Simple Whatnots: A Batch of Satisfyingly Scrappy Little Quilts

Okay, so I have to confess right up front that I'm a Kim Diehl fan and have been clear back to when her first appliqued quilt pattern was printed in a quilt magazine. (In fact, I still have that pattern and it's still on my bucket list!) This book includes a very nice selection of small quilts. According to the book's introduction, "...these little quilts are some of my very favorites from the early Simple Whatnots collections. To keep things fresh, I've also included a handful of new projects...) I take that to mean that some of the patterns are previously published quilts that were part of the Whatnots where you got several mini quilt patterns along with Kim's fabrics. I never took part of that because I felt it was too expensive. As a result, I don't know which patterns are older or newer. When you look at the book's description on Amazon and look at the provided pictures, you will see all of the projects provided in the book. The book is well written with good instructions and the pictures are clear and relevant. The applique shapes for the projects are printed at the end of each project. As a result, you will need a strong light box (or light source) so that you can trace the shapes because on the back of the page is a color picture of the next project. All of the projects are small. The largest is 28.5 inches square. Kim seems to make even the simplest quilt cute. For example, the Mini Orange Peel project is 14.5 inches square and the orange peel shapes are only .75 inches long (without seam allowance)! To me, there's nothing special about an orange peel quilt but Kim stitches French knots around each peel in the same color as the fabric and voila!, the finished project looks amazing. There are two wool applique projects, one with pennies and one with hexagons. (I love working with wool in part because of the physical and visual texture but also because wool doesn't unravel so everything is raw-edge applique.) If I had the opportunity for a do-over about buying the book, would I buy it? Yes indeed! The book is usable for any skill level and the project could even be completed by hand if you wanted to go that way.

Oh, my gosh--Such cute little quilts!! I love the vintage look of the fabrics and blocks chosen for the quilts. Some of my favorites include Plain Folk (the pinwheels just pop), True Blue, Bountiful (I love it), Anthem (I love the way the strips form the border, edged with cornerstones), and Barn Stars. But my favorite of all is Scarlet Stars. The two-color design really stands out. Using just three red fabrics and one background lighter fabric makes for great contrast and keeps it simple. I wish I had more wall space to hang small quilts, because there are many I will want to make. There are always tables to top, though. The piecing illustrations and directions are very clear and easy to follow. I'm so glad I bought this book of little quilts!

Many attractive quilts in this book that aren’t so time consuming. Very worth it.

The book is fantastic. Beautiful pictures, great directions for the projects, very pleased to have purchased the book. Projects are easily adaptable .

I'm just starting to learn how to make small quilts. And maybe venture into some hand quilting along the way. This book is chock full of lovely little projects, all made beautiful by Kim Diehl's gorgeous reproduction fabrics. The instructions are clear, the photographs are amazing (and really appealing!), and there are lots of little marvels to choose from.

There are lots of small quilts to choose from. Great if looking for smaller projects to work on.

Good selection of quilts

The pattern directions for each quilt and written very well, they are easy to follow. I really enjoy reading the little snippets advice found scattered through the book.