Book review: Here Comes Winter by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks

Hi everyone:

With the recent cooler weather and even some snow (shudder!), I've been thinking of more wintery projects. If you're looking for fast, whimsical quilt designs, "Here Comes Winter" by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks is a book you'll want to get.

In this, their fourth book with Martingale, Jeanne and Shelley continue their design trend of creating cute projects and this book contains a variety of them from table runners to pillows to quilts. There are 19 patterns in all.

Photo courtesy of Martingale and Brent Kane (photographer)

I have enjoyed all of Shelley and Jeanne's books and just love their country design sense, which is not really primitive, but more on the cute and charming side.

Here are a sampling of the projects that you'll find inside.

The Snowstorm series includes a throw pillow (and while you're at it you might as well make several of these), a lap quilt and a table runner. The pieced background on the quilt and table runner add interest and really make those snowflakes pop. I think that my Scan n Cut would be perfect to cut out these snowflakes, making the edges perfect.

Photo courtesy of Martingale and Brent Kane (photographer)

I think the little doggie is perfect with these projects, don't you?

I really like the Run, Run Rudolph projects: a lap quilt and a table topper to match. If you think this design would be perfect as a tree skirt, you're in luck as instructions are included in the book on how to do just that.

Photo courtesy of Martingale and Brent Kane (photographer)

It's Cold Outside is a square quilt that includes simple piecing and fun appliqué. I love this use of rick rack - both as mitten strings and as a decorative element in the design.

Photo courtesy of Martingale and Brent Kane (photographer)

There are many more charming designs in Here Comes Winter including pine trees and snowmen as well as several traditional pieced quilts. Great gifts and many designs that I want to make just for me!

Photo courtesy of Martingale and Brent Kane (photographer)

Book Review - Christmas is Coming

Hi everyone:

I promised I'd tell you about the other Christmas/holiday/seasonal book that I added to my library this year. Here it is: Christmas is Coming: Appliqué Quilt Patterns to Celebrate the Season by Cheryl Almgren Taylor. 

While I didn't actually meet Cheryl at International Quilt Market, I did see her signing copies of this book at the Martingale booth. I've always been a fan of Cheryl's designs and find her style instantly recognizable. I don't know how she does it, but Cheryl makes even holly and Christmas ornaments her own.

Christmas is Coming by Cheryl Almgren Taylor
Photo courtesy of Martingale

There are 13 projects in the book and it is divided into 3 sections: Home for the Holidays, Celebrate the Season and Rejoice and Be Glad! The projects in the book are for fusible web appliqué, so the designs are already reversed for you. Cheryl includes basic quilt making instructions for piecing, fusible web appliqué and foundation piecing. Christmas is Coming includes a variety of designs great for gift giving from quick table runners to more elaborate wall hangings and even a bed runner, if you don't have time to create an entire quilt.

Welcome Wall Hanging from Christmas is Coming

The Welcome Wall Hanging reminds of Christmas Eve service with its traditional church appliqué and the snow-covered fir trees. 

Christmas Bouquet Wall Hanging from Christmas is Coming

For something which would take a little more time to create, but would be treasured forever, Cheryl has included the Christmas Bouquet Wall Hanging. At 36 ½" square, it would also be lovely as a table topper. I think I would add some hot-fix crystals to this project for some holiday bling.

Home for Christmas Bed Runner from Christmas is Coming

If you want to add some holiday cheer to your bedroom, the Home for Christmas Bed Runner is perfect. You could change the fabric on one of these houses to mimic your own home. 

Christmas Pageant Wall Hanging from Christmas is Coming

I love the touch of whimsy in the Christmas Pageant Wall Hanging! As Cheryl describes it, "This small wall hanging brings back memories of holiday plays at school and Christmas pageants at church." You could use fabric from your children's clothing or even your own to personalize this delightful project. 

I added Christmas is Coming to my quilting library as I liked the variety of designs and the "traditional" feel of the book, and of course, fusible web appliqué is my favourite technique!

Do you have holiday or Christmas quilting books in your library? Leave me a comment to tell me which book is your favourite.

Book Review - Cuddle Me Quick by Christine Porter and Darra Williamson

Hi everyone:

Recently I've found myself looking at books on baby quilts. No, there is no new addition coming into our family, but one of my best quilting buds has a new grandbaby, so maybe that's why. In any case, these are the type of quilt books that I'm been looking at lately. 

Photo courtesy of That Patchwork Place/Martingale

Martingale recently released a book full of cute baby quilts by Christine Porter and Darra Williamson. Cuddle Me Quick has 11 baby-size projects in it, combining both pieced and appliqué blankies. In addition to the cuddly patterns, Christine and Darra give you lots of helpful information for constructing and completing the projects, with many project specific tips. 

Comin' Down the Tracks from Cuddle Me Quick
Photo courtesy of That Patchwork Place/Martingale

One of the many things that I liked about the book, in addition to the projects themselves, was that information was given about how to quilt each project. Close-up photos of each quilt were given with a description as to the quilting motif, as well as the thread and thread colour used. I've never been a fan of "quilt as desired", so I appreciated this extra content. Since baby quilts are a good project for a new quilter, who may not have much experience choosing a quilting design, providing that information is very helpful. 

Rubber Duckies from Cuddle Me Quick
Photo courtesy of That Patchwork Place/Martingale

The designs themselves are simple enough for most beginner quilters, with some being a bit more advanced. Again, great projects for a novice quilter. These are also quilts that I could see actually being used and washed and used again. Some patterns for baby quilts seem more of the heirloom variety and I couldn't imagine using them, especially knowing how often they'll be washed. Not so with these designs: they're just the type of quilt that you'd want to wrap around a little one, and cuddle him/her up. 

It Takes a Village from Cuddle Me Quick
Photo courtesy of That Patchwork Place/Martingale

These quilts are not just for babies either. Again, some patterns are too baby-ish and would be outgrown by the time a child is 4 or 5. These quilts will grow with the child and are large enough to wrap around an older child. Most of the patterns would be suitable for both boys and girls, with a few being more specifically for either a girl or boy.

If you're looking for a great book with lots of patterns for babies and toddlers, I would definitely add this to your library. 

Book review - Simple Charm by Kim Diehl

Hi everyone:

I've been cocooning more with the cooler weather. You know, staying at home and reading my quilting books in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea. In your dreams! It's more like rush off to work, get home, eat and then try to work on as many pattern designs as I can before the kids arrive home. Somewhere in between, usually while I'm grabbing a bit to eat, I have the opportunity to review some of the books that I've recently purchased or that I've received as review copies (thank you, Martingale!). I recently received one of Kim Diehl's books, Simple Charm - 12 Scrappy Patchwork and Appliqué Quilt Patterns. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

Okay, first let me say that this review will be a bit prejudiced as I love all of Kim's designs (and we share the same name, how great is that?!). I have all of her books and have even made some of her patterns. If you know me, you'll know how rare it is that I actually make a pattern from a book as the project I'm working on is usually a new pattern design for Chatterbox Quilts. I don't know if it's the combination of her fabric or the designs themselves, but Kim's books always appeal to me (or it could be that same name thing again).

Four and Twenty Blackbirds from Simple Charm by Kim Diehl
Photo courtesy of Martingale

In this book, Kim uses scrap fabrics in her designs, using what I would call a controlled approach. The fabric in her scrappy quilts all blend together very well due to her recognition that "regardless of their specific hue, there are basically two categories that colors fall into: clear and bright, or muted and muddy. Making this distinction as you consider your fabric selections will make it possible for you to blend nearly any prints together into a single quilt..." This makes sense: just choose clear, bright colors and they'll work together or choose muted shades, but don't mix the two fabric types together. Maybe I'll  have to start sorting my scraps into bright, clear fabrics and muted, muddy tones and then I can just choose from the appropriate pile when making scrap quilts. Learned something new already. But back to the book...

Short and Sweet from Simple Charm by Kim Diehl
Photo courtesy of Martingale

The projects in this book are mostly large wall hangings with a few smaller and larger projects. I would call Kim's designs traditional, but she uses a more modern fabric palette to give her patterns a unique look. The designs are simple, yet elegant, with the appliqués evoking a contemporary primitive look. These projects work very well with scraps and Kim even uses these in her binding and in a small pillow project. 

Gathering Garden from Simple Charm by Kim Diehl
Photo courtesy of Martingale

In addition to the wonderful patterns, Kim includes detailed information on assembling the quilt top and creating the appliqués in cotton and in wool. Kim likes to use invisible machine appliqué in her books and includes instructions on how to do this technique. Kim's "Pin Points" offer extra information to help you achieve success in creating her designs. I especially enjoy the fact that she includes information on finishing the quilt top, from quilting suggestions to binding information. 

Snow in Summer from Simple Charm by Kim Diehl
Photo courtesy of Martingale

If you enjoyed Kim's previous books, you will definitely want to add Simple Charm to your collection.

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.

Book Review - Easy and Fun Free-Motion Quilting

Hi everyone:

I've recently been spending time working on my free-motion quilting skills - of which I have few. No, really, when I say that I'm not good at free-motion quilting on a domestic sewing machine, I actually mean it. I can see the quilting motif in my head and I can feel it when I move the fabric, but when I look at the result - well, let's just say that it's a good thing that I quilt with wine close at hand. Part of the problem may be that I've never really worked on quilting my projects on my domestic machine. I would do them on my mid-arm machine. Now that I no longer have my mid-arm machine, I've been forced to quilt on my sewing machine. But that's okay because it was a skill that I definitely needed to work on and master. I have seen an improvement in the consistency of my stitch length and I don't feel as intimidated to quilt as I did at first, but I'm still at the "working on" stage. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

In my quest to improve my quilting skills, I've taken classes, watched videos and accumulated many books and I refer to them constantly. I've recently added Easy and Fun Free-Motion Quilting - Frames, Fillers, Hundreds of Ideas by Eva A. Larkin to my library, thanks to the generosity of Martingale. This is a great book with such a simple idea: fill in specific design areas with a stipple stitch. As Martingale describes it: 

"Turn stippling and simple lines into fabulous designs! By focusing on only one block or area at a time--rather than the whole quilt at once--Eva A. Larkin makes it easy to create eye-catching free-motion quilting." 

I can't believe that I haven't seen this concept before. While I find it difficult to master some free-motion designs, I can stipple, so this idea really appeals to me. As Eva explains, "My belief has always been that a good quilting design doesn't have to be complicated or intricate to be interesting and effective." I definitely agree with her philosophy.

With this technique Eva uses several different frame shapes and then fills in the "empty" areas with the stipple quilting. You can choose to do the interior of the frame or the exterior corners, or... there are many possibilities. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

 I love the look this gives the quilting - almost like a filigree. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

Eva provides lots of general information about machine quilting, everything from how to set up your sewing area for quilting, tackling thread tension issues and even how to choose designs appropriate for your particular quilt. She takes you through the components of a stipple stitch to show you how to achieve that perfect "stipple" look.
I like how Eva takes you step by step through this technique with great diagrams and explanations. 
I can see lots of possibilities for this type of quilting and can't wait to try it out on some of my existing quilt tops. This would also work well on a wholecloth or trapunto quilt.
I would recommend adding this book to your library if you need a good reference book on free-motion quilting.

Martingale tour

Hi everyone:

During my recent summer vacation, we travelled to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington in the United States. While there I was fortunate enough to have a tour of Martingale's offices in Bothell, Washington, near Seattle. 

Martingale's offices

If you're not familiar with Martingale, they are a book publisher of crochet, knitting, craft and quilt books. You will find their titles at various booksellers on-line as well as at most local quilt shops. They also sell their books through their website, which has recently been revamped and includes a blog, free patterns and tutorials. 

Front entrance at Martingale

I'm fortunate enough to be one of their book reviewers, so I was eagerly looking forward to seeing where it all happens. 

Yup, this is the place!

The tour gave me a chance to see their offices and meet some of the quilters who work there. Quilts from recent books published by Martingale were hung in the building. Due to copyright, we weren't allowed to take photos, but I was thrilled to see quilts from many of the books that I have in my library. I was especially delighted to see two quilts from Kay Mackenzie's recent book, Scrap-Appliqué Playground. You may recall that I was a stop on Kay's Book-A-Round 3 tour and made her Crazy Hearts project from the book.

I was also happy to finally meet Mary Burns, Marketing Coordinator, at Martingale. Mary and I have been emailing back and forth for awhile, but we've never met in person. As I walked in the front doors, Mary was there to welcome me - okay, I think she was actually unloading some books, but still... We had a great chat prior to the tour and she graciously allowed me to take some photos of the two of us. 

Mary Burns and I in her office at Martingale

Do you recognize the quilt behind us? I knew it looked familiar and Mary confirmed my suspicions that I'd seen it in one of Martingale's publications. It's Flying Shuttles from A Baker's Dozen, which is a collection of quilt patterns from the staff at Martingale. This particular quilt was designed, pieced, and hand appliquéd by Mary, with the quilting being done by Karen Burns, who is the Acquisitions Editor at Martingale.

Photo courtesy of Martingale

After the tour, the fun really began as we were given the opportunity to purchase books that had been published more than 6 months previous - at a substantial discount. I managed to add a few (more) books to my quilt library at great prices. Surprisingly enough, I didn't duplicate any of the books that I already own - I say surprisingly, because with over 300 quilts books in my studio, the chances were high that I might buy a book that I already owned. 

I thoroughly enjoyed finally seeing Martingale's offices and meeting several of the staff. I appreciated them allowing us to interrupt their workday - it can't be easy to concentrate with a group of quilters oohing and aahing their way through your workplace. 

If you ever find yourself in the Seattle area, be sure to book a tour of Martingale's offices - and bring some cash and a large bag.

Book Review - Nature's Beauty in Appliqué

Hi everyone:


As promised in my last post, I'm reviewing another book where the projects focus on flowers. This time it's Nature's Beauty in Appliqué: Pretty and Practical Projects by Susan Taylor Propst. This is Susan's third book published by Martingale (I'll be looking at her other two books in a future post) and her projects continue to be stunning. 

There are nine small projects in this book which are all inspired by a wall hanging that Susan made entitled "Swan and Nessie". While this particular pattern is not included in the book (it's gorgeous!), Susan does include the project layout so you can create your own version using the flower patterns provided in the book.

Daffodil Tote Bag from Nature's Beauty in Appliqué 
Photo courtesy of Martingale and Company

As indicated by the title, the projects in this book range from table runners to tote bags to pillows, all practical and great for gifts. They are appropriate for quilters who have had some experience - probably a little advanced for the new beginner quilter. The patterns all include appliqué (obviously!) and Susan provides detailed instructions for hand appliqué, using freezer paper, as well as information on turned-edge and fusible web appliqué. 

Campanula Neck Roll from Nature's Beauty in Appliqué 
Photo courtesy of Martingale and Company

There is also quite a bit of information on choosing fabrics so your projects will be successful. If you can't quite find the right fabric, Susan also provides tips on painting fabric to get it just the right shade. I appreciated the information on quilting that she included in the book, including suggestions for quilting the background and the appliqué.

Dahlia Tote Bag from Nature's Beauty in Appliqué 
Photo courtesy of Martingale and Company

Susan's instructions are quite detailed and she also provides you with alternate colour ways or suggestions for each project, such as using a pre-printed panel, rather than the appliqué for the tote bags. Nice to know that you can make these projects without the appliqué and they are still just as beautiful and practical.

Swan Wall Hanging from Nature's Beauty in Appliqué 
Photo courtesy of Martingale and Company

I mentioned earlier that the pattern for "Swan and Nessie" was not included in the book, however Susan does have a wall hanging pattern featuring a swan in the book. Although it is simpler, "Swan Wall Hanging" is just as lovely and elegant - and would be quicker to complete.
If you're looking for a project to make as gift for a friend or for yourself, there are many wonderful patterns to choose from in this book. 
I'll be taking a look at another one of Susan's books in my next post.

Book Review - Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts

Hi everyone:

Happy August 1! It's hard to believe that summer is halfway done already. We have such a short summer in Alberta: it really doesn't start until July (it's always rainy in June) and sometimes ends as early as September with the first snowfall (usually not much, but it is snow!). I've been enjoying the warm days these past few weeks and the flowers that are (finally) blooming around our deck. I'm not much of a gardener, preferring the container/pot type of garden, but do love the wonderful colours of the flowers. For the next few days I'm reviewing books that have patterns to bring those gorgeous florals inside and into our quilts.

The first book is Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts by Nancy Mahoney. You know me, I'm all about the fast and fusible is my favourite appliqué technique, so I was excited to check out this book.

Photo courtesy of Martingale

Nancy has provided us with 11 quilt patterns which range from large wall hangings to throws or smaller bed quilts. Most of these designs feature pieced or patchwork block backgrounds with floral appliqués on top. The backgrounds are simple which allow the appliqués to shine, without distracting from or competing with them. The patterns are easy enough for beginner quilters and more experienced quilters would find them quick projects. They all could be done in a variety of fabrics from '30s prints to bright batiks. 

Night Blooms from Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts by Nancy Mahoney
Photo courtesy of Martingale

While I expected these projects to all be fusible web appliqué, Nancy provides information in the book for other appliqué techniques as well, such as using spray starch and plastic templates. You can decide which technique you will use when making these quilts.

Orange Marmelade from Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts by Nancy Mahoney
Photo courtesy of Martingale

These designs are not complicated, yet the addition of appliqué to the pieced background gives the illusion of a complex quilt. Being easy to make with complex results is always good in my books! I also like the fact that Nancy provides quilting suggestions for each quilt. This is helpful information for both beginner and experienced quilters. While I can decide on my own quilting motifs, I really appreciate knowing what the pattern designer used on the sample quilts (for those days when I really can't decide on which quilting motif to use).

Precious Peonies from Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts by Nancy Mahoney
Photo courtesy of Martingale

These are happy, simple projects that could be completed in a few days. I could see making a wall hanging from these designs with a table runner for your dining table too. They'd also be wonderful for summer quilts in your bedroom or guest room, bringing some of those wonderful florals into your home.
I'll be looking at more flowery quilt books in a few days, so check back with me then.

Book Review - S is for Scraps, Scrap-Basket Sensations and All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts from That Patchwork Place

Hi everyone:

I recently participated in the Book-A-Round Tour to promote Kay Mackenzie's latest book, Scrap-Appliqué Playground, and created a version of her "Crazy Hearts" quilt with my fabric scraps using her crazy patch technique (click here to see that blog post). That experience made me look at some of the other books I have which use up those pesky fabric scraps. I usually just throw all my scraps into a box (I have 2 or 3 of them) and pull out pieces when I'm doing appliqué. Just think - I could also use some of these scraps to create pieced quilts!

Let's take a look at the projects in these three books.

Photo courtesy of Martingale

In S is for Scraps: 18 Great Quilts, Gayle Bong includes information on selecting, organizing and using your fabric scraps. She also describes her production techniques to help you finish your projects quicker - and I'm all about getting things done faster (increased the chances that I won't lose interest and abandon the project partway through!). 

Ahead of the Game from S is For Scraps
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

Sparkling Stars in Taupe
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

Make Momma Happy
Photo Courtesy of Martingale

She includes a variety of pieced projects, that are suitable for throws, bed covers or table toppers. There are quilts for beginners, as well as more advanced quilters, so everyone should be able to find a project that would suit their skill level. I like the quantity of information that is provided in the book, from construction techniques, to quilting motifs. 

Another book that uses scraps is Scrap-Basket Sensations: More Great Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips by Kim Brackett. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

As the title indicates, these projects use scraps cut into 2 1/2" strips or pre-cut 2 1/2" strips (sometimes called jelly rolls). Kim also suggests taking some of those "what was I thinking of?" fabrics from your stash and cutting them into 2 1/2" strips to use in scrap quilts. What a great idea!

Nova from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Another organized quilter, Kim gives information about sorting and storing your fabric scraps and how to cut up "true" scraps into 2 1/2" strips. She provides construction tips and information about special piecing techniques, such as folded-corner units and split units. 

Tool Shed from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

The projects in this books are of the larger variety (think quilts, not wall hangings) and would be suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters. 

Scrap-Basket Paddle Wheel from Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Photo courtesy of Martingale

All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts includes several projects from various quilters, such as Kim Diehl, Evelyn Sloppy and Mimi Dietrich, just to name a few. It even includes quilts from Kim Brackett and Gayle Bong. 

Photo courtesy of Martingale

While the majority of these quilts are pieced, there are some appliqué patterns in this book as well. Information on construction techniques, as well as the various types of appliqué are included in the book. 

Fractured Diamonds by Gayle Bong from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Whether traditional or contemporary, beginner and advanced quilters are sure to find a project to suit them. 

Jamie's Quilt by Le Ann Weaver from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

This compilation also gives you the opportunity to explore projects by a variety of quilting experts. If you haven't already picked up a book by one of these ladies, you will certainly want to after viewing their patterns.

Past and Present by Kim Brackett from All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts
Photo courtesy of Martingale

So, have I inspired you to sort through your scraps and see what treasures they can become? I'd love to see what you can come up with - just as soon as I climb out of my pile of scraps!