Title: Split Diamond Dazzlers
Quilts To Paper Piece
Author: Pauline Johnston
Publisher: Martingale & Company
Pages: 80
Suggested Retail Price: $22.95
ISBN #: 1-56477-469-4

Review: By Dori Hawks

When I first saw the cover of this book, I said “Wow” because the quilt on the front is a dazzler! What is a Split Diamond you may ask? They “are 45° diamonds that are made from simple foundation pieced diamond log cabin units.”

Are they hard to make? “With Split Diamonds, drafting is eliminated because all the patterns in the book are made from one foundation-pieced unit, and all the diamonds are the same size.”

Pauline discusses the various types of materials to use as your foundations and thoroughly goes into choosing fabrics to make the quilts. I like how she tells us not only what to look for, but why you should choose one fabric over another. I found her discussion of color useful, practical, and sensible, something I could relate to, rather than just a discussion of color theory.

On first look at the description of the pattern markings, I was momentarily confused, but when I realized that she was showing you how to piece one diamond and then cut (or split) it into four, my hesitation flew right out the window! What a great idea! It is such a clever, but very simplified method of construction.

Pauline’s projects begin with the easiest and progress to the more complex. Each design looks intriguing, and with the wonderful options for borders she shows, your final quilt will be a delight. Trying some of the variations she proposes in the project section and the gallery is sure to keep you busy using up your fabric stash.

Look for this book at your favorite quilt shop!

Publisher:
Martingale & Company: That Patchwork Place
20205 144th Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
1-800-426-3126

www.martingale-pub.com

©2004 Dori Hawks
www.theQuilterCommunity.com