British Patchwork & Quilting
A selection of eight seasonal projects using a variety of techniques including piecing, applique and a foundation paper pieced Lone Star. There are wall hangings, runners and quilts. Some are quick makes which can be made in an afternoon, others are quilts, the largest being 60" by 68".
One Log Cabin quilt has AccuQuilt cutting instructions. There are several technique pages which cover three ways to make Flying Geese, foundation paper piecing and Y seams amongst others.
Full sized templates are included but there are no quilting suggestions. This can be seen in the images. There are useful hints and tips throughout.
This is suitable for the beginner but also has patterns which would tempt the more experienced.
www.mrxstitch.com
The Christmas Quilting book by Annies Quilting is quite thin at 48 pages but is a beautiful and creative book which guides you through eight fabulous Christmas quilting projects. I know I would love to have any of them presented to me on Christmas morning. Or if I were a quilter Id love to be presented with the book and to have a year to work on the items in it before next Christmas.
The book is aimed at quilters of various levels. Each project has a skill level attached to it which is really helpful. If you like quilting Im sure you would find a lovely Christmas project in this book. I would definitely be a beginner but the way it is written Id feel confident I could tackle the projects.
I think the content is really varied. It ranges from a beautiful Take A Breath wall hanging stags, to a traditional table runner adorned with Christmas trees, to more complex quilt designs.
This book is very visual. Each section leads you through how to make the quilts by using really well taken photos of the finished product and great graphics of things like the quilt blocks and how to cut them. It also has little tip and inspiration boxes along the way full of facts which I love in a book.
Its just so fabulously Christmassy! As soon as I looked at it I wanted every quilt in my house for the festive season. Its also nice that it shows items as table decorations, quilts, wall hangings not all just traditional wrap yourself up quilts.
I think this book offers a lot for the cover price. I was also surprised to read that some of my favourite designs which I thought could be quite complicated are actually aimed at the confident beginner skill level. Thats a big win in my opinion. I might well have a go for next year!
Postcard Reviews
What would be a more special gift at Christmas than a handmade quilt. Eight stunning designs full of colour that portray the meaning of Christmas are in this beautiful book. With names like Take a Breath, Silent Night, and Star of Wonder, you cannot help but be inspired to create something beautiful for a loved one.
From beginner to advanced levels, any lover of quilting can recreate one or more of these quilts. Tips and inspiration are included to ensure your finished piece is personal and unique. A lot of information on quilting is included and from start to finish you feel like you are guided through each process to get a professional finish.
Templates are included and the colours of the fabrics used in each design help to influence you to use your own imagination.
Its beautiful.