Nancy J. Martin

I love this book. It's beautiful to look at and the patterns are varied and attractive. I've made two quilts from this book and they both turned out great. I would highly recommend this book to any traditional patchwork quilter.

I really like this book, especially for a beginner. It has good general instructions and a bunch of patterns. Most everyone could find something to do out of this book.

Using traditional patterns and novelty fabrics, Nancy J. Martin has designed a book of patterns for beginner quilters. Baby’s First Quilts starts out with an impressive 21 pages of quilting instructions to prepare even the most novice quilter. There are very basic instructions with information on rotary cutter equipment, and the use of other quilting supplies. Also, there are detailed directions for matching blocks, sewing direction, and pressing - very important for a new quilter.

Most of show more the quilts patterns are for beginners using novelty (or picture) fabric for design. All have clear color diagrams to show the placement of pieces. Most are squares, triangles, and/or framed fussy-cut novelty fabric pieces. Even the one appliqué pattern of Santas would be simple enough for a first time appliqué quilter. There is one circle pattern, Beach Balls, which would probably require more experience because the pieces are sewn on a curve.

Since the only thing that would distinguish these as baby quilts is the fabrics and size, you could use the same patterns to make lap quilts at this size or rework the size to make full-sized quilts. The quilts would be appropriate not only for babies and children, but also for charity quilting. show less

The authors have deconstructed the pieced hexagons that were traditionally used for Ocean Waves quilts, replacing them with 16-patch stars made of half-square triangles, alternating with simpler blocks that use squares on point with pieced corners. A few quilts using the North Wind or Corn and Beans block are made in the traditional way. The patterns use outdated construction methods including templates and bias strips. I bought this book not for the patterns, but for the color photos of show more several wonderfully scrappy vintage Ocean Wave quilts. show less