Wool Appliqué Folk Art: Traditional Projects Inspired by 19th-Century American Life

As the title suggests all the projects in this book follow the folk art (primitive) aesthetic and were inspired by artifacts of the 19th century and this is reflected in both the motifs and colors used throughout. There are 14 of these themed wool projects for us to make, enjoy, and give as gifts. I have loved appliqueing with wool for a long time and this book will be a good addition to my pattern collection. I especially like the 29x46-inch bed rug, cute 16x12-inch pillows, and the five beautifully designed table runners.

There are great instructions for obtaining wool (flea markets, yard sales, etc.), processing it (dyeing and felting), and tips for storing it properly. Or it can be purchased ready to use at many quilting/fabric stores. Also given are illustrated instructions for the easy embroidery stitches used in the projects: blanket, outline, running, whipstitch, French knot, and stars. The tools and supplies list for creating the projects is a fairly short one with easy to obtain items that most sewists probably already have, such as: scissors, rotary cutter/mat/ruler, Sharpie marker, various needles, pins, freezer paper (I get mine at Walmart), and embroidery floss. There's also a resource list in the back of the book for everything needed to make any of the projects. A bonus, to my way of thinking, is the pull out, full-sized pattern sheets at the back of the book.

I thought all the individual instructions for each project were complete and comprehensive with many color photographs. All in all, I really like this book.

All but two projects (a needle case and patriotic table rug) are shown in the photographs that I've added to my review. For some reason, they did not show up when this review went live. I'll try again later, it could be a small glitch with Amazon. Happy Stitching!

If you like the projects in this book, you might also like [[ASIN:1935362410 A Little Porch Time: Quilts with a Touch of Southern Hospitality]].

I bought this at the recommendation of a FB group for wool applique. Apparently this author must be famous for this type of work. Let me just say that I'm not new to embroidery, done it all my life and have done hundreds of felt Xmas decorations. However, I am new to working with wool and haven't done a ton of applique work, per se.
The photo on the front looked nice so I was expecting much better patterns. I found the colors , in general, very dull. I know a person can substitute their own colors but I'm not that artistic and like patterns with colors that I enjoy. Secondly, the patterns themselves were not that great in the sense that they seemed rather limited on what you could use them for.
This doesn't seem to me to be a beginner book so if you are a beginner, I would look elsewhere. I know the stitches, but I thought her illustrations of them weren't that good. You'd be better off to watch you tube videos.
This just really wasn't for me. I was hoping to find some inspiration for making some quilt blocks with lots of beautiful colors, but this just wasn't it.

If you like folk art style applique, then you will love this book. Many lovely patterns with clear instruction on how to create.

Excellent book for beginners or seasoned appliquers. Love the designs and the suggestions for basic applique techniques. Highly recommend this excellent book, with great instructions and inspiring photographs!

This is book is getting outstanding reviews, they are WELL deserved. Excellent projects, well written with full size pattern pieces. Beautiful to set out

I love working with wool and this book makes me want to make every project. Great photos and the instructions look well-written.It was hard to chose one to start with but I've done just that and ready to get sewing!

I really love this instructional book! The artist has shared some beautiful hand applique projects for us to create. So recommended for anyone who loves this style and wants to own one of these works of art! I have already completed 2 projects and I find the process to be very relaxing.

Love this book. I am intermediate level But this would be great for any level artist. Great explanation. Excellent patterns. Wide range of projects. Beautiful colors and simply inspirational. Highly recommended.

Beautiful inspiration and while I haven't made anything yet, I have drooled over the pictures. Something I really want to do and think the directions are great making wool applique look doable for me. Makes my fingers itch to get started.

Kim Diehl does great work! I've got two of her books now and am currently making a project from one of the books. They truly are beautiful!! My only disappointment is that to my knowledge, she hasn't stated where you can buy all the wool that is similar to the ones she used. I've tried some quilting stores with no luck or exhorbitant prices. I've also gone online and found better prices, but not thrilled with the quality.