The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking: 15 Projects Inspired by Everyday Beauty
Written by Jane Brocket (C&T Publishing)
I was very excited to see this title on the new release list last month. I love Jane Brocket’s book The Gentle Art of Domesticity. One of the things I loved best about that book was it’s photography, and this book does not disappoint on that front. It’s one of those books that you just want to open and look at for hours, just because it’s beautiful. But not only that, it’s inspiring.
When I first sit down to read a book I always start with the introduction. This is where you get an introduction as to why the book was written, and you get to really know the author’s voice. I have to say, as I read the introduction for this book, I knew that it was not only a book for me, but for many of you, too. In her intro she says this about quilting
“This is a book about quilt inspiration: where to find it and how to use it. It is for anyone who has ever wanted to make stunning, imaginative quilts with the minimum of fuss, no matter how basic your sewing skills or how limited you are by time and space.”
I think that pretty much encompasses us all, in one form or another. I am sure there are many times you look at a quilt and think “Oh, that’s so beautiful. But it looks too hard…” or “…I couldn’t choose fabric like that.” But you can, and I think that’s what this book is really about. Knowing that you can create beautiful quilts by looking around you for inspiration and using the knowledge you have.
Jane herself talks about how intimidated she was about making quilts, and one day her friend said to her “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Jane, all you have to do is cut up some fabric and sew it together.” How true is that!
Brocket says it best:
“I hope to reassure tentative quilters (always remembering that I once was one) that quilting is easy and incredibly enjoyable, that anyone can do it in an ordinary home environment and without a dedicated room or table or design board, and that you don’t need hundreds of expensive fabrics.”
I wish I could share the whole of the introduction of this book with you, because if I could, I know you would all be out buying a copy for yourself this very minute.
This book is different from many out there, in that it doesn’t take up half the book explaining the basic techniques that most of us know, instead the book is filled with information about choosing fabrics and quantities needed, how to best cut your fabric for backings and borders, information on batting and quilting. But it is done in such a different way, so as not to intimidate, but instead help you to see what an easy craft quilting can really be.
There are 15 beautiful quilt projects, and everyone of them has wonderfully written forwards to each quilt with information on her design and fabric selections. The Instructions are full of inspirational photos that showcase the quilt in use, as well as giving detailed views. Diagrams and directions are straight to the point and easy to follow without being overwhelming. There are notes and variations on themes. At the end of the book you have a “Quilt Gallery” section showing the whole of the quilt (love this!) as well as a nicely done list of her favorite inspirational books, both quilting and non-quilting. And of course so much more.
I can not in words express how much you need this book, whether you are new to quilting or a pro. If I were to write a book, this is exactly how I would want mine to be. This is a book for your shelves. You will be inspired again and again, not just by the quilts and photography, but by the inspirational words and helpful hints.
And of course the best part is, thanks once again to C&T Publishing, one of you will get this very copy to come home to your shelf! Unfortunately, I am not able to open this up to anyone living outside the US due to distribution rights. So, US residents only on this one, please. Same as last time, nothing fancy, just leave a comment! I’ll choose a winner at random on Sunday.
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Comments now closed! I will announce the winner in a post later tonight.
Well, that’s kind of what it felt like. Not because my husband didn’t gift me an awesome gift this year, but because I got it last week and today just pretty much felt like another Sunday. Although, It was beautiful outside! I even got a burn on one of my arms (yes, just one). Of course, being Mother’s Day, I got to tell him to change diapers, except the majority of the time I forgot about that and just did it out of habit. But I did get out of one smelly one! Anyways, I’ve been having lots of fun this last week. My husband has been loading it up with free games and the such, and I go straight for the “Productivity” section. I’m such a Capricorn.
My mom gave me this awesome, vintage camera to add to my collection. I’ve never heard of this one before and will need to do a little research, but it’s so petite and I love how it looks open. My grandma got me a handy gadget for the kitchen (an egg separator). My husband was stoked about it. I guess I know what we can get him for Father’s Day! Well, I kind of already knew he was a little obsessed with the Slap-Chop. My mom and I always laugh about it when we’re out and about and see one, but I seriously think one of us needs to buy it for him for a gift. 
