Review
Here's another one for your library, yet I have to admit that on first glance, I almost yawned (crack the Red Bull). So, what turned me around? Well, I needed to look again. Hard to believe (harder than David Beckham's pecs), but even I can be wrong. The truth is that '30s fabrics are not my fave, however, judging by the nauseating and endless variety of these sugary-cute prints, they're working for somebody. So, I valiantly put aside my prejudice, looked more closely at these traditional patterns that blend blocks with simple applique and, wouldn't you know it? I'm hooked. The quilts, using those snoozer '30s fabrics, are charmingly pretty.
I see a diamond in the rough for those of us not into the thrill of '30s (unless you're talking waist size here). These babies can be made up using any fabrics. Altogether, there are 14 different patterns that even a stone-cold beginner can deviate from to create something original. I especially like 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' and 'Fandango'. And, I could easily see 'House on the Hill' as a great friendship quilt for someone moving into or away from your area. Should you buy it? Go for it. You won't regret the space it takes up on your already cluttered shelves. --Mark Lipinski, Quilter's Home --Jan/Feb 2009
The cool thing about this book is that it's an homage to history while including updated quiltmaking techniques. Besides all the patterns, there's information on all the basics, like rotary cutting, machine piecing, pressing, squaring up, assembling the quilt top, adding borders, and finishing your quilt. Nancy also includes illustrated instructions for her method of hand applique plus two forms of machine applique. The whole package!
Nancy presents a dozen darling applique designs that are based on patterns published during the 1930s, and she gives us some background about the history. We have a huge array of '30s repro fabrics available to us today so that we can re-create the unmistakable and greatly appealing look of that period. The book gives a variety of projects for using the designs, and as the introduction says, "These wonderful homey quilts offer something for everyone: delightful bunnies, cheery flowerpots, darling kittens, beautiful butterflies, stunning wreaths, and frolicking cowboys." My favorite is "Fandango," made with the Colonial Scrap Basket block. --allaboutapplique.net
About the Author
The quilts of nine-time author Nancy Mahoney have been published in over 50 magazines, including Quilter's Newsletter, McCall's Quilting, and Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting. She designed several fabric lines for P&B Textiles, and
dozens of patterns.
