There are many quilt books available. Some of these will have special appeal to gardeners. Here are reviews of some wonderful titles that I found inspiring.


Quilting With Precuts and Shortcuts

By Terry Martin, this was published by Martingale/That Patchwork Place. Gardeners are sure to love these adorable quilt projects, many of which feature flower appliqués or floral prints. This features a dozen clever designs that are perfect for novices. These time-saving projects use quick cutting methods, strip piecing techniques, and precuts, all of which save time.

These quilts range in size from wall hangings and table toppers to bed quilts. For the most part, these are easy pieced projects though several feature appliqué. There’s a gorgeous garden quilt with lovely appliquéd flowers and stems. All in all, there are four appliquéd projects, including flowers with yo-yos.

Most of the blocks are made with easy squares, strips, or triangles. Even the diamonds are appliquéd instead of being pieced. Some of these designs have beautiful nine-patch blocks or borders.

One of the most impressive designs is a splendid kimono-inspired wall hanging made from lovely floral prints. Among the garden quilts is one with a beautiful floral print fabric for the center panel.

For each quilt, this has a list of materials along with a detailed cutting chart. There are complete, color illustrated, easy to follow directions for making the blocks and completing the quilt top. This also explains how to finish the quilt. The section at the end covers all of the sewing, cutting and quilting basics. It explains what fabrics to choose and what supplies and tools are needed. This also explains how to cut the fabrics, appliqué, and do the quilting. This has step by step, color illustrated instructions for all of the techniques. There are full size templates for the appliqué.

The introduction explains the time saving methods of using precuts, and explains how to select fabrics. It also shows how to piece, appliqué, and how to make appliqué templates.


SuperStrata Quilts-Celebrating the Colors of Bali

By Pamela Mostek et al, this was released by Martingale/That Patchwork Place. Readers can enjoy an armchair tour of Bali and experience the sights and culture through this delightful quilting book. The irresistible beauty of the place comes alive in these quilts. All in all, this guide features eight wonderful pieced quilt projects with two color versions for each one. These are suitable for beginners. Among the projects are bed quilts in various sizes as well as wall hangings and throws.

Gardeners are sure to love these quilts. Many of the projects feature beautiful tropical-inspired prints, wildlife, or nature themes, such as butterflies. Two of the garden quilts are called Flower Market and Garden Tropics.

Whatever your color preference, there is a design to suit every taste from a cool blue/green combo to a rich orange and red mango-inspired confection.

For each quilt this has a list of fabrics and supplies and a cutting chart. There are step by step instructions for strip piecing, which the authors call SuperStrata. There are color illustrated directions for all the steps from cutting and sewing to completing the quilt top. This has a color layout and directions for finishing each quilt.

This book explains the techniques used to create the innovative blocks, some of which are curving, diagonal, or slanting. The last section provides instructions for all of the basic quilting techniques. This section also covers borders and finishing the quilt.

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