A number of delightful quilt books have been released in time for fall. Here are reviews of some titles featuring wonderful garden quilts.


Bloom Creek Quilts

By Vicki Bellino, this is one of Martingale/That Patchwork Place’s recent releases. Gardeners are sure to love this quilting title. The cover depicts a lovely bed ensemble featuring appliquéd flowers.

This title presents 14 of Bloom Creek’s most popular quilt patterns. Precuts and jelly rolls can be used for many of these projects. Nearly all of these projects feature either flower/nature motifs or floral print fabrics. I simple adore these charming quilts that can be used throughout the house. There are fresh and appealing table runners, welcome banners, wall hangings and bed quilts along with pillows. This also has a handy flower appliquéd tote bag. I especially love the bird house welcome banner and wall quilts.

For Christmas, there’s a medallion quilt featuring a stylized, appliqued Christmas tree with cardinals sitting on the branches. The borders are made with floral prints.

For each project, this has a list of materials and cutting chart, color layout, and appliqué templates with step by step, color illustrated directions. The first chapter covers all of the sewing and quilting basics. Many of these projects are suitable for beginners. While some designs are pieced, others combine patchwork with appliqué.


Vivacious Curvy Quilts

By Dianne S. Hire, this was released by American Quilter’s Society Publishing. It presents eleven dazzling wall hangings, most all of which feature floral or nature print fabrics. This devotes an entire chapter to exquisite garden and botanical quilts. Along with other foliage and tropical nature motifs, some of these depict philodendron leaves.

The projects feature quilts in a range of sizes from table runners to ones large enough for throws. While some of the designs are easy enough for beginners, some prior quilting experience is helpful with others. The curvy techniques can be used to create all sorts of appealing shapes from flowers and leaves to vessels.

Though some of these are patchwork quilts, others also feature appliqué, including flowers, birds, and garden produce. Some designs depict landscapes. Throughout the book are boxes with quick tips.

Each of the chapters features a different curvy technique. For each technique and project, this has a list of fabrics and easy to follow, step by step, color illustrated instructions for cutting and sewing the blocks. There are also complete directions for binding and completing the quilts. The gallery features lots of awe-inspiring quilts made with these techniques. Some of the gallery designs are for free form quilts with unusual shapes. For example, one is shaped like a leaf.

For purposes of disclosure, I received review copies of these books from the publishers.