Harvest Garden - Stitch and Enjoy Autumn's Treasures

I found the ten designs in this book nice but not great. For example, the cover project "Pumpkin Patch" (19" x 19") is a bit ho-hum and lacks interest. Doesn't it look like something is missing from the center?If you are into the farmhouse style, there are two projects you will like..."Let the Sunshine In" (20" x 20") includes sunflower stems in a galvanized-looking pitcher and "Changing Seasons" (25.5" x 25.5") a cotton and wool project that depicts ten different flowers and leaves in a flour crock.I found some of the projects underwhelming because of their simplicity or drabness (sorry but it is true.). For example, "On the Road Again" includes a pincushion, scissors case, and a thread pouch which are only decorated with wool leaves and backstitched stems and tendril. "Family Gatherings" (45.5" x 21.5") is a cotton and wool project shown as a wall hanging. Even though the cotton background has been quilted with leaf and berry motifs, the project looks limp and the colors just meld into one another. Maybe if the colors were changed up a bit it would help to provide some focus to the piece. Another piece that provides very little focus is "Honeysuckle Vine" (approx. 30" x 25").There are five small projects including a little bird (very cute), a pear, a pineapple, an acorn pillow (7" x 9") and a bittersweet branch (whatever that is) pillow (3.5 x 8"). I especially like the bird and acorn as they will make nice bowl fillers. Oh, and there is an acorn needle book (6" x 6" closed). For me it would make a cute little pillow instead of a needle book.The acorn projects are nice but are all very similar to one another.Overall, I found a few projects in the book appealing. I think many of the projects could be greatly enhanced with the use of some specialty embroidery stitches.Project instructions appear complete; however, I found that even though I often work with wool and cotton (I also quilt), I would need to follow instructions step-by-step because some don't seem intuitive to me. I also found that additional pictures for the more unique projects would have been helpful.Full-sized pattern tear out sheets are at the back of the book.The back of the book also includes collecting and storing wool instructions as well as Kathy's how-tos. She uses fusible web to adhere wool motifs to the background so that you don't have to deal with pins. (This is also my favorite method.)One process that Kathy uses that I really like is how she treats tongues. (You know, those little flippy things sometimes found at the edges of wool mats? They are similar to wool mat "pennies" but more elongated.) She doesn't cut each tongue out completely but instead cuts them right next to each other and leaves the last 1/2" of wool uncut so that the strip to tongues can later be attached as a unit to the main project using fusible web.If I were offered purchase do-overs, would I buy the book again? I think so. I do like the acorn and little bird projects and I can jazz them up a bit with a few additional embroidery stitches.If you like wool applique and flowers, check out Kathy's previous book "A Cottage Garden" which I found superior to this book.

Fun fall projects. Adaptable to other types of applique too. Some wool applique and some mixed cotton and wool projects.

Excellent book with full size patterns and colorful photos. If you enjoy decorating for Autumn, this is a must have book.

There are several lovely Fall quilting projects to make some useful things for you and your home.

Love the patterns and great info!