There are many kinds of craft books that are suitable for gardeners. Many of the quilting titles will appeal to those interested in flowers, plants, and nature. Here are reviews of some titles I find especially appealing.


Penny Haren’s Pieced Appliqué-More Blocks and Projects

This wonderful, long-awaited volume follows Haren’s highly successful first title, which introduced her innovative new technique. This hardcover with a hidden spiral binding was released by Landauer Books.

This title also covers all of the same basic techniques and instructions that were provided in the first volume. This one offers 25 new blocks, many of which will have special appeal to gardeners. The blocks include the Rose Trellis. It also offers additional color options for each block and quilt.

Many of these blocks are made with stunning floral print fabrics, including some of the same ones that appeared in the author’s first volume. The sunflower prints show up a number of times in these new blocks and quilts.

Along with three versions or layouts for each of the quilts, this volume features a number of additional projects that are sure to please gardeners. These include a beautiful table runner with flowers in the centers. There is also a stunning table topper made from sunflower print fabrics with a coordinating table skirt made from pieced blocks.

For each project and quilt, this volume has a list of fabrics and a cutting chart. There are full size templates. This has layouts and easy to follow, color illustrated, step by step directions from beginning to end.


‘Tis the Season-Quilts and Other Comforts

By Jeanne Large et al, this inspiring holiday title was released by Martingale/That Patchwork Place. I’m delighted this book was released in time for fall so folks can begin working on those holiday craft projects. These sensational projects are easy enough for novices as many of them are made from simple squares.

All in all, this features ten delightful folk art quilt projects, many of which depict holiday plants, and nature motifs. Among these are various kinds of Christmas trees, holly leaves and stems, and stylized flowers. The familiar holiday motifs include Christmas stockings and reindeer. These whimsical designs are fresh and appealing. While many of the projects feature needle felted appliqué, there are also pieced items as well. Among the projects are bed quilts, wall quilts, and throws. There are also table runners and a variety of pillows.

For each project, this has a list of fabrics and supplies along with a
cutting chart. There are complete, color illustrated, step by step directions from start to finish.

This shows how to do the appliqué, complete the quilt top, and finish the quilt. There are full size appliqué templates and alphabets for the embroidery. Throughout the book there are boxes with quick tips and inspiring holiday decorating ideas from the authors.

Those short on time can start with a small project such as the adorable wool runner or the cottage pillow. Be warned that these projects are so tempting it will be hard to stop at one. In the introduction the authors cover all of the basic techniques from fabric selection and appliqué to embroidery. This also covers all of the basic quilting steps from adding borders to binding.

For purposes of disclosure, I received review copies of these books from the publishers.