Pattern-Free Quilts: Riffs on the Rail Fence Block by Kathleen Loomis

If you’ve never designed a quilt on your own but are tired of using patterns devised by others, a new book by Kathleen Loomis, Pattern-Free Quilts: Riffs on the Rail Fence, is for you.  Kathleen was a journalist before she “retired” to become a full-time fiber artist.  That background holds her in good stead.  She has an easy, conversational writing style which incorporates her sense of humor.  Her book is an easy read.

But don’t let that fool you.  This book is packed with helpful hints and fresh ideas on making the rail fence block, which Kathleen defines very loosely, your own.  She takes you step-by-step through the decisions needed to come up with your own unique and successful quilt design.  From choosing the block and the layout to fabric choices – Kathleen has good advice each step of the way.  She gives you a guide to continuing on after making your first pattern-free quilt – how to keep growing and changing.

The quilt gallery at the end of the book shows a myriad of possibilities with simple or more complex variations rail fence block. Each photo is accompanied by a helpful description of the rails, block, arrangement, and color plan. It's a good place to study the effects of choices made with regard to color, layout, and complexity. 

These are quilts you could whip up quickly for gifts and charity work.  In fact, Kathleen whipped up two of them herself (one shown on page 69 of the book), which she donated to my Guatemala Bound project!  Or you could adapt the basic pattern to a more sophisticated style for a stunning art piece.  The choice is yours.  Whatever you choose, you'll be making something unique.

So check it out.  You can’t go wrong following Kathleen’s advice.

For ordering information see Kathy's blog, Art With A Needle, or CreateSpace.com