Book review: Quilt National 2011

I received a review copy (quite awhile ago, actually) of the book, Quilt National 2011: The Best of Contemporary Quilts by Lark Books. I do think it’s a book worthy of your time, so off the shelf it came today, now with the dust blown off.

What it is about: It features 86 works of art accepted in the revered Quilt National 2011 juried show and exhibit held at The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio. There’s also a *traveling exhibition connected to this event. Quilt National is in its 3rd decade and occurs every two years.

The look: The production quality is first-rate. It’s beautifully bound in hardcover with a bountiful amount of quality photographs.

My thoughts: As a traditional quilter, why pick up an inspirational book of leading textile art when it is clearly not practical in terms of teaching me something? Well, after some thought, I am certain there is a great deal to learn and imagine from such books and this one in particular.

As I flipped through it and settled on some of these quilted creations, I would often think, How did the artist do that? or, Cool, that quilt has a steampunk feel. These are not inconsequential moments for my own creative journey, since I believe every quilt provokes a feeling in us and has something unique to say. This is learning.

And finally, the artists showcased here have a point of view, a recognizable style. An example is Susan Shie; you can see her quilt, Stars on the Water – The Oil Spill/5 of Paring Knives in the Kitchen Tarot, on pg 78. I know her work anywhere, at a glance.

For all these reasons, I can heartily recommend this book.

*Groups A and B quilts are still being exhibited in San Jose, California ending April 29, 2012. If you live close by, don’t miss seeing some of these beauties in person.

Ed. note: Lark Books did send me a review copy, but all opinions about it are my own.

Next Quilting Pattern:

Some fabric collections feel pretty, some feel useful, and then there are those rare ones that instantly spark a dozen ideas the moment you see them. The In the Garden Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop falls firmly into that last category. From the moment I opened the pack, it felt like stepping into a watercolor garden—soft, romantic, full of movement, and brimming with detail that invites you to slow down and really look.

This collection brings together an elegant mix of florals, garden motifs, and soothing color palettes that feel like they were created for spring quilting. Instead of loud novelty prints, the designer chose a gentle balance of botanical sketches, scattered blossoms, tiny seed patterns, and larger feature florals that work beautifully in both traditional and modern layouts.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the color stories are arranged. Each print blends seamlessly into the next, giving you a spectrum that includes soft rose pinks, leafy greens, lavender tones, fresh sky blues, rich corals, and delicate neutrals. It’s the kind of palette that instantly feels “quilty” in the best way—inviting, calm, and incredibly easy to mix and match. You can tell the designer planned this for maximum versatility.

Layer cakes are one of the most beginner-friendly precuts, but this collection elevates them with a sense of sophistication. The prints are strong enough to shine in simple patterns, but subtle enough to support more complex designs. Whether you prefer classic half-square triangles, framed squares, modern grid quilts, or something scrappier, this fabric adapts beautifully. It’s also a wonderful choice for table runners, spring wall hangings, and even quilted bags or home décor projects.

One of the nicest surprises with this layer cake is how it manages to feel seasonal without becoming locked into one particular holiday or theme. While the palette is undeniably perfect for spring, the prints themselves are timeless enough to work year-round. A floral quilt made from this collection would look just as lovely on a summer sunroom sofa as it would draped over a guest bed in winter.

The fabric quality is exactly what you’d expect from Fat Quarter Shop—crisp, clean cuts, vibrant printing, and a smooth hand that makes piecing feel effortless. Nothing is too thin or too stiff, and the colors are even more beautiful in person than they appear online.

If you enjoy sewing projects that feel light, fresh, and inspired by nature, In the Garden is a collection worth adding to your stash. It has all the qualities quilters look for: balance, versatility, gentle movement, and that spark of creativity that makes you want to start a project immediately. Whether you’re planning a gift quilt, treating yourself to a new spring project, or simply building your fabric library with a set of prints that will play nicely with others, this layer cake is a thoughtful and inspiring choice.

Next Quilting Pattern:

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