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Book Review: Fresh From the Clothesline & Country Cottage Quilting

April 19, 2012 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 6 Comments

We love Quilting books and were pleased to receive review copies of these new titles.

Fresh From the Clothesline by Darlene Zimmerman

Fresh from the Clothesline, Quilts and Small Projects with Vintage Appeal, includes 22 projects to sew and quilt. The book is divided into three chapters:
1. Small Projects – including pillow, table runner, aprons and more.
2. Small Quilts – suitable for baby quilts and lap quilts
3. Full Sized Quilts – 10 bed sized quilts
The projects range in complexity from those suitable for the confident beginner, through to more challenging quilts for more experienced quilters. All of the projects are made with 1930’s Reproduction fabrics.

In the back of the book there are some general instructions covering all the basics including – sewing on binding; assembling the quilt sandwich; and appliqué basics. Full sized templates are included in the book. Interspersed throughout the book are recipes; and interesting facts on household subjects such as tablecloths, ironing, laundry to name a few.

The instructions in the book are very clear. Diagrams are included to show components of the quilt assembly. Six of the quilts are photographed using alternate fabrics to demonstrate how a different look can be achieved with different fabrics.

If you are a lover of reproduction fabrics and traditional quilt designs, then you will find plenty of inspiration in this book.

Details:
Publisher:    Krause Publications
Format:      Paperback, 126 pages
ISBN:         978 1440217753

Fresh From the Clothesline is available from  Booktopia.

Country Cottage Quilting by Lynette Anderson

Country Cottage Quilting, 15 Quilt Projects Combining Stitchery with Patchwork, is the latest book by Australian quilt designer, Lynette Anderson. Lynette’s garden was the inspiration for this collection of projects that include wall quilts, bags, and cushion covers. The designs all include components of hand embroidery to add a stitched element to the piece.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with the inclusion of diagrams and photographs to illustrate many of the steps. The book includes a Technique section which guides you through quilting and embroidery basics.

Country Cottage Quilting would appeal to lovers of country style quilting, using more traditional fabrics in country earthy/natural tones. Many of the projects include  basic embroidery, appliqué, and buttons. The projects are beautifully photographed and styled, and include full sized templates. The nice thing about the book is the wide range of projects included- aside from quilts, there are projects to make a Needle case; Scissor Keeper; Bags; Purse; Needle Holder; Sewing Case; Wall Hanging; Pillow; and more. Many of the projects would make great gifts for your quilting/stitching friends.

Details:
Publisher: David and Charles
Format:    Paperback, 127 pages
ISBN:      9781446300398

Country Cottage Quilting is available from  Booktopia,  Fishpond, and Can Do Books. 

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.


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Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Susie says

    April 19, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    These books look fantastic.

    Reply
  2. Patchwork and Play says

    April 19, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    I think I borrowed the Clothesline one from the library! Its a great book!

    Reply
  3. Linda says

    April 20, 2012 at 3:05 am

    Fresh From The Clothesline looks right up my alley, I must check it out.

    Reply
  4. Rosa says

    April 20, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    they look fabulous!

    Reply
  5. Jane says

    April 23, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    Wow! This book sure looks amazing. I would love to get the book and start with the small projects.

    Reply
  6. Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says

    May 10, 2012 at 2:48 am

    I’m trying NOT to look to much at these books but they do all look good 🙂

    Reply

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We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

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A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
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