
Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork Quilting Book Tour
Meet the Authors:
Liz—I never wanted to sew or quilt or do anything even remotely domestic. In fact I was kicked out of my 8th grade Home Economics class. Later in my 20’s, I cried when my mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. (I thought it was the worst gift ever.) But then one night my mom dragged me to a quilt block making class and everything changed! I fell in love with the fabrics and limitless possibilities, and I have been sewing and quilting ever since!
Q: When did you first start brainstorming this creative book collection?
Liz—Elizabeth and I are both former school teachers and avid readers. Once we started our blog, we knew that writing a book was something that we could accomplish together. The book breaks down the basic fundamental quilting block units.
Q: Do you have a favorite quilt block?
Elizabeth—I am partial to the half-square triangle block. They are a simple unit, but they can make some pretty amazing quilts.

Liz—The basic 9-patch will always have a special place in my heart. It’s the first one I learned to sew together and still use ALL THE TIME!

Q: What is your favorite project in the book? Ok, you can pick the top two.
Elizabeth—My favorite is the flying geese quilt because we got to use our first fabric line in that quilt. It was a thrill to see it all come together.
Liz—I love the Ohio Star Chapter. I am named after my Great Grandmother Elizabeth who was known for her beautiful Ohio Star Quilt Blocks. (I even have one of her Ohio Star Blocks framed and hanging in my sewing room.) We were able to use her original treadle sewing machine in the photos of that chapter and I was so happy to have a piece of my family history included there!
Q: My staff and I are particularly fond of the 9-Patch Quilt. Can you give us some insight?
Q: What is next from authors in the world of sewing, quilting, and design? Should we mark our calendars?
Elizabeth—We have been working on our fall fabric lines with Riley Blake Designs. We also do have some other upcoming hush-hush projects!
Liz—It’s never too late or too early to begin sewing or quilting. Also, don’t strive for perfection. Enjoy the process.
Q: If you weren’t writing sewing books and working on your blog site, what would be your dream job?
Elizabeth—It sounds weird but I always saw myself going to law school. But, I am certainly glad I didn’t; I love this job so much more!
Liz—I would love to be hired by Disneyland to redesign “It’s A Small World”…that would be SO MUCH FUN!
The Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork Quilting—About the Book
- Bold, colorful quilts with graphic designs
- Stunning skirts and accessories
- Unique home décor, from whimsical wall art to a fabulous fabric basket
The Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork Quilting also includes tutorials to complete for each project, from cutting fabric to attaching binding. Whether you’re new to quilting or are simply looking for inspiration, you’ll be inspired with this stylish approach to a traditional patchwork.
For readers who would like to purchase the book through Interweave, use code SIMPLES to receive 20% off.
Join the Simple Simon and Company Blog Tour:
- Tuesday June 7th–Nancy Zieman
- Thursday June 9th–Polka Dot Chair
- Tuesday June 14th–Flamingo Toes
- Thursday June 16th–Amy’s Creative Side
- Tuesday June 21st–Missouri Star Quilt Company
- Thursday June 23rd–Sewing in No Man’s Land
- Tuesday June 28th–Diary of a Quilter
- Wednesday June 29th–The Tattooed Quilter
For a chance to win a copy of The Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork Quilting, please leave a comment below and let us know the name of your favorite traditional quilt block. Interweave Press will give away one book to one US resident in the 48 contiguous states.
Bye for now,
Elizabeth Owens
Nine patch.
KathyinMN
Currently obsessed with the 54-40 or flight quilt block, so I’d say that’s my favorite one today. This books looks interesting, I love their take on the Irish chain.
KathyinMN
*fight ^
Pat
My favorite has to be the LeMoyne star.
Kaym
I love their story and their book looks fantastic and fresh.
Sarah J
I love pinwheel blocks!
Gretchen
The Ohio Star is my favorite for the moment but as I make new things, my world expands and my favorites change, but I do love the complex simplicity of the Ohio Star!
Donna Fecteau
my current favorite is the log cabin.
diane c
I cannot pick just one as my favorite. I would love to make all of them. Just need to find the time.
Rosalind Gutierrez
I favor the 9-Patch.
Kathleen Sackett
This book sounds so exciting and just what I have been
looking for to improve my sewing and quilting skills.
Roxanne Brotsky
I am recently retired and learned to quilt when I had a grandbaby on the way. So far, I like the 9 patch.
Judy Carter
I love the Ohio Star is my favorite at this time, followed closely by the 9 square.
Janet Swanson
I like the 9-patch.
(FYI they are sisters-in-law, not sister-in-laws.)
Janet
I love stars of all kinds. The half square triangles are fun and easy to make.
Cindy
The nine patch is really interesting and would like to make that one in a kids version. Love the family connection that runs through the book and the business – very quilting appropriate!
Ida Mae Rypkema
My favorite quilt block is the nine patch because you can do son any things with. You can do things to change it to make it look more contemporary.
Hugs and Blessings
Ida Mae
Susie
My favorite block is a churn dash block. Looking forward to having the “Simple Simple Gulde to Patchwork Quilting”.
Bonnie Hernandez
My favorite block is the log cabin. It can be traditional or modern now and is a good pattern for beginners.
Sharon L
My absolute favorite block is the log cabin.
Debra
My favorite is the Dresden Plate. I made several Dresden Plate quilts but after seeing your review of Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork, I’m intrigued by the ‘reverse’ coloration of the traditional Irish Chain.
Bessie Curran
My favorite quilt square is the 9 patch. I am just learning quilting and I can see many different quilts with this one patch. I would like to learn how to make the stars that I see on quilts so that one is next.
Sally
I love the disappearing nine patch…so many great ways to apply this block.
Cyndi
Like so many other quilters, I have many “favorite” quilt blocks. I would have to say “done” is my favorite-lol, which happens to be my favorite type of quilting. I like to complete projects and find I have many that have not gotten to that point. I do enjoy the nine patch and the stars! Thank you for the give away.
Glynn Martin
My favorite is the half square triangle block. They take the “old blocks” and transform them into something “new”, an outstanding idea. I’d love to win a copy of their book!
maryellen ronsman
I’ve always loved the Log Cabin block. I saw a jewel tone log cabin quilt at an Amish quilt auction, and it took my breath away. 25 years later I am addicted to my quilting & my ever growing stash collection.
Angel Eagen
I love the Economy Block for fussy cutting cute centers.
Lucy
Just beginning,so I don’t have a favorite,but would love your book so I could find one.
Carla
Presently I love the Ohio star. Can’t wait to get started on another quilt !
Linda Pawlak
I just love Dresden Plates! Thanks for the chance to win!
Judy Hart
My favorite quilt is the log cabin. I saw an ad in Woman’s Day magazine which stated the quilt could be done in 3 days. This was before templates, rotary cutters or any cutting aid except scissors and rulers. It took me three weeks and I was thrilled. We still have the quilt though it is old and beaten but well enjoyed. I made quilted, insulated panels for our patio door and windows. It was a long project but we enjoy them everyday.
Claire Ross
I like flying geese x
Margaret C.
I like the Ohio Star and the Whirly Gig for busting out the stash.
Marti Mogan
I find myself always saving star patterns and Irish Chains.
Marsha T
I was raised in Ohio and the Ohio Star block has always been my favorite.
Kristie
I haven’t ever quilted, it all seems so intimidating. But I love to look at beautiful quilts that others make.
Faye
Love the Nine Patch, Log Cabin, and Irish Chain.
Jan
Quilting and sewing provide opportunities for creativity which lasts.
Viki
I love modern blocks with lots of colors -all original designs!
Michaela
Flying geese!
Bonnye
I love the log cabin block.
Rebecca Pelletier
I love flying geese but also a modern log cabin.
Kay leighty
I appreciate what can be done with the nine patch, bear paw and half square triangle!!
Christine
I started with the nine patch and enjoy making it up with seasonal fabrics (solids and prints mixed). It evolved into an Irish chain, too. Right now a sudoku puzzle has become the inspiration for color placement. Looking to expand possibilities.
Brenda Ackerman
My favorite block is the Log Cabin Block! There are so many possible layouts that can be chosen with this block to create a fun a fabulous quilt each time!
June Jacobs
I love pinwheel blocks. They are whimsical and give texture/movement to a quilt.
Joy Teague
I like the Dresden Plate and the Nine Patch. Love to
look at all of the quilts. Thanks for the chance of winning
the book.
Laura
Right now I am enjoying the Prairie Flower. That could change next week when I try something else.
Merri
Currently it would be the log cabin.
Winnie
Any block with stars!
Tina
Pinwheels are great. So versatile thank you for your inspiration. Love all your helpful hints.
Buffy
I’m obsessed with half square triangles. I’m forever perfecting and trying different techniques and feel like they are forever versatile. It is a block I am can when I am delaying on a project and keep a stack going to make whatever…a bag, a mini quilt, a pouch, etc.
Pat
My favorite block is the log cabin. I can use so many interesting fabrics.
Judy Abbott
Usually my favorite is the one I just finished…therefore my favorite is Storm at Sea.
Marlene Fontenot
I love making baby quilts for my three great granddaughters. So many different blocks can be used and it’s all fun!
Sorahart
I love the log cabin or disappearing 9-patch quilt blocks!
Cathy G.
I love the log cabin block. I you can do so many things with it!
Kim
I love Granny Squares! I have yet to make one, but it’s definitely on my to do list! This book looks so beautiful!
Soundra Hill
I love the Log Cabin. I have always wanted to learn to quilt. I hope I get the chance to one day.
Paulette Ransom
I like the nine patch because you can slice and turn it into so many different designs.
Dawn
My favorite and goto block will always be the 9 Patch.
Kathy Fitcher
I love the 9 patch…versatile and very pretty!
Gabrielle Gilbert
I loved he bold colors and simplicity of the flying geese quilt. I don’t really have a favorite traditional pattern
Mary
I like the nine patch, so many possibilities. This book looks great.
Marjorie
I love the bear paw block, but a close second is the New York Beauty…not really a beginners block, but oh so pretty.
CE Denlinger
Quilting is fun, but often frustrating. I am learning to be precise, but it humbles me often. All tips and suggestions are so welcome.
Mary Tague
Looks like a fun book!!
Patty
Looks amazing.
Peg G
The log cabin block is my favorite.
Starla
Missouri Star is my favorite — I have to make stars!
Susan
Love the resource!
Cassy L.
Right now I am really enjoying making flying geese blocks.
Tracy H
I don’t have just one favorite :), I love so many! I have on my list to do is a Churn Dash, one of my favorites!
Kathleen Swinkowski
My favorite block is the Lemoyne star but I love all the star blocks.
The book sounds interesting and I would love to win. It.
Pam Griffin
I love Ohio Star!
Joyce Comfort
I love any block with stars!
Helen
There are so many favorites, but right now enjoy doing the Dresden plate, half square triangles and split nine patch quilts. Book sounds interesting and would love to add it to my collection.
Kelly P
I love the nine patch, and I’m really getting into what I think is called the economy block! I’d love to win this book!
Jennifer Jepsen
The book looks interesting. It sound good for teaching my daughter to quilt. She has recently become interested. The Irish chain is the quilt pattern I gravitate to at all the quilt shows.
Donna W
Looks like a fantastic book. Any type of block with a star in it is my favorite.
Karen
My favorite quilt block is the pinwheel.
Tonia Jeffery
I love cathedral quilts. I think they look so lovely.
peaceful
Log cabin.
Marnie Pettey
My favorite block is Drunkard’s Path
Kathy E.
I really enjoyed reading this interview! Especially the advice of not striving for perfection and enjoying the process! I need to remember that more often.
Even though I am driven towards modern quilting and improv blocks, I love the traditional pinwheel. It always makes me happy! Isn’t that what quilting is all about? 🙂
Peggy
I love the log cabin. This book looks fantastic, thanks for giving us an opportunity to win.
craftygramma
I love the friendship star
Martha Hood
The quilt block I like most is Ohio Star- have not tried it yet- but want to use as main focus in a large quilt- Loved reading your link- thanks for the ideas –
Suzanne Bartlett
Any star pattern, but especially Ohio Star
Pam
I love the Dresden Plate but I have yet to make one!
Nancy W
Difficult to determine a favorite. Quilting has come so far and the new ideas, shortcuts and timesavers are amazing. I love what the girls state about not worrying about perfection. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Their book sounds awesome! Best of luck in all they pursue.
DeEtta G.
My favorite block is the nine patch. It is versatile, and it’s fun to watch the block emerge as you join the fabrics in the rows then rows into the block
Florence Dupuis
It’s a toss up between log cabin and Dresden plate. I also enjoy paper piecing. I have made many different blocks that I enjoyed making like one from Nancy’s book Column Quilts.
AS
I always like the log cabin.
Diane Wyte
I have always loved the log cabin and all variations of it! But I also love flying geese and use them whenever I can!
Rita Honz
It took me a year, but I made a Dresden Plate quilt out of
Neckties. Turned out great. Love your show.
Melody Lutz
Fenced Rail….my first quilt.
T. Johnson
Thanks for the chance to win this great book.
Love flying geese. Churn dash, log cabin and many more.
All quilts represent warmth and love.
beth
I love the nine patch quilt, but my favorite quilt book is by lynn roddy brown.
Rhonda D in KY
Even though I haven’t made one myself, my favorite block/quilt is the double wedding ring. I have the one my mother and grandmother made…my pride and joy!
Nancy Cooper
Mu favorite block is the star shape. Also, I have an amazing amount of leaf material which I love. However, I just want to make quilts for all of my six children and their families. Thanks for all you contribute in the craft of sewing, etc., so that we can make our families happy and our homes beautiful.
Nancy Cooper
The star block is my favorite.
Barb
My favorite block is the Dresden Plate. Everytime I cut fabric, I cut a few Dresden blades, and I will use them for a super scrappy quilt. Thanks for the chance to win their book. I saw them on Love of Quilting.
S. Sirhal
Trying to choose a favorite quilt block is like trying to choose which is your favorite child — love them all!
Helen Stewart
I love the versatility of the HST as it can be used so many ways. I would love to win a copy of the book!
Anne Z.
I love the LeMoyne Star qult block.
BevM
My favorite traditional quilt blocks are the log cabin and the star. My grandmother hand pieced and quilted several works of art using stars and flower garden squares.
bobbie Calgaro
I’ve always loved the bear paw especially when it is made into a flower!
Marilyn Moss
I like the hour glass, its so versitle.
Joan
The first block I ever learned was the 4 patch. I became hooked after that, so the four patch always holds a place in my heart.
Edna Marks
My favorite block is the Dresden Plate, like to fancy it up with lace, ribbon or rickrack around the edge.
Jan
Trip Around the World is the first quilt I pieced and has fond memories for me. Also, my Aunt Ginny pieced a Grandmother’s Flower Garden when she was 12 or 13 years old. When she was in her 50s or 60s, I took the quilt top home with me and had it quilted for her. She did beautiful work on the quilt and was so thrilled to see it completed. My daughter Ginnie (her namesake) now has the quilt.
Sandy Uhos
I love so many, but the ones I’d like to use in the near future are the square in a square. the rose bud, and the Ohio star.
Marty
My favorite is strips sewn diagonally across blocks (sometimes with half-square triangles imbedded) and then put together in various directions or into a kaleidescope medallion.
Sandy K
I am a beginner, my favorite is 4 or 9 patch block.
Vicki H
I like the log cabin block.
Christi J - UT
I love pinwheel blocks.
Ola Norman
Nine patch
Margaret LaVenia
Ohio Star
Mom C
Love log cabins. Thanks.
Dee
Log cabin , there are so many ways to set the block.
Brenda
I love the nine patch.
Patricia Foht
I really like the 9 patch. There are so many ways to change it up and make it look like something else.
Judy G
The first quilt I made was a traditional “Drunkard’s Path”, and it remains my favorite to this day.
Lillian K
Pinwheels and nine patch – oldies but goodies!!
Chris
I love a Granny Square but second would be a Log Cabin.
Jean Palionis
Thank you! I need all the help I can get, and this book looks like the answer.
Christine
Any paper pieced block but a half square triangle block is a close second.
Michelle Hall
I love the double wedding ring, I hope someday to be good enough to make a quilt with this pattern
Heidi Story
I love blocks with half square triangles. I just completed a quilt with a modified Jacob’s Ladder and loved the hundreds of HST’s.
Cindy Harris
My favorite block is the Ohio Star. I like the way is shines.
Alice
I like the nine patch, simple but versatile.
Linda Davidson
I love the log cabin block. The one bed-size quilt I have made so far is a log cabin and it’s on my bed. I can’t wait to do something with Dresden plate, though.
Deborah Long
love the log cabin block the best!
Colleen
The 4 patch block simple
Colleen
Debbie Ahrendt
Just learning to quilt on my own. I’ve made a quilt out of strips. Don’t know if there is a name for the squares.
Dawn
looks like an easy block, need to look thru my fabric stash to come up with some colors. Thanks for the idea
Dawn
Christine
Flying geese block is my favorite!
Nancy Hilderbrand
I am still learning so I like the nine patch. It is fairly simple to piece.
Carole
I love, love the log cabin block!
Dara
I love the nine block.
Connie Kapferer
I made a king size ” Irish Chain Quilt ” loved making it. I have helped my Grand daughter make her Grandpa a quilt when he had open heart surgery. What a joy it was to work with her. She was 9 then.