I was hoping someone could help me. I would like to ask my family to get me a One Block Wonder book for Christmas but which one do I get?

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find either of then in any of me LQS so I will have to order one without being able to look at them.

Does the OBW Encore cover all the basics as well as new techniques or am I better off getting the first book?

I would really appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thanks Sue

I don't have these books, but I went to Amazon as usual to check out the reviews. That's what I would advise you to do. The very first review on the Encore book says that if you only buy one of the books, buy the Encore one. Apparently it has all the info of the first book plus additional info, and patterns that are more exciting. On Amazon the first book has 37 reviews, Encore has 9 reviews, and Encore has a "look inside" feature. I always go to Amazon to check out reviews and look inside, if the book has that option.

I bought mine from Amazon, and got the first one. The instructions are very good, and it's not nearly as complicated as it looks. I looked at the second book, thought it was similar and decided to wait until later to get it. Amazon is a great place to look for books. Another is Connecting Threads, where you are able to browse through practically the whole book online. Their prices are usually 40% off retail and have a lot of sales and specials.

Hi Woody,
Check out Fishpond.com.au.
I have ordered from them on several occasions in the past and have found they often have things cheaper and also have a buy second book for reduced cost deal. The one block wonders books were on their website when I was looking but I don't remember prices. They often have free shipping also.
The second book covers the basics as well as new techniques from the reviews I have read.
Ozquilts also had them in stock at that time. She is extremely prompt and reasonable postage.

I have both books and would agree with everyone that 'Encore' does cover the basics in addition to giving instructions to making the hollow blocks. But the first book covers octagons which the second doesn't as the hollow blocks only work with hexagons. If you can find a deal to get both then I'd say it's worth it, if you think you'd like to do the hollow blocks, get the second one (Encore), if you like the idea of octagons get the first. :D Have fun and I can't wait to see your first OBW. :D

I have both books and would agree with everyone that 'Encore' does cover the basics in addition to giving instructions to making the hollow blocks. But the first book covers octagons which the second doesn't as the hollow blocks only work with hexagons. If you can find a deal to get both then I'd say it's worth it, if you think you'd like to do the hollow blocks, get the second one (Encore), if you like the idea of octagons get the first. :D Have fun and I can't wait to see your first OBW. :D

Sorry - should have said, if it was me and I could only have one, I'd get Encore because I prefer the hexs. You have 3 ways of turning the triangles to give 3 effects, you don't have to mess around with filling in the corners and you can use the hollow blocks. Also I think the hexs blend better, in the octagon blocks you see the individual blocks more clearly. That's just my personal preference though. :D

Thank you everyone. I didn't know Amazon had the feature of being able to look inside the book. I will definately use that again.
Connecting Threads had some great free patterns that I will be going back to download, but unfortunately doesn't ship to Australia.
Fishpond was great, good prices and reasonable shipping. I might also find something there for my birthday or should I just ask for more fabric? lol
I am going to order Encore, I can't wait until Christmas.
Thanks again, Sue

Woody there is a seller on ebay named Tallawang who starts her bidding at $24.99 for each book. She regularly lists them so if theres not one there now she'll have one listed in a couple days. They don't always have a bidder on them so you could get a bargain :D . I have purchased both of them from her - she is a good seller.

Woody, maybe you can go to your local library to see if they have them. Have fun!

Have you tried Barnes &Noble yet? I've bought virtually brand new books for less than I ever thought on their used books area, the postage isn't bad and I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the books and the speed that I got them to me.

I bought the "Encore" book on Amazon.....It was only $16 and some few cents. I ordered another book, also, and got the free shipping as they were over $25.

I didn't buy the one block wonder book - I bought a different one that is the same technique - the Wacky wizard books. I got the Learn to Be a Wacky-Star Quilting Wizard http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Be-Wacky-Star-Quilting-Wizard/dp/1590120051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257684189&sr=1-1
http://<br /> and the Wedge one as ...1&sr=1-2<br />

I got them used from Amazon and they appear to be really nice and exactly what I need to get started on one block wonder style block... and they were much cheaper. I was able to get both booklets used for $8 and they are really nice - okay, not a thick book like the OBW books but they have several quilts in each plus the technique - just don't have all the extra fluff I guess.

Thanks again everyone for all your help. I have ordered the book from fishpond, here in Australia as the postage is cheaper than amazon. The hard thing now is make sure the family hides it on me until Christmas.