Quilting

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Book Review – Kantha – Sustainable textiles and Mindful Making

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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

Have you read?

Woodland Whimsy Fabric Collection by Jennifer Pugh

There is something especially lovely about a winter fabric collection that feels seasonal without immediately shouting Christmas. Woodland Whimsy by Jennifer Pugh for Wilmington Prints is filled with forest animals, mushrooms, classic plaids, dots and softly textured coordinating prints.

The colours have a warm, storybook quality, making the collection perfect for quilts that can stay out long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.

What Is Included in the Woodland Whimsy Bundle?

The Woodland Whimsy Fat Quarter Bundle includes:

  • 15 coordinating fat quarters
  • One 23-inch scenic fabric panel
  • 100% quilting cotton
  • Fabrics designed by Jennifer Pugh
  • Prints manufactured by Wilmington Prints

Each fat quarter measures approximately 18 x 21 inches.

I particularly like that the scenic panel is included with the bundle. Fabric panels are wonderful when you want an impressive focal point without spending several evenings piecing tiny blocks while wondering why you chose such a complicated pattern in the first place.

The panel could become the centre of a lap quilt, wall hanging or child’s quilt, with the coordinating fat quarters used to create simple patchwork borders.

What Could You Make With Woodland Whimsy Fabric?

This collection would work beautifully for:

  • A woodland animal lap quilt
  • A cosy winter wall hanging
  • A child’s storybook quilt
  • Patchwork cushions
  • Quilted reading mats
  • Fabric storage baskets
  • Winter table runners
  • Handmade gifts for nature lovers

You could also separate the smaller prints and use them in scrap-friendly projects. Our collection of eight fat-quarter-friendly quilt patterns offers plenty of ideas for putting coordinated fabric bundles to work.

For something smaller, the gentle woodland prints would be lovely in a seasonal mini quilt. This free mini snowflake quilt pattern could easily be adapted using the collection’s winter colours.

Is the Woodland Whimsy Bundle Worth Buying?

The bundle gives you a ready-made colour palette, a useful assortment of coordinating prints and a feature panel in one package. That takes much of the guesswork out of planning a quilt, particularly if choosing coordinating fabrics is the part that usually sends you wandering around the fabric shop for an hour.

The prints are playful enough for children but not so juvenile that they cannot be used for adult quilts and winter home décor. That versatility is probably the collection’s strongest feature.

The bundle was listed at US$62.98 when checked and is expected to ship in October 2026. Prices, availability and shipping dates may change, particularly with a new fabric release.

If you love woodland animals, gentle winter colours and fabric that feels as though it belongs in an illustrated storybook, this is a charming collection to add to your sewing list.

See the Woodland Whimsy Fat Quarter Bundle at Fat Quarter Shop.