Quilt Block Books for Inspiration

Don't you sometimes just need a good book of blocks to look through -- for inspiration, for directions, for ideas?  A few years ago Claire of Cspoonquilt mentioned that she has a few books on hand when she's searching for "blocky inspiration."  It seemed look a good idea to me.  I realized I owned one or two then searched for others.  The ones below are some of the ones I use though I don't own all of them.  You can see a better image of a pattern page by clicking on the image.  It will open in a new tab and you'll be able to click again to enlarge it.  These are in no particular order.  Comments about each are below the images.
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The It's Okay If You Sit On My Quilt Book by Mary Ellen Hopkins


This is one of those block books you just have to love!  It's not encyclopedic but it has some wonderful qualities.
> There are no cutting measurements given for the block, but....
> Each page has a pale grid background which helps a quilter determine how to measure and cut for the block (if one has a passing knowledge of standard quilt and block sizes).
> Include tips for making quilts, hints for figuring yardage, etc.
> Gives possible layouts and settings for various blocks.
> All blocks are numbered with names beneath.
> There's an index at the back with names of blocks, numbers, and page number.
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5oo Full-Size Patchwork Patterns by Maggie Malone

> The patterns are grouped by block size.
> There are nine patterns per page, presented in grey-scale.
> Each block is numbered, named, and has pattern numbers.
> The patterns are at the back of the book and must be copied and cut out to be used.
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Encyclopedia Of Pieced Quilt Patterns compiled by Barbara Brackman
> Blocks are presented in more than 24 different pattern categories, e.g., One Patch, Multi-Patch, Strip Quilts, Two-Block, Sash & Block, etc.
> Images are on the right page, block names and creators on the left page.
> Alternate block names are given.
> Index lists blocks and page numbers.
> There are many older, traditional patterns that I've not seen elsewhere.
> Book does not include patterns with cutting measurements.

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The New Quilting & Patchwork Dictionary by Rhoda Ochser Goldberg




This book was new in 1988!
> Includes quilting tips, tools, styles, means and methods of making a quilt, etc.
> Images are grey-scale which give an idea of light, medium, dark fabric placement.
> Blocks are presented on a grid, though no cutting measurements are given.
> Block patterns are presented alphabetically.
> Templates are included at the back of the book should you not have a rotary cutter.
> Includes index of patchwork patterns.
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501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks by Judy Hopkins


This is one of my go-to block books when looking for a particular size block without having to figured out the cutting sizes.  Not all patterns are given in the same size, though.
> The book begins with tips for quilters.
> Includes a gallery of quilt blocks at the beginning of the book, all color illustrations with block names and page number.
> Blocks are presented alphabetically eliminating the need for an index.
> There are cutting measurements for six different sizes of each block.
> There is a layout for each block and the illustration shows how to sew the block together.
> Only one name is given for each block.
> For a few unusual blocks, patterns are given at the back of the book.
> Includes templates for blocks that have unusual shapes or that don't have standard sizing.
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5500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone


> Block images are in color.
> Blocks are arranged by category (9-patch, 5-patch, etc.).
> Blocks are numbered and also identified by name and alternate names.
> Creators are identified with initials; there is a key to the initials at the beginning of the book.
> Includes patterns for 5" letters.
> Has index of pattern names at the back.
> There are no patterns.
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101 Patchwork Patterns:  Quilt Name Stories, Cutting Designs, Material Suggestions, Yardage Estimates, Definite Instructions for Every Step of Quilt Making by Ruby McKim


> Most of the patterns are older, tried-and-true favorites.
> There is one pattern per page which includes block sizes and sewing instructions.
> Fabric and color suggestions given.
> Pattern pieces must be copied and cut by hand.
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The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns:  More Than 4050 Pieced Blocks for Quilters by Jinny Beyer


> Offers methods for using grids to design blocks.
> Blocks are organized by grids (2x2, 4x4, etc.).
> Grid images for each block are across the bottom of each page.
> Includes many new, more recently created block designs.
> Names and alternate block names given.
> Creators' names given.
> Publication and publication dates of blocks are given.
> Appendices include lists of creators and their patterns with creation dates.
> Includes index with list of block names and tells the page and block number on the page.
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Are there other block books you use and love?  If so, please mention the titles and tell what's wonderful about them in a comment.

--Nancy.
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