Easy Stack Quilts: Fast, Fun & Fabulous Kaleidoscope Quilts for Fabric Lovers

Quilters looking to experiment with printed textiles will be drawn to the latest technique from Doyle (Mini-Mosaic Quilts). Doyle developed what she calls “easy stack” quilting a couple of years ago when she was nearing the end of her breast cancer treatment and didn’t have much energy to devote to crafts. The quick and efficient method involves large-scale roller-printed fabric that is then layered­—or “stacked”—in order to cut it efficiently; the pieces are then aligned into four-patch blocks for a kaleidoscopic effect. The blocks can be set on their own with sashing or combined and then made into quilts. After the detailed and photo-heavy basic instructions, Doyle offers a gallery of designs: Chelsea Flower Show, which was inspired by the horticultural displays at the annual flower show in London, uses three large floral prints to make four-patch blocks that are arranged randomly over the quilt surface. Effervescence is simpler and uses only one fabric, and Not Just for Christmas, inspired by Log Cabin quilts, uses two fabrics with contrasting colors. Each design includes easy-to-follow measurements for the four bed sizes. This versatile method speeds up the quilt-making process while also yielding truly innovative designs. Color photos. [em](July) [/em]