In 1928, the Kansas City Star newspaper printed its first quilt block pattern—they continued this tradition for 34 wonderful and influential years. Now for the first time, the best of the blocks from each year can be found in one place! Slow down and stitch 60+ vintage block patterns, culminating in an unforgettable sampler quilt to showcase each one. Meet the women who brought quilting to the newspaper, as profiled by best-selling author and quilt historian Barbara Brackman.

* This remarkable book features 50 quilt blocks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.

"Explore the archives of the Kansas City Star newspaper's quilt-block patterns with the best designs from 1928-1961"--Back cover.

Having lived just outside of Hannibal, Missouri, all of her life, Christina McCourt became immersed in all things Mark Twain. The sweet and simple projects in this book are dedicated to his beloved characters Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher and their budding romance. The centerpiece of the collection is the sampler quilt, in which each block represents Tom, Becky, or the people and adventures in their lives. The quilts Becky’s Waltz and Tom’s Fancy stand out as wonderful examples of Christina’s eye for color and pattern. Other quilt projects include the graphic and colorful Lost in the Cave quilt and the Poor Boy Huck quilt.

Raconteur—The Storyteller’s Collection, a multi-award-winning quilt, is your next take-anywhere project. Sew a collection of miniature pieced hexagons from Cinzia White’s storytelling sampler. Make the king-size quilt your next long-term project, or pick and choose from 359 block designs to make a project of any size! A mix of hand-stitched and machine-pieced 2 ¼” blocks are organized in 59 collections. Full-size foundation paper patterns are included when possible, with some helpful notes on English paper piecing. It’s perfect for traditional quilters, fans of Dear Jane, and scrap addicts!

The quilter and Kansas City Star Quilts editor shares a collection of historic designs inspired by a treasure trove of antique American quilts. Finders Keepers Quilts is based on a collection of quilts discovered in an abandoned farmhouse in Davis County, Iowa. As new owner Susan Knapp searched through the house, she found stone crocks, pretty dishes, and other intriguing odds and ends. But best of all, she found a box of beautiful quilts made in the early 1900s. Famed quilter Edie McGinnis has worked with Susan to re-create these stunning designs, using reproduction fabric to reflect the time period in which they were made. She has also included an updated version of each quilt, with clear, concise instructions that will appeal to today’s modern quilters.

The best-selling authors of Barb Adams and Alma Allen are back, this time with quilts and projects celebrating the home, community and friendships! The featured quilt has nine blocks reminiscent of early American sampler designs. You'll not want to miss this new work by the authors of Quilting the Garden.

Create your own Italian tile masterpiece Capture the glory of medieval Italian marble work with 9 breathtaking paper-pieced quilts and 35 mix-and-match blocks designed by Norah McMeeking, author of the best-selling Bella Bella Quilts. Norah's uniquely easy paper-piecing techniques, tips gleaned from years of teaching paper piecing, and comprehensive cutting and materials charts all guarantee your success. Draw on your fabric stash to create new color combinations for these quilts, or try them with coordinating fat quarter packs. • 9 all-new quilts with easy-to-follow instructions • 35 paper-pieced blocks to mix and match into your own quilted masterpieces • Full-size paper-piecing patterns on pullouts

Put those precious scraps to work for you with a dazzling quilt pattern that plays up color and value. Sew a field of wonky stars atop colorful scrappy squares and low-volume, string-pieced sashing. Easy rotary cutting and simple patchwork make this pattern from best-selling author Bonnie K. Hunter ideal for beginners, with pressing tips for perfect results. Let your imagination run wild with fabric and color placement. Just slice and sew—no templates required! • Quilt with all of your scraps! Pair wonky star blocks with string-pieced sashing for a kaleidoscopic effect • Slice and sew—no templates required! Includes pressing tips for picture-perfect piecing • Popular quilter and author Bonnie Hunter teaches you to sort fabrics by value

Victory Quilts represents a look back in history to the 1940s and life on the home front during the war years. This book offers patterns and techniques for 20 blocks, each one representing a slice of history with a story to tell. The blocks are traditional patterns, popular during the 1940s era. Along with strip piecing, Eleanor teaches her techniques for squaring up triangle-pieced squares, appliqu, flying geese patches, and much more. Make a sampler quilt "set on point" or straight set. Each method is clearly explained and has step-by-step illustrations in full color. Ribbon and swag borders are explained in detail and add unique interest to the quilt projects. Same block repeat patterns are included in addition to a table runner, wall hanging, and other projects. Victory Quilts contains yardage and cutting charts for 5 quilt sizes, and the blocks can be made in either 12" or 6" size. The book has 240 pages packed with lots of extra projects. Templates are included in sturdy cardstock paper. Take a step back in history to the greatest generation and stitch your quilt in memory of those long gone days!