In my recent sort out of the sewing room, I discovered that I had purchased this book twice. It is "Farm Girl Vintage" by Lori Holt. The book is full of great quilt block patterns, in sizes 6" or 12". I love it when books provide a size option. There are some cute novelty block patterns such as a barn and a teapot, a bunch of cherries, and an adorable tractor, and much more. However, there are quite a few interesting classic quilt blocks as well, some of which I had not seen anywhere before. So many of these quilt blocks could be combined to make adorable table toppers for various seasons throughout the year.
The instructions for making each of the blocks in the book are laid out in a very clear and readable way, as you can see above. Great visuals ensure you will get your blocks together with few issues. And a quilting book with a spiral binding is worth its weight in gold! I love how it easily lies so nice and flat.
If you think you would like a chance to win the book, please comment below. Have you made any Lori Holt designs before? Tell us about your experience.
Here is my block made from the pattern above. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out because I am going to use it in my Piecing the Past quilt project. I think Piecing the Past and I are going to have to go in different directions at this point. I have really liked the block patterns Piecing the Past has been providing each week for this sew-along. However, as you may recall, I decided to reduce the block size from 9" down to 6". The first twenty-four or so blocks they came out with I could reference in other books I had, or could easily figure out the math on how to reduce it down. The last six blocks are so have had such unusual sized units that I couldn't wrap my head around how to reduce them down to a 6" size.
See what I mean? I just can't. Do any of you math wiz folks out there have any rule of thumb tips on how to reduce a 9" block down to 6"? I can do it if the block has a grid of three or six, but when they get all creative on me, my lack of math skills rears its ugly head. My cop-out solution has been to replace the tricky blocks with others sourced elsewhere.
Thanks for checking in, and be sure to leave a comment if you are interested in my little giveaway of the Lori Holt Book "Farm Girl Vintage". I'll announce the winner on Friday.
I have her Spelling Bee book. It was laid out very well and I have used it. This looks like it has some great block choices as well.
Posted by: Jan Altomare | June 24, 2020 at 04:27 AM
I've never made one of Lori's quilts but this would sure be the way to jump in. I grew up on a farm and have some good memories from that lifestyle. Whoever wins this book can look forward to some fun! Thanks for being so generous.
Posted by: Stoney Monte | June 24, 2020 at 04:29 AM
I haven't made any thing from Lore, but a admirer for along time.
Would love her book.
Posted by: Pam Marshall | June 24, 2020 at 04:30 AM
Ooh,love your blocks. When I first started quilting, I did a barn sewalong with Lori Holt. They were really cute, the sides of the barns were barn quilts. So cute and her instructions were good!
I like small blocks anD resizing is TOO hard sometimes! Good luck with that!
Posted by: Susan | June 24, 2020 at 04:37 AM
Do love the Lori Holt patterns. Agree with you that 9" reconfigs to 6" are tough!
Posted by: Margaret Dunayer | June 24, 2020 at 04:53 AM
Lori is quite talented and have admired her from afar but never made any of her quilts. Looks like a great resource book. Thanks for all that you share on your blog. Your tips are always great and love that you honestly share- the good and the bad.
Posted by: Pam Dolan | June 24, 2020 at 04:59 AM
I have this book, so I'll pass on the give away. I've made baby quilts and runners from the patterns in it. All were so cute, and I love the Lori Holt ideas.
Posted by: Mary | June 24, 2020 at 05:02 AM
I love Lori Holt's patterns and have made some of her Christmas blocks. Her designs are so fun.
Posted by: Nancy Lewis | June 24, 2020 at 05:03 AM
Lori Holt's designs make it fun and easy to create so many house hold items and gifts. The designs are great. Good instructions too!
Posted by: Rosalind Hess | June 24, 2020 at 05:06 AM
I have never made any of Lori Holt’s designs. I would love to win book and try some out. I hope you find some help with your math problems. Love your blocks so far and loved your sunflower table runner.
Posted by: Dortha | June 24, 2020 at 05:07 AM
That looks like a great book. The choice of block sizes is wonderful as is your suggestion to make table runners.
Posted by: Marilyn | June 24, 2020 at 05:09 AM
I've wanted this book for a long time. Your post has inspired me to take a rest from Dear Jane! Of course I need to win the book to take the break.....
Posted by: Debi Bacon | June 24, 2020 at 05:27 AM
I did her Autumn Love sew along and really like her fabric and patterns. She is one talented lady!
Posted by: Debbie Myers | June 24, 2020 at 05:27 AM
I think you have probably made the right decision by just substituting other blocks. It will look just as nice. I’ve seen this book in my quilt shop but hadn’t picked it up. I’d love to win it!
Posted by: Audrey Bretz | June 24, 2020 at 05:29 AM
I have not made any of Lori Holt's designs, not because they are not adorable but because I am clearing out my UFO closet...and my friend's UFO closet I inherited. Lately I have been making cute table toppers and wallhangings to get the boost of a finish between the other projects. I think Lori's blocks would be great for that! I am so thankful that I learned to draft blocks, even if the measurements are a bit tricky LOL. There is always the fallback to paper piecing if possible too.
Posted by: Bridget | June 24, 2020 at 05:30 AM
Love Lori’s designs and have a couple of her books and one of her quilt kits. Everything she publishes is Grade A.
Posted by: T Black | June 24, 2020 at 05:32 AM
I've made several of Lori's free blocks off of her blog, and have loved the results. Because of that, and because of her great ideas, I purchased her Vintage Christmas book. Hopefully, there will be holiday pillows in our future.
Posted by: Amy Loar | June 24, 2020 at 05:34 AM
I made the Bloom quilt along with Lori. I love to do applique and her method is amazingly easy and fast. Her designs are so adorable. I'm going to make the Bake Sale quilt next. This book would be treasured.
Posted by: Gail Ibarra | June 24, 2020 at 05:37 AM
I love Lori's quilts and the colors she has in her quilts. Such fun quilts to make, especially at this time in our lifes. Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Claire
Bolton, Ct.
Posted by: Claire S. Drake | June 24, 2020 at 05:51 AM
Those blocks will be great for all kinds of projects. Thank you for the chance to win one!
Posted by: Alice R. | June 24, 2020 at 05:58 AM
Lori Holt has really cute patterns and this one has some that would be especially great for making a kitchen table topper. The chicken and the cherries really catch my eye.
I have also made some of the mini design boards from her tutorial and I use them all the time when I'm piecing. So helpful...
Posted by: Linda Kay Smith | June 24, 2020 at 06:05 AM
I have one of her Christmas books along with the shapes to go with it, but it's still on my "to do" list!
Posted by: Carolyn S. | June 24, 2020 at 06:05 AM
I have not made any of Lori's quilts but certainly love looking at those others have made. Winning this book would be a good way to get started making my own.
Thanks for the opportunity, so enjoy your blog!
Posted by: beverly hoek | June 24, 2020 at 06:13 AM
I have not made any of Lori Holts patterns but have admired them for A while. This would be a great opportunity to dive in and try them out.
Posted by: Austa Rogers | June 24, 2020 at 06:18 AM
I’d love the Book! In my quilting bee several of the women have made multiple Lori Holt quilts. I haven’t made one yet.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Diane Linford | June 24, 2020 at 06:19 AM