A Fresh Look at Seasonal Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK, FULL OF IDEAS FOR WONDERFUL QUILTS, SOMETHING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE INSPIRATION TO MAKE SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS. LOVELY CLEAR PHOTOS AND PRECISE DETAIL IN THE INSTRUCTIONS

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Fresh Look at Seasonal Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Capture the spirit of the seasons with a dash of traditional quilting and a splash of folk-art fun!Adorn your living spaces with seasonal delights year-round-simply switch out projects as each new season arrives.
-Stitch 19 lap quilts, table runners, penny rugs, and wall hangings-perfect for confident beginners
-Combine traditional cotton patchwork with brightly colored wool-applique accents
-Find step-by-step techniques for quick piecing and hand applique

Buy cheap A Fresh Look at Seasonal Quilts (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] now

Simple Comforts: 12 Cozy Lap Quilts [Paperback] Review

Kim Diehl presents us with one more fine book in her "Simple" series.I already own "Simple Seasons", so I snapped up the new "Simple Comforts" as soon as I saw it.

These "Simple" books tend toward traditional patterns done in strong colorations with just the right mix of color and contrast, and not TOO much applique.Ms. Diehl's style also lends itself very well to scrappyness, and "Simple Comforts" is a wonderful resource to inspire you to finally deal with those scraps.

The Table of Contents page provides thumbnail photos of each of the 12 quilt patterns, which is a most helpful editing technique that I wish all publishers would utilize.You instantly see the full range Diehl's colorful interpretation of traditional patterns.

Of course, you can make these quilts using really modern/mod fabrics, and there is one particular quilt - "Checkerberry Bliss" - that is a great exercise in contrast in black and light greens.My favorite is "Twilight Hopscotch", a really lovely star/chain variation in tone-on-tone greens on neutral; I am thinking of making this one first to use as a shower curtain.

Scattered throughout the book are Diehl's "Pin Points", which are helpful insets which offer handy technique tips.Also worth noting: each pattern includes directional arrows for "proper" seam pressing, which I rely on to help me best-match pieced seams.

I look forward to more "Simple" books from Kim Diehl; whether this is your first of her books or not, I think this one will inspire those of us who prefer colorful yet still largely traditional patterns."Simply" a winner!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Simple Comforts: 12 Cozy Lap Quilts [Paperback]

Product Description:
Add a touch of warmth to your home with these 12 original projects that combine traditional patchwork with charming country-style applique. From best-selling author and award-winning quilt designer, Kim Diehl, comes this fabulous new volume featuring 12 original projects in Kim's signature style. With their combination of traditional patchwork and country-style applique each project is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and comfort to your home - but with such beautiful artistry, they could easily end up on the wall instead.

Buy cheap Simple Comforts: 12 Cozy Lap Quilts [Paperback] now Get 34% OFF

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?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Simple Seasons: Stunning Quilts and Savory Recipes (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

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

Buy cheap Simple Seasons: Stunning Quilts and Savory Recipes (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] now Get 34% OFF

Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Many books of quilt patterns have one particular "mood," and the suitability of the book for your needs depends less on the quality of instruction than on the need of the reader. Kim Diehl's Simple Traditions is a good example. If you like to sew quilts with a lot of applique, in traditional old-fashioned patterns, using primarily scraps -- then you're going to *love* her book. If not... well, this one isn't for you.

I'm in the latter camp, mostly, but the book earns its five stars because it fulfills its promise extremely well.

Let me describe what you get, so that you can make a decision for yourself.

Only three of the fourteen quilts in the book are bed quilts. Most are much smaller: lap quilts and wall quilts. Every one of the quilts uses scraps, often in a multitude of fabrics (which, in my opinion, makes this an unsuitable book for a rank beginner; you simply won't have enough of a stash yet). For instance, one lap quilt uses 2 yards of cranberry, 1 1/8 yards of tan print, then 56 squares, 6.5"x6.5" of assorted homespun plaids and stripes. Oh, and "assorted green plaid scraps for stem and leaf appliques." She doesn't give options for those of us who like the design but would be happy to sew the quilt in, say, cranberry, tan, and *one* homespun plaid.

The quilts are definitely pretty, though! The book cover is an accurate clue to the contents: lots of flowers and baskets in applique, and designs appropriate for small "vintage" prints. Any of them would be suitable for a home decorated in a "country" or traditional style. My home is primarily Mission Style (Arts & Crafts), which may be why few of these make me itch to pull out the rotary cutter. However, I do have my eye on a simple "harvest heart wall quilt" that appears to be a weekend project that'd work for my first stab at applique. (I hope it's the applique being stabbed and not my sewing fingers.)

Diehl's instructions are both easy to understand and encouraging They need to be, because many of these designs are very busy! Beautiful, but busy. She doesn't skimp on teaching how to do applique, either; I think I'll be able to figure it out. Plus, Diehl includes advice about how to quilt the quilt; you aren't left with that vague suggestion, "Quilt as desired."

Overall, Diehl does an excellent job at delivering on the promise of "simple traditions." If you like scrap quilts and applique, you're going to wear out this book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Wrap up, cuddle in, and snuggle under-indulge in the best of what quilts bring! In this sequel to Simple Blessings, Kim Diehl is back to share more of her signature style in an all-new collection of charming, comforting quilts.
-Create 14 traditionally inspired quilts in a variety of sizes to warm any room of your home
-Learn Kim's clever technique for achieving a hand-sewn look with machine applique
-Find "Pin Points" tip boxes throughout, filled with helpful hints

Buy cheap Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] now Get 34% OFF