[.ca] Underground Railroad Sampler (ISBN 1891776134)

Too Complicated for a Beginner:
I am fairly new to quilting and the blocks in this book that say 'for a beginner' are NOT easy, as far as I am concerned. I was very confused and irritated at the methods used by the authors and would love to find a book where you REALLY can make a quilt in a day. I loved the pictures in the book, but not the directions. I found them to be too difficult for a beginner and it should not say that a block is for a beginner when obviously it is not at all for a beginning quilter. Over all, I was disappointed.

Quilt tells memorable story:
I agree with the other reviews that this book is NOT for beginners and the blocks can be done using easier methods. I have been quilting for 3 years and had to adjust some of the techniques back to basics found in other quilt books. But, sometimes it's good to try different techniques. However, I did buy this book as I have an avid interest in the Civil War, particularly the railroad. Such braves souls operated this escape to freedom. In honor of that, I wanted to do a quilt for my King size bed. I used the largest size blocks in the book and did 16 blocks. When I added borders, it fit my bed. I have shown it at a local Heritage Festival and the story of each block was admired by many. Having the story block as the final block reminds me and others of the arduous journey taken on the UGRR.

Underground Sampler ... March 22, 2004:
Many people refute the story of the "quilt codes", however, I prefer to believe in the legend. I am in the process of collecting the material to make the 34" x 34" wall hanging, which I will proudly display in my home. As always I find Eleanor Burns' projects absorbing and rewarding. To quibble about whether or not the quilts/samplers can be completed in a day in very petty. The joy of creating a work of Art is what is important.

Underground Railroad Sampler:
While the authors, Eleanor Burns and Sue Bouchard, are well known published authors and quilting instructors (Ms. Burns has her own TV series), the methods to construct all the blocks in this book are more complex than necessary. Even the blocks the authors rated as "easy" are definitely not for any novice quilter. I purchased the special "Quilt in a Day" rulers to facilitate accuracy as well as measured and squared each block to the precise specifications...ensuring exact 1/4" seam measurements along the way. I also had all the pieces for each block labeled and divided into their respective individual zip lock bags before beginning to construct any of the blocks. There is no way possible this quilt can be constructed in one day. With the simplified methods of rotary cutting, strip piecing and assembly-line stitching, these authors need to revise this entire book. Unless I reach a point where I am desperate to construct another "Quilt in a Day" quilt design, I will probably avoid purchasing any more of their books.

Loved this book!:
I read this book first, and then made the quilt. I loved it and had no problems following the directions and working through all the blocks and then doing the more intense sashing. I had no help or took any classes to complete my quilt. I plan on making a second one now. I had been collecting Civil War repo fabric for several years and this book was very inspiring to me. Great book, great author and very inspiring!