Top-Notch Quilting Magazine

McCall's Quilting magazine is one of my favorite quilting magazines, and one I have subscribed to for over five years. In every issue, readers will find a variety of quilt projects to suit most every taste. Projects range from bed quilts and wall-hangings to clothing and home decor. Whether you want a quick and easy project or one that challenges your skills, you'll find one in each issue. Since all of the projects are rated by skill level, beginners will have no trouble identifying projects that they should be able to complete. And, advanced quilters will be able to easily find those projects that will provide some challenge, as well as those that they can quickly and easily finish. Each project includes a beautiful photograph of the finished quilt, as well as detailed instructions and patterns.

McCall's also features series quilts. They have included two 6-part quilts by Robert Callaham (Grandmother's Country Album I & II) and are currently featuring his 3-part series quilt, Medallion Serenade. They have also introduced a quilt series: nine-patch. In the last few issues, they have featured a creative interpretation of the traditional nine-patch block.

Each issue also includes basic quiltmaking instructions, so if you've never made a quilt before, you have all the information you need to get started. Also included in every issue is the Quilter's Connection, a place where readers can share photos of their completed projects as well as helpful tips. One of the best features of McCall's is their pattern pull-out section. All of the patterns are included on a pull-out sheet, which makes it easier to trace patterns.

One of the drawbacks of this magazine is that it rarely includes helpful articles, such as a new technique, choosing fabrics, caring for antique quilts, choosing a rotary cutter, etc. In the last three issues, there was one article on how to turn leftover scraps and unfinished projects into gifts, and another article on rotary cutting unusual shapes. One issue didn't even include any such articles. If you're looking for a magazine that provides more informative and helpful articles, I recommend Quilter's Newsletter Magazine (which has more articles than patterns, and also includes current quilting news and featured quilters) and American Patchwork & Quilting (which has as many patterns as McCall's, but also includes how-to articles in every issue).

All in all, McCall's Quilting is a very attractive quilting magazine, full of beautiful color photographs and wonderful projects. I can't wait to peruse each new issue and always find several projects that I really like. I highly recommend it.

For even more quilt projects by McCall's, check out McCall's Quilting Quick Quilts. Each issue is jam-packed with quick-and-easy quilt projects.