Quick and Easy Block Tool byLiz Anelski & Kandy Peterson                                                                                                                                   Softcover, 112 pgs., full color, $16.95 U.S., C&T Publishing, Inc., www.ctpub.com, International: 925-677-0373, USA: 800-284-1114.  C&T Publishing posts up-to-date corrections and additions; their Teachers Program and maintains a registry of teachers, host contests and other activities on their website.  Check it out!

This is not a book as we ordinarily think of one and does not have an ISBN.  However, it is published by C & T Publishing and contains more information than many other “block books” available at two or three times the price.  It is printed on slick, heavy card stock and is firmly riveted in one corner.  The size, 2 ˝ by 8 ˝ inches makes it very convenient to carry in a pocketbook or glove compartment for easy reference.  A sturdy vinyl pocket is included.  The 112-page block tool fans open.  It takes a little time to become adept at using it, but a little practice takes care of that.  The ‘block index,” the first five pages, front and back, has color illustrations of 102 blocks.  Included is the appropriate page number to locate each.  Now, this is where it gets exciting.  Each page has a clear illustration of one block broken down into assembly parts to rotory cut and gives the exact dimensions to cut and assemble 3”, 6”, 9”, 12”, and 15” blocks.

Next is a section that explains an easy method of computing fabric for a quilt.  A chart gives the yardage for rectangles and squares with cut sizes from 1 ˝” to 13.”  Also included is a chart giving the square sizes to obtain side and corner triangles for finished block sizes from 3” to 15.”

To assist in designing quilts, a chart giving the width on point for blocks from 4” to 18 ˝ “ is included.  Also, instructions for changing block sizes is given.  This method enables you to even divide an oddly sized grid to an even grid.  Additionally, there is a chart of standard mattress sizes.

I took a QUICK AND EASY BLOCK TOOL to two favorite quilt shops to see if other quilters would be as enthusiastic about the tool as I am.  The group consisted of several quilting teachers, as well as students and all loved it.  Everyone present wanted to purchase one, and one teacher commented that she would buy it for the section on computing yardage alone.  All were pleasantly surprised by the price and agreed that the $16.95 is a bargain.  The shop manager ordered a supply of the tools in anticipation of their popularity.  C&T encouraged quilt teachers to use this tool as a text for teaching.  I recommend this tool without reservation.

Review by Diana Norris