A Slice of Christmas from Piece O'Cake Designs [Paperback] Review

This is a beautiful book about appliqueing and their designs for Christmas.They cover everything from quilts, wall hangings to table runners, stockings and Christmas tree rounds.You can mix and match the ideas here and make everything you need for Christmas.
The nice parts are that the directions are complete for both hand piecing and machine (called fusible in the book) sewing & that most of the designs require small amounts (1/2 yard; 5/8 yard there) of fabric so if you have leftovers you can find places to use them here.Also nice is the ability to copy the designs for your own use.A nice present in itself.
The downside?You should be near a copier and have sharp scissors.
All in all, a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.It's a real joy to view and look at.I wish some of the designs were shown bigger in colour but it's a minor quibble.

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Product Description:
A celebration of Christmas with "Piece O'Cake Designs". There are seven Christmas projects, including applique quilts, stockings, tree skirts, and a table runner. Designs feature a retro '50s Santa, Christmas tree, and Santa sampler from past favourites "A Piece O'Cake Christmas" and "A Sampling of Santas", as well as a new poinsettia design. Quilters should also be able to mix and match patterns to create even more projects.

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The Christmas Quilt (Elm Creek Quilts Series #8) [Hardcover] Review

After five decades away from Elm Creek Manor, the estranged Sylvia Compson returned home too late make any amends with her deceased Bergstrom relatives.Now Christmas is coming, but the septuagenarian does not feel like celebrating her first Yuletide in her family home in fifty years.

Her quilting camp partner Sarah McClure and the youngster's spouse orchards gardener Matt plan to celebrate Yuletide at Elm Creek.Sarah feels some guilt that she is not going to visit her family, but believes the fault lies with her mother who overtly displays her loathing of Matt.Sarah persuades a reluctant Sylvia to go into the attic to look at the holiday ornaments where they find an unfinished Christmas quilt and the memories of the joys in spite of the Depression; the depression of loved ones dying during World War II, and much more.Sylvia regrets her stubbornness that is too late to mend fences and pleads with Sarah to square things with her mother.

Though fans of the Elm Creek Quilt series might be a bit confused as to the timing as this entry occurs before Sylvia marries Andrew (see last year's THE MASTER QUILTER), long time readers will enjoy the latest tale.The somewhat sugary story line contains a deep message that there is no time in life to hold grudges.Sarah is terrific as the attic mementos have her looking back on the joys, tragedies, and mistakes in her life.Though suited for those in the audience who have read most of the previous novels (memories will mean much more) because some newcomers might have some problems with what happened to whom, Jennifer Chiaverini provides a warm holiday tale that adds to the Elm Creek manor saga.

Harriet Klausner

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Holiday Quilts: 25 Designs for Holidays and Every Day [Paperback] Review

I just got this book and was inspired by all the clever projects...the book primarily features a blue and white colorway for the holiday themed projects, which I like because it seems more inclusive of winter holidays such as Hanukkah. I'm inspired by theeffective uses of striped fabrics in many of the projects...and while the book includes the basic table runners, place mats and napkins, quilts and pillowcases -it also features a lovely window valance and a rollup shade, and some more unusual projects such as a mantle cover, a wall sconce and a very clever fabricjumping jack! A few people on my holiday list are sure to get one of those! Each project is shown in holiday and everyday variations, and full sized tissue patterns are included in an envelope in the back of the book - which makes it a great deal, considering the price of patterns. And in plenty of time to create a houseful of decorations for the holidays.

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Product Description:
*New line of fabric from Windham Fabrics featured in this book will be available upon release of the book
*Includes a pattern with 10+ projects - which more than doubles in number with a simple change of fabric
From a tree skirt and table centerpiece, to various quilts and home decor items, this one-of-a-kind quilt book inspires you to double your quilting pleasure. Inside this beautifully illustrated guide you'll discover step-by-step instructions, illustrated in 200 color photos, for creating stunning holiday themed projects using a new line of fabrics from Windham Fabrics. In addition, you'll learn how to use the same projects with general fabrics, to create fun and fabulous items for your home and wardrobe, and to give as gifts.

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Debbie Mumm's Home Comings: Creating Memorable Year-Round Celebrations with Quilts and Crafts [Perfect Paperback] Review

This is a wonderful book.I have arthritis in my hands so I was looking for something easy.I made the Scattered Flowers Lap quilt for our prayer shawl ministry. I made it in bright spring colors and it was given to a lovely lady in our church who is dealing with alzheimers.There are a lot of projects in this book, such as wall hangings, lap quilts (that could easily be made into any size you would like), there are table toppers, banners and other projects. This book would be for anyone.The directions are clear and there are illustrated instructions.Happy quilting.

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Product Description:
Family homecomings are cause for celebrating, and this book from Debbie Mumm is packed with 40 quilting and crafting projects and ideas that will help you set the scene for a joy-filled reunion. Your spring get-together will be enhanced by a beautiful Basket quilt on the wall or a bright burst of color on the sofa. Rally friends and family for a 4th of July barbecue festooned with red, white, and blue banners and pillows. Haunt them at Halloween with patchwork quilts, spooky pillows, and timely table runners. Bring the colors of Autumn into your home with wall and lap quilts, table quilts, and even a scarecrow. Make Christmas the merriest with birds, banners, and a Log Cabin legacy quilt.

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Deck the Halls: Quilts to Celebrate Christmas (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

This is a beautiful volume that includes a variety of festive holiday projects. Besides gorgeous wall quilts to celebrate the season, there's a door banner to welcome your holiday guests, a mantel runner to decorate your hearth, toppers and runners to make your table extra special, and an elegant quilted stocking for Santa to fill.

Most of the patterns include appliqué, because as Cheryl put it, "I love the shapes and the graceful curves you can create, as well as the flexibility the technique provides." Of course you can use your favorite form of appliqué, but Cheryl gives you full illustrated instructions for the fusible-web machine method, and has even reversed the patterns for you. That's a real convenience.

Very comprehensive, the book includes a whole section of basic information about fabrics, threads, sewing machines, needles, tools, etc. That's before you even get to the Quiltmaking Basics: rotary cutting, fusible web appliqué, pre-assembly, bias vines, and even paper piecing!

Kay Mackenzie
Author, Easy Applique Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes

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Product Description:
This title includes 10 traditional Christmas projects that are certain to get everyone in the festive mood. In this colourful collection of Christmas themed projects, you'll find wonderfully festive quilts to deck the halls - mantlepieces, tables, floors, and more! Featuring 10 warm and welcoming projects - including wall quilts, table toppers, and stockings - "Deck the Halls" is sure to get everyone enjoying the Christmas spirit.

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Candy Cane Lane: Quilts and More to Sweeten the Holidays (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Melinda Bula, author of Cutting Garden Quilts: Fabulous Fusible Flowers, is known for her stunning floral creations.

With her new book Candy Cane Lane, she departs from the art quilt to create sweet, whimsical holiday designs that can be used in a multitude of ways in addition to making the cute, cute quilt on the cover of the book.

There are adorable felt stockings, a whimsical 'Who down in Whoville' tree, a candy-cane table runner, snowflake pillows, and more.

Melinda encourages quilters to use non-traditional colors to spark up their holiday designs, and as you can see she does it quite effectively.

The book includes basic information on fusible-web and needle-turn appliqué, as well as full-size pull-out templates for all of the appliqué patterns. Sweet!

Kay Mackenzie
Author, Easy Applique Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes

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Product Description:
Add a touch of festive fun to your home with these delightful projects - including quilts, table runners, and festive stockings. If all you want for Christmas is a colourful collection of quilts, then this is the book for you! Packed full of delightful designs that incorporate the fun motifs of the festive season - holly leaves and berries, snowmen, candy canes, and more - this is must-have for those looking to add that personal touch to their home during the winter holidays. Projects include festive stockings, pillowcases, table runners, and wall quilts - all accompanied by step-by-step instructions and full-sized pullout patterns.

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Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Ms. Hickey has written a quilt book for quilters of all levels.While I consider myself an experienced quilter, I enjoyed her tips on how-to pick fabrics and why to pre-wash them.She takes you through all the steps on how to make q quilt right up o adding the label.

The first section has all kinds of helpful sewing and cutting tips which is a great place for a beginner to start.And, like me, even the more experienced can learn/refresh their knowledge with a tip or trick such as using a battery operated mustache trimmer to rip seams FAST!

The next section has 14 patterns from quilts to table toppers to wall hangings to table runners.Each project comes with a materials list and cutting directions.How to assemble the blocks, the quilts and finishing suggestions are given.There are plenty of graphics to go with the directions and, of course a color photo of the finished project.The projects range from simple piecing, simple appliqué, fusible appliqué and finally 3 D appliqué.A final page tells a bit about the author.

COMFORT AND JOY is a book that will be used to make wonderful Christmas presents for many years to come.I will use it when I teach my granddaughter to quilt her first quilt because the instructions are written in simple, straight forward language.With these time-honored patterns, it will be a book to keep and hand down for generations to come.

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Product Description:
Make Christmas come alive in these festive quilts! Bestselling author Mary Hickey shares her signature style in designs that will instantly fill your home with the holiday spirit.
*Find a world of Christmas joy in pieced and appliqued delights featuring angels, snowmen, and sparkling stars
*Choose from 14 projects in various sizes, including lap quilts, table runners, and a unique banner
*Find bright colors mixed with traditional designs, all sure to be cherished each time the calendar turns to the holidays

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Simple Seasons: Stunning Quilts and Savory Recipes (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

I wrote a review recently about SIMPLE SEASON RECIPE BOX by Ms. Diehl.Now I have the book that goes with that box.(I still like my idea of using the box to cross-reference my quilt patterns as I don't like cooking as much as I LOVE quilting!).My point is that the book has recipes to put in the box as well as wonderful quilt patterns.

The book starts with a sixteen page section on quilting basics and fabric selection.Ms. Diehl gives lots of tips for making your quilt easier.There are graphics to help visualize what is explained.The book is divided into the Seasons with three or four quilts per Season and then recipes to go with each Season as well.

The quilts run from lap to table runners to bed to doll and of course, wall hangings so there are a wide variety of project sizes.The techniques include piecing, yo-yo's and appliqué.Each project begins with a paragraph about the project.Then a materials list is provided with a cutting list following that.Next are the assembly instructions.This includes lots of graphics to demonstrate the sewing instructions.Finally, adding the borders and suggestions on finishing --- how to quilt --- are given.Templates are included.

The recipes are the kind that make me think of grandma and home cooking.Quick Cherry Crisp-- yummmmmmy - homemade rolls, split pea soup just to name a few.All good eating and they go perfectly with quilts.

The final page holds three paragraphs about Ms. Diehl.I always like to learn about the designers and how they got where they are today.All in all, this is a great book for all year round.Food and quilts --- what could be a better combination?

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Product Description:
Bestselling author Kim Diehl is back with an all-new collection of quilts--plus her very own homestyle recipes--inspired by the seasons. Bring the special meaning of each season alive in your home with Kim's signature tradition-with-a-twist style.
*Thirteen projects with a seasonal flair include bed, lap, and wall quilts, plus a doll quilt and table runner
*Simple patchwork and applique designs feature spring tulips, summer gardens, autumn jack-o'-lanterns, and winter mittens
*Over a dozen tried-and-true recipes spotlight Kim's homestyle approach to cooking--findhearty salads, soups, and breads, plus luscious desserts

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Egg Money Quilts: 1930's Vintage Samplers [Spiral-bound] Review

This delightful book is a unique keeper.It is a visual treat of reproduction fabric projects.The spiral bound design makes it special and so easy to read as the pages lie flat.The cardboard templates easily punch out and don't need to be cut.My first project will be the 1930's style Etta's apron which also includes a paper pattern.A nice touch is the appropriate quilting design or a chicken or rooster located at the page number.

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Product Description:
An "Eggstravaganza" of thirteen traditional patterns that gained popularity in the 1930's. In addition to two sampler quilt layouts, yardage charts are provided for five patterns in various quilt sizes. And to tempt your creativity, you will find a treasury of projects.

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