Natural Patchwork: 26 Stylish Projects Inspired by Flowers, Fabric, and Home

by Suzuko Koseki

Whether you are at home or out enjoying a walk on a wooded path, you can add a touch of color and comfort to your daily routines with one or more of the twenty-six projects featured here. By using the patchwork placemats to enliven your dining experience or by taking the hexagon patchwork bag on a picnic in a meadow, you never have to stray too far from the comfort of patchwork. The simple and traditional patchwork styles used in this book are paired with retro fabrics and contemporary designs to create everyday items.

Detailed diagrams and instructions are provided for each project. In addition, six mini-lessons on patchwork sewing are offered, making the projects here perfect for beginner and intermediate sewers.

Make the projects in this book and add the warmth of handmade to your home and nature outings.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2011

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just... weird. Not useful, and not particularly intriguing.
The unattributed quotes and the young blonde girl on every other page threw me more than attracted me.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little book. There are 26 patchwork projects included. The patterns were nice and the objects functional. They were the sort of things that are commonly shown inthis sort of book. The items themselves were visually interesting combining patchwork and applique. They had a sort of austere shabby chic look. The colors are muted and the edges ragged. I thought I would be most likely to make the house slippers. The book included a resource list at the back which was nice.

The look of the book is very simple and charming. It has a country feel without being kitschy stereotypical (spotted cows and ducks) or having that rich east coast moneyed country look. The patterns are a mix of household items (house shoes/tea cosies) and bags and quilts.

There are instructions for hand piecing and hand quilting. I thought the instructions for hand quilting were just a bit vague. Each item had individual instructions. They had accompanying drawings which helped illustrate the rather brief instructions. I have a lot of sewing experience so it all made sense to me but I wonder if an absolute beginner might be a bit lost. The instructions are however of the same level as other books of this type and subject matter.

I looked at an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suzuko Koseki's Natural Patchwork: 26 Stylish Projects Inspired by Flowers, Fabric, and Home (Make Good: Crafts + Life) is a beautifully photographed book with charming quilted country items for household use. The projects are simple and the directions give even beginning quilters adequate instruction. Further discussion of various quilting techniques may help the novice get started quilting. While the projects are nothing new, they may prove to be an inspiration to someone wanting to begin quilting. Regardless, I can't turn down flipping through lovely photographs of quilts.

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by the publisher.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not a good sign when I can go through a craft or quilt book in 5 minutes. I was struck by very few of the projects, and those I did glance at, I could find in other books with what I consider to be better instructions. I said of her last book that I didn't like the patterns/instructions being separate from the photos of the projects, and that holds true of this book as well. I think I simply do not have the same style as this author.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar to her book "Patchwork Style."

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have checked this book out of the library several times and enjoy the projects and the styling. I use it mainly for inspiration. I have made the water jar holder and am currently making a bag.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice wee book. I like the look of the room shoes and I love how the author has done the courthouse steps quilt, it looks traditional yet modern.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and ideas, but not enough "meat."