Library Journal Review

Australian quilter Kingwell uses a mix of traditional techniques-including hand piecing and hand quilting-to create bright, scrappy quilts that resonate with contemporary quilters. In her first book, Kingwell presents 15 new projects, including quilts and pillows, in her signature style. At first glance, the finished quilts look delightfully random, but upon further inspection, there's a method and organization that keeps the quilts visually pleasing. Kingwell's advice on choosing fabric is common sense: select fabrics you like, because in the end, most colors work perfectly well together. The elements of many of the quilts are familiar-churn dash, pinwheel, and courthouse steps blocks all make an appearance-but her fabric and setting picks and construction techniques elevate these traditional elements into fresher territory. And there's good news for quilters who are intimidated by the intricate piecing and appliqué that Kingwell's patterns commonly require-there are a few quilts in this collection that feature simpler piecing, still in her signature style. An appendix provides an overview of the basics, including hand piecing and appliqué principles. VERDICT Kingwell is a familiar name for quilters, and her fans, many of whom are used to paying $25 for a single pattern, will love the variety in this collection. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.