I have bought one book in 20 years of quilting and I knew there were perhaps half of the quilts that I would make. Previous to that purchase, my favorite book was inherited to me and it was a book of blocks. That would get me started and I was gently forced to learn how to calculate how many blocks, pieces, sashing and so on were needed to finish the quilt at the size I desired. I get most of my ideas now online, but still love my one book "Scrap Basket Surprises" by Kim Brackett. (Accurate directions, colored pictures and pleasant patterns.) Some of the patterns I have made more than once. One is my "go to" pattern for a baby quilt.