Customer Reviews

Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

This is a wonderful book for those who love traditional country quilts. Kim loves country colors and uses them along with traditional blocks to create some wonderful quilts. I bought the book for the borders she has included it in and have not been disappointed. Looking forward to the next Kim Diehl book!

If you liked Kim Diehl's Simple Blessings, you will love Simple Traditions. Sometimes when an author of a quilting book publishes her second book, it is not as good as the first (perhaps it contains the quilt patterns she decided against in the first book), but this is not the case with this book. The patterns are wonderful.

This book evokes nostalgic feelings and makes me want to sit down and sew/quilt. Our Quilt Guild just purchased these books for our library.

The book is stunning. The projects are explained very well--the pictures beautiful. Would recommend to anyone who likes color, simple composition and traditional/folk art images.

If you are a Kim Diehl fan you will be enthralled by another wonderful book by this author. Many projects to entice you.

After acquiring Kims previous book, Simple Blessings: 14 Quilts to Grace Your Home,several years ago, they are a 'must have' in my quilting library! Beautifully photographed and presented, Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (That Patchwork Place) continues her wonderful, warm homemaker style. From the simple wallhanging to more elaborate quilt, you will be sure to find something that will have you 'itching to stitch'. For a quilter who collects scraps and smaller cuts of fabric, this book is great! I want to make the whole lot!

Simple Traditions: 14 Quilts to Warm Your Home (That Patchwork Place)
For those of you who love traditional quilts, this might be the ultimate book. There are both pieced and appliqued quilts, and there are pieced quilt centres with beautiful appliqued borders - something for everyone.

As in the other two Kim Diehl books I own, there are full and complete instructions for making your quilt, right from getting started to finishing the quilt and binding it. If I really really had to choose my favourite quilt, it would be Feathered Stars Wall Quilt (52 1/2" x 52 1/2") and I have already had a request from my 5 year old granddaughter to make that for her. I must say she has very good taste!

I know anyone who purchases this book will love it as much as I do.