I want to give a quick thanks to Amy Smart and Martingale for giving me a review copy of Fabulously Fast Quilts so I can tell you all about it. First – a quick background: I got to know Amy when I used to sponsor blogs to advertise my online store (before I decided to switch hats from store owner to pattern designer).

I love Amy’s blog style, the content she shares, and her genuinely friendly manner. I finally got to meet her in person at Sewing Summit last year and appreciate how down to earth and “real” she is!

All images courtesy of Martingale. Photography by Brent Kane.

When I found out Amy was writing a book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it because I knew it would be chock full of quilty goodness! Let me tell you – it does not disappoint!

Fabulously Fast Quilts is an easily digestible 48 page book full of 12 fresh and fun patterns, all designed by Amy. The designs are simple, yet striking, and I can honestly say I would enjoy making each one!

Crossing Guard, shown above is my favorite design from the book. It’s very clean looking and modern. Plus it includes one of my favorite color combinations – green and yellow! I also really like the scrappy goodness of Fast Four Patch, shown below.

I love how Amy is able to add depth and dimension in a relatively low volume quilt, as shown in Floating Shoefly, below. That pop of orange really sparkles against all the scrappy neutrals, and the border treatment makes for a very effective design.

The number one thing I’ve been learning about what makes a successful pattern designer is being able to create effective, interesting combinations with enough contrast to really make the design pop. Amy has nailed that with her book!

Although it’s a quick read (yes, I do enjoy “reading” patterns, LOL!), there is enough introductory information in the book to get you started on making these fabulous quilts in a hurry. The book is divided up into four sections: Strip Piecing, Quick Corners, Slick Slicing, and Stack, Slice & Shuffle. Each section gives patterns for 3 different quilts showing you how to utilize each of these techniques.

Butterfly Effect, shown below, is an example of using Slick Slicing to make an exciting scrappy quilt. Just think of how you can plow through your stash with this one!

Throughout the book, Amy has included tips and tricks for quicker cutting, piecing, and assembly. She’s even included size options on several of the quilts, which is always nice to have. I appreciate well-written instructions with good illustrations and this book has plenty of those, too.

So be sure to pick up your copy of Fabulously Fast Quilts by Amy Smart. You’ll be glad you did!