When the Cold Wind Blows: Quilts and Projects to Keep You Warm

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When I received money for Christmas, I immediately purchased this book and one other (Tending the Garden) by Adams & Allen from my Wishlist and I'm very happy I did. I just absolutely love the large-block-applique designs put forth by these two talented women. The large blocks work up quickly and easily and before we know it, the quilt top is completed! A large size is also perfect for framing one of the completed blocks for wall art. These make wonderful gifts! When I'm sitting, my hands are never idle; I always have a quilt block to applique, something to embroider, or a crochet project.In addition to their signature "Feature Quilt" where Adams and Allen always give us their own creative version of it, there are ten additional projects inside the pages of this book. We have six more quilts, a hooked rug, two projects using wool applique, and a cross stitch pillow sham to get us busy. I am a particular fan of A&A's books predominantly because of the large block sizes used in most (not all) of their applique, and also because I enjoy how they often include non-quilting projects in them. In fact, I'm considering learning how to hook rugs. :-)The first two photos I've added show Adams' and Allen's versions of the 84x84-inch Feature Quilt; "Winter Garden" and "Love Letters," respectively named. To tie in with the book's title, the authors' chose plants and flowers that remind them of autumn and winter such as the pomegranate, rose hip, oak leaf, coxcomb, and five others. Their showing the quilt in two different colorways always inspires me to bravely choose my own colors."Autumn Thistle," the third photo, an 85x85-inch beauty has nine 20-inch thistle blocks surrounded by a very special border.For those who love smaller blocks, "Trick or Treat," the fourth photo, is 92x92-inches of 300 appliqued, 5-inch blocks of treat baskets! Wow!"Garden Song," photo number five, is a delightful 24x9-inch project using wool. I love this project! Wool is so much fun to applique (and easy!) and this size makes a perfect table topper, wall hanging, or even framed wall art.Photo six, "Harvest Basket" is 83x83-inches, and has a bit more piecing and a smaller amount of applique."Goldenrod in Bloom," photo seven, shows the designers using a bit of fussy cutting, piece work, and applique in this 80x80-inch scalloped edge quilt.Another appliqued wool project is shown in photo eight, this "Birds and Old Buttons Pillow" at 20x11-inches would make a sweet accent to any bed or seat in the home.Especially for Christmas, "Holly and Mistletoe" is an 83x83-inch stunner, which combines lots of pieced squares with beautiful applique. I especially love the intricate holly border of this beauty. Photo nine.The striking colorway that Barb uses here, makes the 51x51-inch "Frost on the Ferns," (utilizing the coxcomb block from the Feature Quilt) really stand out. Photo ten.Photo eleven shows an interesting use for checked fabric...cross stitch!The 24x20-inch "Rose Hip Hooked Rug" wraps up the projects in this book. I'd have to display this rug where it would be safe from dirty shoes!When it comes to the instructions for the projects, it is assumed that we are experienced at quilting, appliqueing, sewing, and rug hooking. There is instruction for hand applique using the freezer paper method. The whip stitch is called for to applique the wool pieces. There are full-size templates for the applique pieces and each block has an applique placement diagram (this does require enlargement.) The pattern for the hooked rug is also full size.I am experienced in quilting and applique and could complete the projects, which utilize these skills. However, I would need an additional resource to make the hooked rug. By the same token if you are inexperienced at quilting, I think you would probably need additional instruction to complete the quilts in this book. For example, this book does not include general instructions for rotary cutting, proper pressing, and making binding, sewing the binding to the quilt top, making a quilt sandwich, putting together the backing fabric, and quilting the top.

Their projects are always unique and appealing to my tastes

This book is one every quilter needs in her library.

Wow - each page has more beautiful appliques than the one before - I want to try each one in differnt colorways! The photographs invite you in, and the instructions are very clear. The blocks are large - not too complicated. This is an appliquer's delight! I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy applique (you do have to enlarge the patterns). I will certainly be looking for future books from these talented quilters!!

The book is excellent and the patterns are so beautiful in it.

A little light on the instructions but the quilts inside are gorgeous.

A friend has this book, when I saw hers I fell in love with it! Had to have it. The appliques are on the large size so this book would be great for a beginner that wants to master the "A" word. This book has many projects to keep you motivated all winter long!

This is a lovely book and am looking forward to making the large "Love Letters" quilt. It is good that the templates are all full sized and do not need to be enlarged.

I wasn't real happy with not a lot of information on how to do things.