Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Book Review - House Party

Hi everyone:


With all the snow that we've been having it's a great time for browsing through my library of quilting and embroidery books. Today I'd like to share "House Party: Coordinated Quilts and Pillows" by Sue Hunt. 


The publisher, Martingale & Company describes this book as follows:


"Discover six great pillow projects, each accompanied by a wall hanging. Designs range from traditional to contemporary and feature a variety of techniques."


I think this is a great idea as you can coordinate your decor by creating beautiful wall hangings as well as throw pillows. While I call these wall hangings, you can also use them as table toppers or thrown across the back of a couch, as Sue suggests in her introduction. 


The projects offer a way to decorate your home throughout the year as there is a seasonal quality to them. "Snowflakes" with it's paper pieced snowflakes would be perfect for the type of weather we're enjoying at this time of the year, while "Spring Baskets" or "Umbrellas" reminds one that warmer spring weather is just around the corner. "Summer Flowers" and "Hot!" would be great in bright summer colours and "Fall Walk in the Park" has a more muted and somber tone.


There are a variety of techniques in this book from appliqué to string piecing and paper piecing and the pillow projects would be a great introduction to a technique that you may not yet have tried. Sue provides detailed instructions for her designs and includes information on paper piecing and freezer paper appliqué. 


I was delighted to see information on making piping, rather than buying pre-made piping, as well as covering buttons, again without having to purchase button kits. These techniques could be used to embellish other projects, such as small accent pillows and pincushions too. Sue also provides information on making the pillow back, so you can remove the cover for washing.


I have several favourite designs in this book, but I think that my favourite is "Fall Walk in the Park". I like the somber background with the bright splashes of "leaves" and the oriental feel of the project. "Umbrellas" with its brighter palette also reminded me of Japanese quilt designs and I could see quilting this with some sashiko designs.


Lots of detailed instructions, a variety of projects and a chance to learn some new techniques - "House Party" has it all.






3 comments:

Dolores said...

I like the "Fall Walk in the Park" too. Pages 62 and 65 are quite nice as well. Small projects if you are pressed for time but still want to do something creative.
Thanks for the review.

Shannon said...

I like how they have the wall hangings and then pillows to match. Thank you for sharing your book.

Chatterbox Quilts said...

Glad you enjoyed the review, Shannon & Dolores. Look for more book reviews soon!