Shopping Days Fabric Project Book from 6d Memories

Shopping Days Fabric Project Book
By Florrie & Betty from Canny Keepsakes
Gifted by 6d Memories
florrieandbetty.blogspot.com
Reviewed by Jessica Nichols, Editor of FaveQuilts.com

The Shopping Days Fabric Project Book was inspired by the Edwardian Town in the Beamish Open Air Museum in the North East of England. Authors Florrie and Betty have designed 20 vintage fabric projects, including 11 quilted or patchwork pieces. The projects are heavily influenced by the exhibits in the museum, and the patterns reflect items the authors have seen in the Edwardian Town and Railway Station.

The craft ideas in the Shopping Days Fabric Project Book have an old-fashioned feel with plenty of small prints and muted colors that give the projects an air of the antique. The book is divided by activities that might be part of an Edwardian shopping day, including a trip to the Co-operative Store and Afternoon Refreshments. Each chapter includes projects that fit those activities. The Getting Ready chapter features a no-fuss patchwork tote called Betty's Big Bag, while the Co-operative Store section hosts the star of the book, Florrie's Medallion Quilt. It is the only bed-size quilt in the book, but the project is simple enough for an inexperienced quilter. Much of the pattern is made up of flying geese and square in a square blocks, but the color combinations and the concentric design makes this quilt stunning. The subsequent chapters include a Transport Cushion appliqued with train engines that would be perfect for a little boy's room and Floral Placemats you can use to decorate your dining room or kitchen.

Each pattern in the Shopping Days Fabric Project Book includes a description of the project and a little story about what aspect of the Edwardian Town inspired the project. A detailed pattern with a full material list and step-by-step instructions follows. The instructions include full color photos so you can easily follow the directions visually, and Florrie and Betty provide tips at the end of each project as well. Florrie and Betty decorate the sidebars with rhymes, recipes, and anecdotes that capture the spirit of the Edwardian Town and the Beamish Open Air museum. Full-size applique templates and additional tips are provided in the last chapter of the book, titled Florrie & Betty's Work Basket.

The Shopping Days Fabric Project Book is a unique interpretation of local history. It brings together a love of history and a passion for sewing and quilting in one, cohesive concept. Enjoy learning about Edwardian culture and sewing vintage-inspired projects with the 20 patterns in this book!