Book Review - At Home with Country Quilts

Hi everyone:

With the cooler weather and snow, it finally seems like fall to me - maybe even winter! At this time of year the books that catch my eye have "fall-like" fabrics in them and country style designs. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

Recently I was perusing At Home with Country Quilts - 13 Patchwork Patterns by Cheryl Wall. This is Cheryl's second book with Martingale and since I enjoyed her first book, Country Comforts, I was sure that I would like her latest publication as well.

The back cover of the book describes At Home with Country Quilts as follows:

• "Enjoy a new collection of cozy quilts in the primitive country style that made Country Comforts so popular
• Create 13 homey patchwork quilts in a variety of sizes; many are accented with charming appliqué details
• Learn piecing methods as well as simple techniques for cotton and wool appliqué"

Cheryl has a "relaxed, casual approach to quilting", and I find her patterns easy to do with simple shapes that have maximum impact. Her quilts have a traditional look with a pop of  modern elements added to them. For example, she uses such traditional blocks as Nine Patch and Shoofly, but adds appliqué or a different setting to give them contemporary appeal. 

Night Blooms from At Home with Country Quilts by Cheryl Wall
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Her Scrappy Squares design would definitely fit into the modern quilt craze if you changed the fabrics to solids instead of the country prints she has used.

Scrappy Squares from At Home with Country Quilts by Cheryl Wall
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Cheryl includes information on fabric selection and the use of wool in the appliqués, as well as general instructions on finishing the projects. 

Sunflower Explosion from At Home with Country Quilts by Cheryl Wall
Photo courtesy of Martingale

The patterns in this book range from large wall hanging or table topper size to bed size quilts. Cheryl uses fusible web appliqué for her appliqués and embellishes many of her designs with hand embroidery details (my favourite thing to do!). 

I enjoyed the simple, but effective, designs in this book and the country look of the projects which create a homey feel. If you like easy appliqué with a country twist, you'll appreciate this book.