nine and will probably tackle four of the six so buying blind has worked out pretty well. But, having said that, it’s all a matter of personal preference so it doesn’t much matter one way or the other.However, to be more specific about the contents, my review is mixed.I made my first quilt using pre-cut strips in 2018 and was guided by someone who had 60+ years experience. After that, I was on my own and learned most of what I know by trial/error and from YouTube videos. After almost six years, I still consider myself a beginner because I have no desire to make anything too complicated. I stick with the easy patterns [i.e. “beginner”] and find quite a bit of variability in the level of instruction detail included within each pattern. I have made up my own patterns and taken many liberties at modifying patterns created by others but I haven’t tackled curves, triangles or points . . . yet. With that said, in this book the patterns are either labeled “Beginner” or “Confident Beginner”. I’ve read a lot of patterns and immediately, the term “Confident Beginner” jumped out at me. Hmm . . . this category is new to me so I was intrigued. But, after reading each pattern in this book, I’d say “Advanced Beginner” or “Experienced” are more appropriate descriptions. I’m no expert, obviously, but I’d say introducing applique and triangles is too advanced for a beginner! At least in the triangle quilt they had the good sense to mention you’ll have extra triangles!The instructions are laid out nicely and each pattern includes: Skill Level; Finished Sizes; Materials; Project Notes; Instructions for Cutting, Completing the Blocks & Completing the Quilt in addition to Tips. Each pattern includes plenty of illustrations and detailed written instructions. Seems rather comprehensive in title but a few flaws in my opinion. For example, the material requirements are very clearly stated (if you use pre-cuts) however, if you choose other fabrics, you’re on your own to figure out how much you’ll need of each color/pattern. I’m OK with it because I like math but I have other patterns that say “XX” jelly roll/pre-cut strips or “XX” yard(s) so I’d say they could easily adapt the patterns on this point.I would consider the “Project Notes” a “Key” where terms are defined and these are great for a beginner. However, on a couple of the patterns, they introduce the terms “flange” and “sashing” but these are NOT explained. To an experienced quilter, you might think well, we KNOW what those are but to a beginner the terms may be unfamiliar. I know what sashing is because I ran across it in a pattern where it was clearly defined but I had no idea what was meant by “flange”. By process of elimination, I figured out it’s a very narrow band of fabric that’s sewn around the edge of the quilt. Since it falls under “Completing the Quilt”, I assume it’s added after the quilting has been completed but before the binding is added. I don’t think a beginner would necessarily understand this. Now I’m beginning to wonder (after six years) if I’m a “Confident Beginner”? It’s just my two cents but these new terms should be part of the “Project Notes” since that’s where they explain other terms. Their method for creating HST seems too advanced for a beginner and nowhere in the pamphlet is there a QST.There is a section at the back of the pamphlet that goes over binding the quilt and it’s diagramed but honestly, from what’s shown, I still don’t get it. For me, I might have to be sitting at the sewing machine actually doing it because just the written instruction isn’t enough, despite the fact that there is an illustration. In fairness, I haven’t tried binding a quilt myself. I leave that up to the finisher!I’m giving this pamphlet a four-star rating because it is nice quality and should be durable. There is a nice assortment of patterns from which to choose and given personal preference, it’s not realistic to like every pattern. At this price point, it’s still a bargain if you only like one or two patterns. But they lose a star for some of the ‘misses’ within the instructions as noted above.

This book has several quilts for one who hopes to make a fairly simple but beautiful quilt. I've only been at this for two years and I don't spend months on one quilt, and there are 6 or 7 that I could tackle. i'm looking forward to choosing one for my next quilt. I've yet to use a jelly roll but that would be a time saver as they all use 2.5 strips. A nice book for a nice price.

I love every quilt in this book, each by a different, well-known quilter. Each quilt is beautiful, and I plan to make every one of them. The instructions are great, and each quilt could be made in a weekend. The book also arrived on time.

Quick and easy patterns for busy quilters.

Nice selection and look easy to do.