Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting

This is a very well written, comprehensive guide to designing and sewing a quilt. It seems to be good for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with lots of information about various techniques. It would be a good addition to a quilter's library.

Anna Maria Parry's Blueprint Quilting is a fantastic resource for quilters at every stage of their journey. This book invites readers to explore colour, pattern, and technique through 16 vibrant projects built around four foundational design structures.

This book is inspiring and practical. It provides a wealth of information on quilting techniques and an array of stunning images accompanying each pattern. Like most quilting guides, it includes helpful beginner instructions while providing detailed insights into advanced techniques that will captivate seasoned quilters. Even as an experienced quilter, I found the book informative and inspiring, with techniques I look forward to trying.

Overall, Blueprint Quilting is a beautifully presented book that would make a great addition to any quilter's library, whether a novice or a more advanced quilter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry | Quarry Books for providing me with an e-ARC of Blueprint Quilting in exchange for my honest review.

Very nice quilting book. This would be great for a beginner, but perhaps one who has created art before. It goes over building blocks of quilting, color theory, different techniques. Then lays out a bunch of beautiful quilting patterns. I feel totally inspired to create some new pieces.

Quilters have certainly noticed artist and textile designer Anna Maria Parry’s textiles with their vivid color and original designs. Parry has designed quilt patterns along with her fabric line, her newest book being BluePrint Quilting.

The idea behind Blueprint Quilting arises from Parry noticing “certain aesthetic compositions or ‘blueprints'” in quilts she has made: the square, the triptych, the x, the color study. By switching up the details, these blueprints can be used to create a variety of original quilt patterns.

Parry begins the book with the basic elements of art: color, value, line, shape, form, space, and texture. She then shows the composition principles of balance, movement, rhythm, scale, and contrast. She encourages you to have a story in your art.

Next, Parry offers a chapter covering the basic tools of quilting. Batting, threads, tools, sewing machines, pressing, and adhesives.

In Building Blocks, Parry teaches the patchwork building blocks used in the quilt patterns and shows how they are constructed.

Instructions for each project are excellent with a full color picture of the completed quilt and how the blocks are sewn together.

The sixteen patterns include quilts of all sizes, a tote bag, and even a window covering. The quilt patterns include mixed techniques combing applique and patchwork, and all incorporate numerous blocks to create complex designs.

Her instructions and illustrations show how the basic patchwork blocks work together. The quilts appear to be for accomplished piecers, and yet are made with familiar blocks: half square triangles, rail fence, log cabin, dresden plate, snowball, shoofly, checkerboards.

I am stunned by these quilts and her combining traditional quilt blocks is inspiring.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley

Anna Maria Parry's Blueprint Quilting is a great place to start no matter where you are on your quilting journey. This guide provides a fresh and well grounded approach to quilt-making, turning her unique, vibrant designs into accessible projects for quilters of any skill level. With several foundational “blueprints” at the heart of the book, Parry guides readers through 16 quilt and patchwork projects that build both skills and creativity. Her breakdown of intricate-looking designs into easy-to-follow steps makes advanced techniques feel approachable, while the vivid photography and behind-the-scenes insights elevate the reading experience.

This book is not just about replicating quilts; it's a toolkit for developing your style, with clear instructions on intensifying color, scaling patterns, and using appliqué. The QR code video links are a bonus, offering real-time visual support. Whether you're new to quilting or looking to expand your design repertoire, Blueprint Quilting provides inspiration and guidance to create stunning, personalized pieces. A must-have for any quilting library!