Darra Duffy Williamson

Cuddle Me Quick has 11 baby-size projects in it, combining both pieced and appliqué blankies. In addition to the cuddly patterns, Christine and Darra give you lots of helpful information for constructing and completing the projects, with many project specific tips.

One of the many things that I liked about the book, in addition to the projects themselves, was that information was given about how to quilt each project. Close-up photos of each quilt were given with a description as to the quilting motif, as well as the thread and thread colour used. I've never been a fan of "quilt as desired", so I appreciated this extra content. Since baby quilts are a good project for a new quilter, who may not have much experience choosing a quilting design, providing that information is very helpful.

The designs themselves are simple enough for most beginner quilters, with some being a bit more advanced. Again, great projects for a novice quilter. These are also quilts that I could see actually being used and washed and used again. Some patterns for baby quilts seem more of the heirloom variety and I couldn't imagine using them, especially knowing how often they'll be washed. Not so with these designs: they're just the type of quilt that you'd want to wrap around a little one, and cuddle him/her up.

These quilts are not just for babies either. Again, some patterns are too baby-ish and would be outgrown by the time a child is 4 or 5. These quilts will grow with the child and are large enough to wrap around an older child. Most of the patterns would be suitable for both boys and girls, with a few being more specifically for either a girl or boy.

If you're looking for a great book with lots of patterns for babies and toddlers, I would definitely add this to your library.… (meer)

When I first started quilting, I wasn’t really a fan of Sunbonnet Sue. One of the quilt groups online had a block swap and Sue was the block chosen. It was only then that I fell in love with the simplicity and charm of Sunbonnet Sue.

A Year in the Life of Sunbonnet Sue is a block-of-the-month style pattern book. The book contains twelve individual wall hanging patterns. All of the instructions for the wall quilts are in the book, but there is also an address online at the Martingale Publisher’s site with full instructions for a seasonal 4-block quilt and for a full 12-block quilt.

So, what is different about this Sunbonnet Sue book? Each block has a “The Fabrics Make the Quilt Section.” The book explains fully how to find the best fabrics for each block design. It has detailed instructions on everything from preparing for the appliqué all the way through binding the quilts. Full-sized patterns for each piece are included. There are wonderful little tips scattered throughout the book that show special attention to detail, such as instruction for cutting the pieces with consideration to grain of fabric.

The would be a perfect book for in-person or online quilt groups wanting to do a block-of-the-month. Also for all skill level quilters, or to make a quilt for a special child.… (meer)