Book Review – Kantha – Sustainable textiles and Mindful Making

If you’re into embroidery, quilting, or just love the idea of turning old fabrics into something beautiful, Ekta Kaul’s Kantha: Sustainable Textiles and Mindful Making is a book you’ll want to check out. This book delves into the rich tradition of kantha, a Bengali embroidery technique deeply rooted in storytelling and upcycling. ?

Kaul takes readers on a journey through the history of kantha, explaining how this art form involves stitching together layers of old cloth, traditionally using threads pulled from worn-out saris and dhotis. This practice not only recycles materials but also weaves personal stories into each piece. ?

Beyond the history, the book offers a comprehensive look at the techniques involved in kantha. Kaul provides guidance on selecting fabrics and threads, and includes a dictionary of fundamental kantha stitches with clear instructions and images. This makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced textile artists looking to incorporate kantha into their work. ?

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the mindful and sustainable aspects of kantha. Kaul reflects on how the slow, repetitive nature of the stitching process can be meditative, encouraging a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to creating textiles. ?

Kaul also brings a personal touch by sharing insights from her own journey and featuring interviews with contemporary makers and artists. This connection between traditional kantha and its modern interpretations highlights the evolving nature of the craft and its relevance today. ?

Visually, the book is a treat. It’s richly illustrated with photographs of both historical and contemporary kantha pieces, providing ample inspiration for readers. The layout is clean and inviting, making it easy to navigate through the history, techniques, and project ideas. ?

Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or someone interested in sustainable crafts, Kantha: Sustainable Textiles and Mindful Making offers a comprehensive and inspiring look into this beautiful art form. Kaul’s passion and expertise shine through, making it a valuable addition to any maker’s library.

Sewing pattern: Scrappy sunglasses case with Kantha stitching

Beginner’s Guide to Kantha Stitching

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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.

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