Sweet Memories
Sweet Memories by Brenda Karon Shade is an Australian published title distributed in this country by Search. It is indeed a very sweet book with three very special projects. There are instructions and patterns for making a quilt, cushion and rag doll and at GBP18.99 this might not seem the best value, but these are no ordinary projects. If you have see the Australian embroidery magazine 'Inspirations' you may have some idea of what I mean. The quilt incorporates more techniques than you might usually use in a decade of projects. There is smocking, shadow work, pin tucking, applique, piecing, quilting, gathering and the finest embroidery. The instructions for everything are crystal clear and illustrated with copious detailed photos and diagrams. The cushion is similar in it's design but on a smaller scale so may be a sensible start before the whole quilt is undertaken. The rag doll is a more classic project and has the most beautiful dress.  These three projects are a total labour of love and I can't see how they would fail to become heir looms. I wonder how long such delicate and subtle items would last in the bedroom of your average little girl, they look too special to be laid out to the ravages of chocolate biscuits, sparkly nail varnish and felt tips. Perhaps Australian girls are a bit 'sweeter' than those I know and love.-Anke.blogs.com Only one quilt is featured but it has a different miniature duress on each of the four blocks. Three dimensional embroidered dresses, each approximately 10" long, are appliqued onto the blocks. Each dress has its own dress pattern. A matching pillow and a beautifully dressed doll are included. There is an illustrated embroidery stitch glossary and a tear out pattern sheet with full-sized patterns. As an extra touch, the book also includes a cut-out paper doll with two outfits based on the design of the quilt. This is a quilt to be treasured and admired.-Patchwork & Quilting The idea for this book was born when Brenda discovered a dress that her mother had started for her granddaughter, Shawn, many years ago. This inspired the exquisite four-block quilt, cushion and cloth doll presented in this charming book. Beautiful photography and detailed instructions provide everything you need to recreate this dainty, pastel collection. Also supplied are instructions for some long-forgotten stitch techniques, such as smocking, and a full set of pattern sheets. This would be the perfect heirloom project for any little girl to treasure forever.-Fabrications