String Quilt Style: Easy Techniques and Inspiring Designs

As an avid quilter always on the lookout for new techniques to add to my repertoire, I was thrilled to dive into “String Quilt Style” by Mary M. Hogan. From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was met with an abundance of inspiration and creative energy that left me itching to head straight to my sewing room.

String quilting, as Hogan expertly explains, is the ultimate stash-buster—a technique that transforms fabric scraps, precuts, and leftover pieces into stunning works of art. With 14 enticing quilt projects to choose from, ranging from table runners to full-size quilts, there’s something for every quilter to sink their needles into.

What exactly is string quilting, you ask? Well, it’s a technique that involves piecing together strips of fabric, or “strings,” to create dynamic and visually striking quilt blocks. Hogan walks readers through a variety of string block designs, including diagonal squares, diamonds, circles, triangles, columns, and fans, offering clear instructions and helpful tips along the way.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about “String Quilt Style” is its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner just dipping your toes into the world of quilting, Hogan’s beginner-friendly techniques ensure that success is within reach. No need for precision piecing here—string quilting is all about embracing spontaneity and letting your creativity run wild.

With over a dozen unique blocks to experiment with, as well as step-by-step photography and clear diagrams to guide you through each project, “String Quilt Style” makes it easy to bring your quilting dreams to life. Whether you’re looking to bust your stash, experiment with new designs, or simply indulge your love of quilting, this book is sure to spark your creativity and leave you feeling inspired to start stringing together your own quilted masterpieces. So go ahead, grab your fabrics, cut your foundations, and let the string quilting adventure begin!

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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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