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Book Review: “Quilt of Souls: A Memoir” by Phyllis Biffle Elmore

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Quilt of Souls: A Memoir” by Phyllis Biffle Elmore is a captivating journey through generations, seamlessly blending family history with the rich tradition of African American quilting. With a Kindle Edition format, the book has received high praise, boasting an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon and a 4.6 rating on Goodreads.

At the tender age of four, Phyllis Biffle Elmore’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is relocated from the bustling streets of Detroit to her grandmother Lula Horn’s home in rural Alabama. The narrative unfolds through the lens of Grandma Lula’s enchanting “Quilts of Souls,” which serve not only as artistic expressions but also as poignant storytellers of the lives of extraordinary Black women, spanning from pre to post-Civil War eras. The memoir delves into untold stories of enslaved individuals, laundresses, storytellers, healers, and quilters whose legacies come to life through the stitches of Grandma Lula’s quilts.

“Quilt of Souls” has received acclaim for its beautifully written prose and compelling storytelling. Renowned author Jessica B. Harris hails it as a powerful and poignant read, likening Phyllis Biffle Elmore’s narrative to the masterpieces created by the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Best-selling author Omar Tyree commends the book as a fascinating exploration of how storytellers are born and made, applauding its ability to retell family history, culture, loves, losses, victories, and tragedies.

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In the Garden Layer Cake – A Bloom-Filled Fabric Collection for Spring Sewing

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.