Book Review – More Than Just A Pretty Face

Last week we featured a Book review called ” Capture Your Own Life” and this week we are back with more collage style quilts.

As the second installment in Phyllis Cullen’s and Cindy Richard’s fabric portrait series, “More Than Just a Pretty Face” takes us on a deeper exploration of the art of fabric portraiture. Building upon the foundation laid in Book 1, “It’s All About the Face,” this book delves into the intricacies of capturing the essence of the subject through face and figure.

Phyllis and Cindy leave no stone unturned as they guide readers through the portrait process. From anatomy and photography techniques to choosing the perfect fabrics and creating patterns, every step is meticulously detailed. The authors compare various digital programs for pattern creation and offer invaluable insights into fabric selection based on value.

One of the highlights of “More Than Just a Pretty Face” is the chapter dedicated to contour quilting. Through large, full-color images and detailed instructions, Phyllis and Cindy demonstrate how to add dimensionality to fabric portraits, bringing your subjects to life with depth and realism.

The book goes beyond traditional fabric portraiture, exploring genres such as abstract and AI-generated works. With multiple examples from the contemporary fabric art world, readers are inspired to push the boundaries of their creativity and experiment with new techniques.

“More Than Just a Pretty Face” is a must-have resource for anyone passionate about fabric portraiture. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to learn, Phyllis Cullen and Cindy Richard’s expertise and guidance will inspire and empower you on your journey. So, grab your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and let’s embark on an unforgettable artistic adventure together!

Jessica Bell’s fabric collage art

Valentine heart and a course in textile collage

Tutorial: Create photo collages | quick and free

Tutorial: Collage T-Shirt quilt

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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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