‘Small Quilts’ by Vanessa-Ann Collection

Author: Vanessa - Ann Collection 
Publisher: Oxmoor House 1989 
Guild Library Reference: # 49 

Many of us are likely to be quite familiar with the name "Vanessa - Ann". Since 1979 the Vanessa - Ann Collection has been prominent in Cross Stitch designs, but also has authored and/or co-published more than 150 titles on subjects from decorating and gardening to antique needlework. 

We are fortunate to have "Small Quilts" from the Vanessa - Ann Collec-tion. This book is a compilation of thirty small quilts designed by eight dif-ferent designers. The quilts range from pieced to appliqued (or a combina-tion) as well as stenciled and pieced, perhaps with a bit of embroidery added. 

None of the quilts are even the size of a large baby quilt but each is 'fresh' in appearance and calls out to be hung on a wall or put in a large picture frame. These are not miniature quilts, but simply small quilts which would also look nice as table toppers or perhaps draped on the arm of a sofa. The intention of this book is to open your imagination to possibilities of combin-ing fabric and buttons, color and trims, to create small works of art. 

Each project lists the size of quilt, number of blocks and required materi-als. Color photos are inspirational, and printed patterns can easily be cut with a rotary cutter. Assembly is clearly described, down to how the design-er quilted each project. 

Spring is, we hope, right around the corner, and spring quilts such as Pastel Tulips (pg. 34) or Springtime Stencil (pg. 56) seem to echo feelings of new beginnings. Summer quilts like Summer Flowers (pg 97) and In Full Bloom (pg 108) reflect the warmth and color of this season. 

For a taste of fall, how about Autumn Leaves (pg 92) or Harvest (pg 103)? Harvest uses flat buttons to embellish the quilt giving a 3D effect. And winter - both Fir Trees (pg 60) and O'Christmas Tree (pg 87) are projects for the Christmas season. Interspersed between these seasonal quilts are many more intriguing designs. 

Quick quilts and more elaborate quilts are all here to offer inspiration. Rather than spending a lot of money on new fabric for a queen size bed quilt, these projects require little fabric and hopefully less time to create. This may be a super break from projects which seem to take years of energy and money to produce. With spring arriving soon, perhaps a small project is just the thing to get those creative juices flowing! 

Lois W.