A Simple Life

September 2016

A book inspired by the diary kept by the author's mother, a teenager in the 1950s. She lived in rural Missouri. The principal quilt has nine 18" blocks. The pieced blocks appear to be made with feedsack fabrics. The traditional blocks are framed with scalloped edges and are set on point. Appliqued leaves and flowers surround the central block. There are six more quilts in the same style. The cutting and the assembling insutractions are clear and easy to follow. The whole book is interspersed with extracts from the diaries and family photos

* British Patchwork and Quilting *

This simple life is all about quilting inspired by the 50's. From the diary entries of a farm girl in high school. The 9 projects are created by her daughter with retro flair and charm. The main quilt pattern became part of the Kansas Star quilt block of the month and is accompanied by six more quilts, a tablecloth and dresser 'scarf' or cover. The line drawings and old photos give a 50's flavour. The projects are shown with clear photos and instructions. They would easily grace any contemporary home. 

* Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *

August 2016

I was completely enchanted by this book from the quilt book from the quilt tutor and blogger Shelly Pagliai. Back in 2001 the author's father fave her and her sister their mother's diary. Shelly knew she wanted to do something with it and in 2009 decided to share the diary entired on a blog along with quilts and blocks inspired by the daily entries. This led to interviews with some of the people mentioned in the diary, and quilt alongs and bonus patterns. It is very much in a work of progress as although the diary entries and family photos are now online the author states there are more projects to come. This book contains nine projects. This makes up the main body of hte book and originally featured in the Kansas City Start block-of-the-month program. The blocks are interspersed with diary entries and family photos and the blocks have evocative names such and Corns and Beans and Other things and Fancy Farm Girl. The projects use a combination of piecing, applique and embroidery and are ideal for scraps. To get a feel of the book the diary can be read online at www.hazelsdiary.wordpress.com

* Popular Patchwo