I love books, and enjoy reading about new techniques and patterns. Sometimes, I just like looking at design books to spark my own creativity or boost my motivation.  One of the perks of being an affiliate for C&T Publishing is getting advance notice of new releases, along with digital review copies.  For April, they are releasing two new books that really have a lot of appeal.  I thought I’d let you know about these two, and a couple of others that are out now, and a bit about the content. This month, in support of the Safelight Project, C&T Publishing has given readers of my blog a special discount code, see that post for details.  It is a perfect time to get some new reading material for those days of staying home to read and sew.

Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds – From the Publisher “Gather your fabrics … start your machines! The Dazzling Diamonds crazy-quilt pattern is ready for your creative interpretation. One block at a time, you’ll construct twenty-seven crazy-quilting diamonds on foundation-piecing templates. With photos and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have fun embroidering the seams and adding embellishments to your unique masterwork! This pattern comes complete with an embroidery stitch guide and full-size pattern pieces, plus examples of the finished quilt in two colorways.”

My review – This is a fun idea, with specific embroidery designs for each individual diamond.  The project is worked one diamond at a time, and would make a great project for taking along on the road, or anywhere a small handwork project would be good to have along.

Ultimate Guide to Rulerwork Quilting – From the Publisher “Straight lines, curves… there are rulers for every kind of quilting! Amanda Murphy shares an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about rulerwork quilting on both domestic and longarm machines. With recommendations for choosing templates and feet, this technical guide is great on its own, but also makes the perfect sidekick to Murphy’s popular Rulerwork Quilting Idea Book. Plan your quilting to perfection and learn to combine rulerwork with free-motion quilting. Watch your quilting aesthetic begin to evolve; helpful photos show you how to execute quilting designs with basic straight-line and circle rulers, as well as specialty shapes like waves, clamshells, and feathers!”

My Review –  Heavily weighted towards the authors own line of rulers, but still has tips and ideas for designs that can be achieved with other brands of ruler.  She gives how-to advice for using rulers on both longarm and domestic machines, with clear pictures and classic quilting designs.

Wool applique Heirlooms – From the Publisher “Add warmth and texture to your home with wool appliqué. Sewing in the popular folk-art style, you’ll stitch fifteen projects, including thirteen heirloom-worthy table mats and two versions of an Advent calendar. Learn how reverse appliqué brings depth and color to your handwork without the bulk of additional layers. This guide offers advice on choosing and using wool (even scraps!), plus valuable techniques and tips for wool hand stitchers.”

My Review – Charming projects with lovely pictures, this book shows the stitches to use, how to layer wool pieces, and create great projects for your home.  Projects include fun ideas for Autumn and Christmas as well as Spring, Patriotic themes and other ideas for decorating through the year.

Tantalizing Table Toppers – From the Publisher “A well-dressed table is just stitches away! Showcase your creativity with handmade table toppers that are equal parts functional and fun. Best-selling author Judy Gauthier shares twenty unique table runners you can display year round, plus coordinating placemats and napkins. Step-by-step instructions are included for each project, with basics on piecing, pressing, and understanding color values. Use the coordinating fast2cut Simple Square Templates for easy blocks that fit together like magic! Try out new patchwork, appliqué, and quilting designs before making a commitment to a full quilt. Makers of all skill levels will love the satisfaction of a quick finish.”

My Review – Beautiful photography and detailed instructions make this a book of not only quick projects, but also great advice on color and value.  Just looking at the projects is inspiring, and knowing they will work up into fast finishes will send you to your sewing room.

Love Jelly Roll Quilts – From the Publisher “Tantalizing, tasty, sweet . . . sew up something good enough to eat!  From the pages of Love Patchwork & Quilting and Today’s Quilter comes a delicious collection of 13 bright, bold quilts that feature the perennially popular jelly roll strips. Strip piecing, basketweave, pinwheels, appliqué, and more—use 2 1/2-inch pre-cut fabric strips in exciting and unexpected ways. Whip up quilts in a range of project sizes and complexity, including a suite of baby projects, a pillow, wall hangings, and bed quilts. Top designers like Susan Briscoe and Jo Avery are featured. Finally, get the best from the pages of the UK’s most popular quilting magazines!”

My Review –  There are new ideas in this book for using 2-1/2-inch strips in different ways.  Some of the projects use the addition of small squares, others will make HSTs or angles to form new designs.  Clear instructions and row-by-row block assembly make the designs easy to understand and execute.

Lovely Little Hand Embroidery – From the Publisher “Capture the magic of holidays (and every day!) with 30 hand-embroidery projects. Starting with simple stitches, you’ll add sweet sayings and motifs to home decor and gifts. Sew up country-cute pincushions, modern mug rugs, vintage-inspired pillows, and more! Whether you’re refreshing your home decor or sharing meaningful handmade gifts with a friend, you’ll love how quick and easy it is to sew up seasonal designs for each month of the year.”

My Review – Delightful designs for easy to take along handwork are in this book, with lots of ideas for small projects using your stitchery.  Projects for holidays as well as gifts are given, with detailed instructions on transferring designs, selecting colors, and finishing.  There is a special project for every month of the year, plus more for gifts and everyday display.  There is also a fun section where the author takes the same design and shows how it can be done up in a multitude of colors and designs for almost every need.

Handy Pocket Guide to Sashiko – From the Publisher “This mini forty-eight-page book is packed with mega information on all the key sashiko basics! Best-selling author Sylvia Pippen shares everything from a bit of history and applications for sashiko to the necessary supplies, how to mark the designs, and stitching techniques. Even learn how to create your own sashiko design from your favorite inspirational photo! Or use one of the twenty-seven included designs. Plus, at such a great price, you can afford to buy one for your sewing group, sister, mom, friend, or anyone else you know who loves to sew as much as you do!”

My Review – If you have had an interest in Sashiko, this book gives you everything you need to know to create lovely projects.  The author shows an unique way of finding inspiration in nature, and translating that to a design using photography.  Additional design templates are given to transfer to your projects.

Walk Jog Run, A Free Motion Quilting Workout – From the Publisher “Train your hands to free-motion quilt like a pro! Building your muscle memory, you’ll learn quilting workouts intended to help you master a number of creative stitch designs, with clear step-by-step instructions. Then practice quilting with 10 unique skill-building projects, plus 7 bonus ideas, from modern quilts to gifts and home decor. Whether you’re a total beginner or coming in with a few ‘races’ under your belt, you can confidently walk, jog, or run the path to quilting success! This beginner-friendly guide includes plenty of inspiration and coaching to help you move beyond the basics of free-motion quilting.”

My Review –  Divided into sections, this book gives extensive advice on basics of quilting with free motion both for longarm and domestic machines. Section 1 section deals with fabric, thread and other basics.  Section 2 covers designs with practice worksheets for skill building along with small projects to quilt, to grow your confidence.

C&T Publishing has provided a 20% Off coupon code, good for any of their books to every participant of the Safelight Project, use code CTPUB2020 for 20% off through April 15th!!

So, there you go, some new ideas and fun books to motivate and inspire you to try something new, stretch out of your comfort zone, and increase your confidence and skill.  Have fun!!  Which of these book might you like to read?  Do you have a favorite quilt book that inspires you?