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.