Dreamy Quilts

March 2, 2015
Nelson, a military wife and the mother of three boys, effectively uses quilts to decorate and personalize her family’s homes in the generic, often institutional spaces they frequently move into. This book skews towards people who, like the author, have young children. Projects include the very sweet “Greta Goose” quilt that would “look beautiful draped over a crib, on a wall, or in baby portraits.” Another quilt for wee ones is the slightly more rugged “Mr. Thornhill,” composed of blocks with a bow-tie motif and named after Cary Grant’s character in the classic film North by Northwest. Nelson’s basic instructions will inspire beginners with their calm simplicity. Additionally, her no-nonsense decorating ideas—from the “Modern Pioneer Runner” to a quilted dog bed—will help newbies imbue their living spaces with the comfort and warmth that quilts provide. This modern quilting title for old-fashioned quilters is best suited to novices and intermediate quilters who are comfortable with traditional hearts and flowers and soft colors.