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1. Make It Sew Modern: Gather, Twist, Pleat, Texture by Vanessa Christenson (Martingale & Co Inc January 2012). Very stylish simple beginner sewing projects (and includes some low- and no-sew projects too) that are achievable and elegant. With clear instructions and illustrations and uncluttered photos – these sewing ‘starter’ projects will get you going with making whole cloth and simply pieced quilts, simple bags, scarves and accessories. Sweet book!
2. Fresh From the Clothesline: Quilts and Small Projects With Vintage Appeal by Darlene Zimmerman (Krause Publications November 2011). You might know of Darlene Zimmerman through her fabric ranges with Robert Kauffman or through numerous books on quilting she has written through the years. Her latest book is full of vintagy styled quilts and smaller projects made from traditional blocks and using repro feed sack fabrics. Very pretty! Instructions are clear and there is a good section in the back with techniques. I do have a big problem with this book though — most of the quilts require specialty rulers and tools and only some include a template instead. So if you don’t have these rulers and don’t plan on purchasing them then you will be disappointed in this book. However if you like a ruler/template/tool and want to collect a few and know what you can do with them and you want to make a few repro vintage styled quilts then this is the book for you!
3. Sew to Swap: Quilting Projects to Exchange Online and by Mail by Chrissie Grace (Krause Publications November 2011). There are a few things to love about this book: 1. The projects are contributed by 17 designers (many are bloggers) which gives the book variety and interest in style, fabrics and designs. 2. The book is all about the online quilting community and all the lovely things that go along with that such as swaps and virtual quilting bees. It includes tips to get swapping and showcases various online virtual quilting communities. 3. The illustrations are amazing! 4. The projects are fun and range from pillows to mini-quilts and full sized quilts — all able to be swapped and shared and worked on as a group.

[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate] (Australians can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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