Customer Reviews

Prairie Quilts: Projects for the Home Inspired by the Life and Times of Laura Ingalls Wilder

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prairie Quilts by Johanna Wilson takes a delightful trip back in time to the 1870's when a little girl named Laura lived on the Minnesota prairie. This little girl grew up to become the author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote about life with her family on the prairie. In her books, she mentions many quilt blocks. Ms. Wilson brings those blocks to life in the charming projects that she presents in Prairie Quilts.

There are 27 projects in this book, ranging in size from pillows to bed quilts. Most of the patterns are pieced, but there are some that are appliqued or embellished with applique. There is also a delightful redwork embroidery pattern used to decorate a set of pillow shams.

My favorite project is a sampler quilt called "Little House in the Big Woods". I love the way that the author explains the significance of each block in this quilt. I can easily imagine this quilt hanging in a school library or in the home of a "Little House On the Prairie" fan.

In addition to the wonderful quilt patterns, the book includes tips for selecting fabric, making a quarter-inch seam, pressing, and a detailed explanation of the techniques that are used in making the projects. The author also provides tips for finishing your quilts, right down to the label.

Prairie Quilts would be a wonderful addition to any quilter's library. If you love old quilts and their unique connection to the past, you'll enjoy this book!

Prairie Quilts is a nice collection of patterns for making quilts similar to those made by Mary Ingalls and Laura Ingalls. While some of the quilts appear simple, it is this simplicity which is most appealing. I'm quite tired of quilt books which feature impossible to make blocks in batiks and neon colors which take hours to do on a high-end sewing machine and look way too modern. Prairie Quilts is a refreshing change from that.

I particularly like the 'dove in the window' quilt, and the miniature churn & dash.

4 stars.

This book is full of wonderful projects insipired by life on the prairie and items during that time in history. I also loved how the book tied in excerpts from the Little House on the Prairie book set. It really makes the projects that much more appealing and meaningful. The book is well written with wonderful photos of each project. I would highly recommend this book!

I have owned this book for many years. It was my inspiration to learn to quilt. I started working on this quilt 2 years ago and have put it aside many times to make a quilt for someone else. I am finally to the point of piecing the blocks together and...they don't fit. I know a little of it was my inexpertise when I first made SOME of the blocks. But, some of these blocks are anywhere from a half-inch to an inch off. I really think it is because the original cutting directions are the finished size of the block, not the cutting size. I have had to really play with the blocks to get them to fit together. It will still be beautiful when finished but it is really frustrating right now. I would love to know if it is just my inexperience of if anyone else has had this problem.