Book Review – String Quilts: 10 Fun Patterns For Innovating And Renovating

Elsie M. Campbell’s “String Quilts” is a delightful journey into the world of quilting, blending innovation, thrift, and pure enjoyment. Published on August 1, 2009, this illustrated paperback offers ten patterns suitable for all skill levels, providing a refreshing break from the conventional precision piecing. With a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating from 46 reviews on Amazon, this book promises a creative and playful approach to quilt-making.

Are you a quilting enthusiast eager to explore a unique and joyful quilting experience? Dive into “String Quilts” by Elsie M. Campbell. Unleash your creativity, transform fabric strips into stunning quilt pieces, and embark on a quilting adventure that’s both innovative and fun. Order your copy now and let Elsie guide you through the art of string quilting.

“String Quilts” is a breath of fresh air in the quilting world. Elsie M. Campbell, an award-winning quilt maker, invites readers to indulge in the art of string quilting—a playtime for the soul. The book’s charm lies in its innovative approach, where homemade fabric yardage becomes the canvas for ten captivating quilt patterns.

Elsie’s writing style is as inviting as her quilts, making the process accessible for all skill levels. The book not only provides easy-to-follow instructions but also shares Elsie’s top tips for successful string quilts. The inclusion of a full-color gallery showcasing 12 additional quilts adds to the visual delight, highlighting the versatility of string quilting.

As a quilting enthusiast, I found “String Quilts” to be a treasure trove of inspiration. The patterns are diverse, ranging from simple designs for beginners to more intricate ones for seasoned quilters. The book successfully marries innovation and thrift, encouraging readers to explore their creative side while making the most of fabric leftovers.

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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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