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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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Meet the Quadra Pouch — a clever flat‑base design Meet the Quadra Pouch — a clever flat‑base design that comes in three super‑useful sizes. Beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for
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A beautiful, captivating read by local author Tess A beautiful, captivating read by local author Tess Woods inspired this sweet little Heart Bookmark. I adored the way The Cairo Bridal Shop wove together family, secrets, and sisterhood — it’s one of those
stories that stays with you long after you close the cover. If you missed my book review, check my previous post.This tiny Heart Bookmark is scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for book lovers or handmade gift‑givers.Comment BOOKMARK for the free Pattern or click on the link in my bio.Save this for when you are looking for quick handmade gift ideas.#freesewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadegifts #bookloversofinstagram #sewingcommunity
A beautiful new read + a sweet sewing project insp A beautiful new read + a sweet sewing project inspired by the Albi sisters.Thanks to @tesswoods_author and @penguinbooksaus for the advance copy of this captivating story.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I’ve just finished reading The Cairo Bridal Shop by local author Tess Woods — and it completely swept me away.Set at the foot of the pyramids, the Albi Bridal Shop is home to three sisters fighting to break tradition and shape their own futures. Inspired by ancient pharaoh queens, they draw on generations of women, culture, sacrifice, and resilience to find their strength.Tess calls this “the book of her heart,” weaving her family history into a story of sisterhood, identity, faith, strong women, and delicious Egyptian food.While reading, I kept thinking about the three Albi sisters — Sarah, Aya, and Lola — each navigating their own challenges, each fighting for the life she deserves.So I stitched three Heart Bookmarks, one to represent each sister. A tiny handmade nod to their courage, creativity, and connection.Each bookmark is made from quilting cotton, wool felt, lace, and a silky tassel — quick to sew, lovely to gift, and perfect for marking your place in a story full of strong women.I was completely captivated by The Cairo Bridal Shop. The relationships between the sisters are truly the heart of the story — tender, complicated, loyal, and full of resilience.I loved the structure: six dresses, each inspired by a Pharaoh queen, each opening a new chapter of their lives. The cultural details, the food, the history, the Cairo setting — it all felt vivid and immersive.A beautiful, emotional story of family, identity, courage, and the strength we find in the women around us.If you only read one book this year, make sure it is The Cairo Bridal Shop.If you’d like to stitch your own Heart Bookmark, the pattern is free.Comment BOOKMARK and I’ll send you the link.A sweet, quick project — perfect paired with a good book.Thanks for being here — I love sharing small sewing projects that bring joy to your day.
A sweet little scrap project ✂️✨ The Zakka Scisso A sweet little scrap project ✂️✨The Zakka Scissor Keeper is one of my favourite small  makes — quick to sew, perfect for coordinated scraps, and so handy to keep your scissors protected in your sewing bag. I’ve never shared a reel of this one, so here’s a little peek at how it opens and closes.It’s also my Pattern of the Week, which means you can save 25% for a limited time. If you love small, satisfying projects, this one is a fun weekend sew.Comment SCISSOR and I’ll send you the link.#sewingprojects #scrapfriendlysewing #smallsewingprojects #zakka #sewingaddict
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