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Pretty Little Mini Quilts

up front admission:  I’m a cover girl!   Yes, the quilt on the cover is the Elusive Batiki Bird designed, patterned and made by me!

Pretty Little Mini Quilts is the latest installment in Lark Books’ successful “Pretty Little” series, which is an 8 x 8 inch format book, in this case with 31 projects to make. The projects range from paper-pieced hexagons, to a nearly mixed-media house-shaped piece on stretcher bars, pieced quilts, appliqued quilts and quiltlets, and more all 36 x 36 inches or smaller.  Some are variations on traditional patterns such as the nine-patch (and would make great table toppers as well as wall art), others are contemporary abstracts, and others are whimsical or contemporary applique.  I liked that there is a wide range of techniques and ways to present the quilts.

I am TOTALLY in love with the bunny, by Aimee Ray, who appears on p. 5 (pattern on p. 86), with a birdie perched on his antlers/ears/branches! This piece is small, embroidered, with limited piecing.  It is just adorable!

Not only do I love the bunny, but also my friend Kathy Daniels (blog here) has a lovely piece called Spring haiku that, at 16 x 14 inches, would make a lovely accent on a small wall anywhere in the home. Pattern on p. 80.

My quilt, seen on the cover, p. 31, and patterned at p. 118, is 26 1/2 inches…just the perfect size to be the front of a Euro square pillow for the bed or a decent size on the wall.

The book begins with a quick (p. 11-27)  review of some quilting basics, followed by the 31 projects.  As you might guess from the size of the book, the instructions are not in-depth, as you might find if you spent $10-12 for a single pattern.  As a result, total beginners might find some of the instructions a bit spare.  However, if you are at the confident beginner stage (or have a nice quantity of gumption even if you are a total beginner) or up, or have garment sewing skills, you’ll be able to follow the instructions.   If you want in-depth coverage of some techniques, such as crazy quilting embroidery stitches or painting on fabric, you’ll want an additional book that provides the in-depth instruction, but I think it’s a good thing to expose folks to the range of styles and techniques out there.

One reviewer commented she couldn’t figure out who would be the intended audience for this book.  My guess is the 20- and 30-somethings who are relatively new to sewing and quilting, are setting up their homes, sewing for children and friends and personal satisfaction, but that doesn’t mean the projects don’t also appeal to the rest of us who are looking for something fun, fresh, and that won’t take forever to make.  I expect that someone will buy this  book for a single project–with the $17.95 cover price, it isn’t too expensive–but may then find themselves tempted by something else, too.   Like that bunny.  I LOVE that bunny!

PS–Thanks to Lark Books for making me a cover girl again…. I was also on the cover of Creative Quilting with Beads… I think I like Lark!  I blogged about that one here.

8 Responses to “Pretty Little Mini Quilts”

  1. Jan Says:

    Congratulations Sarah! Another feather in your cap. You are going to have to get a bigger cap at this rate!

  2. TexasRed Says:

    This is fantastic! Congrats!

    I would definitely buy this book for suggestions for kids’ room art or seasonal mini-quilts to hang as artwork.

  3. Lisa Says:

    Wow – two covers and your own book too. I am so thrilled for you.

  4. Maggie Szafranski Says:

    I have a copy, and I think it would appeal to any quilter who wanted to try something a little different without a huge commitment of time and materials!

  5. Jacquie in Vermont Says:

    You don’t mention that it is one of the current Editor’s Choice books for the Crafters Choice book club. Maybe Thread Work Unraveled will be next …

  6. Grace Says:

    Woohoo! Congratulations girl.

  7. Anne Says:

    Congratulations, Sarah. I love trees and I absolutely love your trees. I am sure your quilt on the cover will attract many to buy the book, including me!

  8. Candy from Candied Fabrics Says:

    WooHoo! Congratulations you cover girl you! WHat a cute little quilt – I’m a big fan of branches and birds!