Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home [Paperback]

Kim Diehl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2006

Wrap up, cuddle in, and snuggle under - indulge in the best of what quilts bring! In this sequel to her bestselling book "Simple Blessings", Kim Diehl is back to share more of her signature style in an all-new collection of charming, comforting quilts. This work helps you: create 14 projects, including quilts, pillows, shams, and pillowcases; learn Kim's clever technique for achieving a hand-sewn look with machine applique; find "Pin Points" tip boxes throughout, filled with helpful hints.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Since becoming the grand-prize winner of American Patchwork & Quilting's "Pieces of the Past" Quilt Challenge in 1998, designer Kim Diehl has published numerous designs in the national magazine. Her work has also been featured in McCall's Quick Quilts and Quiltmaker.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Martingale and Company (June 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564776387
• ISBN-13: 978-1564776389
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like scrap quilts and applique? Then this should be in your library., August 26, 2006

By 

Esther Schindler (Scottsdale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (Paperback)

Many books of quilt patterns have one particular "mood," and the suitability of the book for your needs depends less on the quality of instruction than on the need of the reader. Kim Diehl's Simple Traditions is a good example. If you like to sew quilts with a lot of applique, in traditional old-fashioned patterns, using primarily scraps -- then you're going to *love* her book. If not... well, this one isn't for you.

I'm in the latter camp, mostly, but the book earns its five stars because it fulfills its promise extremely well.

Let me describe what you get, so that you can make a decision for yourself.

Only three of the fourteen quilts in the book are bed quilts. Most are much smaller: lap quilts and wall quilts. Every one of the quilts uses scraps, often in a multitude of fabrics (which, in my opinion, makes this an unsuitable book for a rank beginner; you simply won't have enough of a stash yet). For instance, one lap quilt uses 2 yards of cranberry, 1 1/8 yards of tan print, then 56 squares, 6.5"x6.5" of assorted homespun plaids and stripes. Oh, and "assorted green plaid scraps for stem and leaf appliques." She doesn't give options for those of us who like the design but would be happy to sew the quilt in, say, cranberry, tan, and *one* homespun plaid.

The quilts are definitely pretty, though! The book cover is an accurate clue to the contents: lots of flowers and baskets in applique, and designs appropriate for small "vintage" prints. Any of them would be suitable for a home decorated in a "country" or traditional style. My home is primarily Mission Style (Arts & Crafts), which may be why few of these make me itch to pull out the rotary cutter. However, I do have my eye on a simple "harvest heart wall quilt" that appears to be a weekend project that'd work for my first stab at applique. (I hope it's the applique being stabbed and not my sewing fingers.)

Diehl's instructions are both easy to understand and encouraging They need to be, because many of these designs are very busy! Beautiful, but busy. She doesn't skimp on teaching how to do applique, either; I think I'll be able to figure it out. Plus, Diehl includes advice about how to quilt the quilt; you aren't left with that vague suggestion, "Quilt as desired."

Overall, Diehl does an excellent job at delivering on the promise of "simple traditions." If you like scrap quilts and applique, you're going to wear out this book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Kim Diehl Simple Traditions!, August 26, 2006

By 

Alice Joan Anderson "Kensbw" (South Dakota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (Paperback)

This is an amazing sequal to Kim's Simple Blessings book! I have made several quilts from the earlier book and I am in the process of doing a few from this new book. The photos are top notch and the instructions are very easy to follow. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who quilts. All levels of quilting experience are included in Kim's books which makes them a must for a quilter's library!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Collection of Beautiful Quilts!, August 3, 2006

By 

T. K. Peterson (MInneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (Paperback)

This book is by far the best of its kind! With wonderful information to get anyone started in quilt making (from the tools, techniques and supplies needed to finding fabrics that best fit your taste), anyone can learn this time-honored tradition. Author Kim Diehl not only shows how to re-create her stunning quilts, but also provides informational "Pin Points", a collection of tips and hints that even the most expert of quilters can find helpful. The quilts are photographed beautifully in a country setting throughout the book. It's taken my love for quilting to new levels of creativity. If you already have Kim Diehls' first book "Simple Traditions" you will not be dissapointed!