Book Review - Country Threads goes to Charm School

Well, I did promise you another review of a "country" book and today I'm looking at Country Threads goes to Charm School: 19 Little Quilts from 5" Squares by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene. It's a long title and includes a long list of little projects - 19 in total. 


If you find yourself addicted to these little projects after completing all the ones in the book, you can sign up for the Charm School club at Country Threads and receive a different charm pack and pattern each month.


I think the first thing I liked about this book was how the projects were named. "Don't Interrupt!", "No White Shoes After Labor Day" and "Wipe Your Feet" are just a few examples of the projects you'll find in this book. These ladies definitely share my sense of humour! 


Most of the quilts are wall hanging or table topper size, making for quick and easy projects. These are great little quilts to whip up for gifts and for learning a new technique, such as machine appliqué. They do use charm packs, and while I usually shy away from these projects since I never seem to have enough charm packs to complete a pattern, this is not the case with this book. These projects use a charm pack - not 2 or 3, but 1. You will need extra coordinating fabric for borders and backing, but only 1 charm pack. I like that! Also, should you not have a charm pack, each pattern gives alternate fabric requirements in a "Still Charming" sidebar. I really like that! 


I had a hard time deciding on favourites in this book: I liked Wipe Your Feet, with its little trees and also Don't Break Bread into Your Soup, using half-square triangles to form a pattern. But then there was also Walk - Don't Run, with its lattice look and Say "Please" with its appliquéd circles in 2 sizes...


The best part about these small projects - I could have two of these completed in the time it would take to usually make one bigger project so I don't have to choose just one of them!


This book would appeal to the quilter who likes to make up small projects which are simple, yet effective.

Book Review - Country Comforts

I've been stockpiling books lately and definitely need to tell you about some of them. I have two "country" books that I've recently received, both quite different from the other. Today I'll be looking at one of these, 

Country Comforts: Quilts for Casual Living by Cheryl Wall. This book will appeal to those quilters who favour a primitive, country look. Cheryl uses traditional blocks, such as Log Cabin and Churn Dash, but gives them a new twist. 


The projects in the book remind me of curling up in front of a warm fire on a cold winter evening - cozy, comfortable and homey. Most of the quilts are large wall hanging or throw size and what makes her projects so appealing is the extra touches that she brings to them by adding appliqué to the traditional blocks. Cheryl writes in the introduction that she is "drawn to the primitive style of quilting and crafting because of the freedom it allows me to make projects that are less than perfect but still beautiful." It's so refreshing to hear this philosophy of quilting when so many of us are striving to make the "perfect" quilt. We sometimes lose sight that quilting should be a relaxing, enjoyable hobby. 


In the quilting instructions, Cheryl provides information about working with wool appliqué and embroidery stitches. I'm just venturing into wool appliqué and enjoy adding embroidery to my projects, so I was pleased to see this information. I also liked the idea of using your extra blocks and fabric to make the quilt backings, rather than buying fabric specifically for this purpose.


I think my favourite project in the book is Mountains and Meadows with its appliquéd stars, hearts and flowers, although I also liked Autumn Equinox with its octagon blocks and appliquéd flowers. Both quite different from each other, but equally appealing, as are all the quilts in the book.


If you like relaxed, casual quilts with a country flavour, this book will appeal to you.


Next time I'll look at another "country" book.

New Patterns

Mini quilt using "Becca" appliqué template

I'm thrilled to announce a new series of appliqué templates. 


Yes, I said templates, not patterns. I've designed several appliqué templates that can be used in a variety of ways. These will look great on quilts and wall hangings and are adaptable to use for other projects, such as clothing and purses. I can envision these designs on pillows and tea towels - perfect for gift giving. You can use these templates in any project that you can imagine - no limitations.


Although I do like to create larger projects, sometimes I only have time for a smaller one and this is how I envision that these templates will be used. Need a quick gift for a friend? Choose one of the appliqué templates and create a mini-quilt. Want to make a placemat set for a house warming? Piece together a simple background and take it up a notch by adding an appliqué. You'll find lots of uses for these designs.

Frog appliqué design

The best part of all is that these templates are available for purchase through my Etsy store as PDF downloads. Just choose the appliqué that you like and it'll be sent to you by email. Quick and easy! You can order anytime - day or night! You'll receive an appliqué placement guide with each design and full-size individual appliqué templates already reversed for fusible web appliqué. 


If you're one of my Quilt Chatter newsletter subscribers, you'll receive a one of my appliqué designs FREE in the November 2010 issue. If you're not a subscriber, be sure to sign up for Quilt Chatter by clicking on the top right side of my blog and completing the required information so that you'll receive the free pattern too.


I'm already making projects with these and hope that you'll send me photos of your own creations. 


If you have any ideas for appliqué designs that you'd like to see, please leave me a comment with your suggestions.


Back to the drawing board!