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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Simple Blessings: 14 Quilts to Grace Your Home [Paperback] Review

I love this book! The combination of applique and simple piecing offers the quilter warm,colorful projects to follow. I made one of the wall hangings in my own colors,and intend to make more.Kim Diehl's projects are so doable.The templet patterns are full size-no enlarging! The directions are clear and easy to understand.If you like a country flavor to your quilts,you must buy this book!

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Product Description:
Make every nook and cranny of your home a place for comfort with warm, inviting quilts. These scrappy-style designs will be well-loved and generously used from room to room.
-Choose from bed quilts and lap quilts, plus wall hangings and pillows
-Get a hand-stitched look with an easy invisible machine-applique technique
-Make your stitching simpler than ever with "Pin Point" tips sprinkled throughout the book

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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.

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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

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