Pillows & Quilts: 20 Projects to Stitch, Quilt & Sew

Welcome to Cowslip Farm!When I accessed the Look Inside feature for this book, I really liked, "Vintage Button Cushion" and "Faded Roses Cushion" and bought the book. There are 15 total projects, so I was optimistic that I would find more designs perfect for me. However, I only found two additional cushions that will fit my style. Nonetheless, I appreciate the artistic nature of Jo Colwill's designs. She uses fabric to paint pictures of country life. If you're a farm-girl, or know someone who is, this book just might be your cup of Earl Grey!This book contains patterns for eleven cushions and four quilts. All of Colwill's designs "capture the colors and customs of the countryside" of Cornwall. She uses piecing, applique and embroidery in all of her work. Some of the fauna, making it onto the quilts and cushions are: hares, cows, horses, birdies, dogs, sheep, and additional animals of the nativity. Flora is also featured throughout. I can see these designs being a hit with anyone enthralled by farm life.The colors range from softly muted blues, and reds, to beige. The fabrics she has chosen are natural cotton, linen, and wool. Many are sweet florals. Of course, if necessary, we can always change the fabric colors.Colwill loves making picture quilts and two of the cushions and the "Advent Quilt" are a reflection of this. The 24-inch square "Cowslip Country Cushion," displays a horse-drawn cart driven by a girl with flowing hair. The cart is laden with quilts; riding shotgun are two bandanna adorned dogs. This adorable pillow has a pieced background; the scene is created using applique and embellished with embroidery and buttons. "One Man and His Dog," brings to life a farmer checking on his sheep. Riding with him on his four-wheeler is his trusted companion and hard-working dog. This delightful cushion is 20-inches square, is appliqued on a pieced background of rolling hills dotted with sheep. The finished size of the appliqued "Advent Quilt" is 32.5x44.5-inches. It also uses embroidery and buttons as enhancements to the scene. In the back of this book is a tear-out full-sized pattern for this quilt. As its name implies it is an advent quilt, counting down the days until Christmas.The remaining three quilts range in size from 50-inches square to 72-inches square, and 48-inches square. Among the cushions there is an especially nice bolster with appliqued flowers. Colwill also teaches us how to make a gusseted pillow. All of the cushions/pillows have pretty closures; zips, buttons, or ties.The project requirements lists and instructions are comprehensive with step-by-step illustrations. At the rear of the book are additional instructions under General Techniques. Here there are guidelines for: cutting and piecing, machine sewing, covering buttons, sewing a bound buttonhole, inserting a zip, needle-turn applique, fusible web applique, making a quilt sandwich (hold the mayo!), quilting, binding, making a hanging sleeve, labeling your quilt, (Always, always, always label your work no matter how small, or if it is for yourself! These creations are part of your legacy!), and washing a quilt. Also found are instructions and diagrams for these embroidery stitches: back-stitch, blanket, chain, cross, French knot, hemming, lazy daisy, quilting or running, top-stitch, and whipped. If you've never embroidered, I can assure you that none of these stitches are difficult to do.The templates do require enlarging.

see above have already made some of the items in the book!!!!!!!!! Great for beginners re with easy to follow instructions, will

Excellent book by a lovely lady- very hard to source so I was delighted to buy it in new and used!

In perfect condition

A wonderful book written by a truly inspiring lady. Thankyou. Very many ideas and very good descriptions that are easy to follow

Beautiful bookI am having trouble downloading the templatesAny suggestions