I just love the quilts in upcoming title, Tile Quilt Revival. From the second I saw one of them being shot in the photo studio, I was in love. Smitten. I don’t know what it is exactly. The cover quilt just makes me happy.

As the book designer, I spent a lot of time just staring at my monitor in awe of how authors Carol Gilham Jones and Bobbi Finley so effortlessly put fabrics together. Colors and prints that one might not consider right for each other are sewn together in such a thoughtful yet casual way.

I also love the way these quilts feel so intimate. Maybe it’s the fussy-cutting that lets you see the maker’s hand, or some of the romantic color and fabric combinations. Maybe it’s the history of this rediscovered quilt form or the stories that the gallery quilts tell. Whatever it is, these quilts feel so authentic and meaningful and I feel like I NEED to have one….Carol? Bobbi? hint hint. No, I’m just kidding (not really).

Here are a few of my favorites, they’re so feminine in a not-too-girlie kind of way.

Lotus, Bobbi Finley, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2008

Yukata Hydrangeas, Carol Gilham Jones, Lawrence, Kansas; machine quilted by Shirley Greenhoe, Missoula, Montana, 200

Starry Orange Peel, Bobbi Finley, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Carol Gilham Jones, Lawrence, Kansas, 2007

All in the Family, Bobbi Finley and the Glory Bee, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2008

I just love this gallery quilt with the kitties. There’s something so folksy and funny and wonderful about it.

Okay, enough of my gushing…you’ll just have to see for yourself when Tile Quilt Revival comes out in January!