Garden quilts bring the outdoors into the home. For those gardeners wishing to create their own unique garden quilts, here are reviews of some excellent quilting titles.


I Can’t Believe It’s Not Piecing

By Ann Seely and Joyce Stewart, this was released by American Quilter’s Society Publishing. This features ten wonderful projects that are suitable for beginners. Over half of the projects depict either garden and nature themes or floral print fabrics.

Garden quilters will love this book because the easy technique enables you to create the look of precision pieced, classic quilt blocks, such as Bear’s Paw and the Double Wedding Ring, using fuss-free techniques. The techniques include machine appliqué and simple straight seams. One of the projects is a delightful apple quilt that would be perfect for decorating the kitchen or dining room.

This title covers all of the basic sewing and quilting techniques, including appliqué, borders, and binding. The authors explain fabric selection and the various sewing aids and products will be needed.

The quilts come in various sizes from bed quilts to wall hangings and throws. One design features traditional flower baskets with birds. This has floral print fabrics for the borders.

Some of the quilts feature appliquéd flower borders. For each project, this has a list of materials and supplies, templates, cutting chart, color layout, and step by step, color illustrated instructions for completing the blocks and quilt top. This also has a gallery presenting the designs in different sizes and color options.


Cuddly Snuggly Quilts

By Linda K. Johnson and Jane K. Wells, this was released by American Quilter’s Society Publishing. This features 18 appealing projects that are suitable for beginners. The designs are made with quick and easy, time saving techniques, such as no binding.

Over half of these projects feature nature and floral themes or print fabrics with garden motifs. For each project, the authors offer various color options. The projects include quilts in various sizes from crib quilts to twin bed quilts. Some can also serve as throws, especially for toddlers. The designs are based on quilts that the authors have made for their own children or grandchildren. By choosing suitable fabrics, these designs can be used for adults as well.

For each quilt, this has a list of fabrics and supplies and color illustrated directions from start to finish. There are also color layouts and appliqué templates. This has wonderful designs to suit every interest and taste.

This features much loved classic quilt blocks and updates of old favorites. There is a lovely Dresden Plate design made with floral prints. The butterfly quilt is particularly lovely. I also loved the gorgeous pink design with flower appliqués. A number of other designs also feature flower and nature appliqués. One has flowers and tendrils appliquéd all around the outer border. At the beginning of the book the authors explain all the basic quilting and sewing techniques.

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