by American Quilt Study Group
See and learn about the fascinating quilts created by members of the American Quilt Study Group as a research and study project. The challenge: to create quilts inspired by 19th century quilts that included stars. Participants chose an inspiration quilt and recreated a small version of it. You’ll see them all here, and patterns are included for 10 of the 39 study quilts. You can see many of these quilts as they travel to exhibit venues throughout the US.

For Gudrun Erla, gathering at the dinner table brings back special memories of friends and family in her native Iceland. These memories are the inspiration for her first Kansas City Star quilt book, "Table Talk." Included are 16 projects designed to grace your table and Gudrun's family recipes to share with yours. Six pieced projects can be done with simple sewing room staples. There are four quilt-as-you-go projects - excellent "quickies" to whip up for friends and family. There's also a collection of holiday projects, like the festive "Wrap It Up" runner, and three projects made from fabric leftovers, along with creative recipes for those dinner leftovers. It's all there to enjoy ... at the table.

From international quilting artist, Michele Hill, projects include small and large bed quilts, tablecloth, table runner, cushion, wall hanging and more. .

Hallye Bone has planted a garden in fabric on her vibrant quilt, Flower Dance. With her 10 steps to No-fail Appliqué and 30 flower patterns, you can do all of them or just pick a few. Embroidery enhances this appliqué. By following Hallye’s steps you’ll learn how to master leaf points, put personality into each flower, embellish with embroidery, perfect circular appliqué shapes, make speedy stems, and use the blind-hem appliqué stitch. Additional projects include charming aprons, pillowcases, a table runner, a shopping tote, and a redwork throw. Hallye teaches and lectures about quilts, and repairs and appraises quilted heirlooms.

Scraps - we all have those bits and pieces left over from other quilting projects. Put them to use in these little patchwork quilts reminiscent of bygone days. You don’t need a lot of fabric to create these tiny treasures. Using her overflowing scrap bag, quilt designer Tara Lynn Darr has created 20 classic projects inspired by patterns of the past. From simple one-patch and nine-patch blocks to dazzling stars and pieced basket blocks, she shows you how to make the most of your leftovers. All the projects can be made with 5” charm squares or smaller. Tara also shares her time-tested tips for working on small quilts.

Just in time for the 2011 Kansas Sesquicentennial, quilt artist Linda Frost presents a 14-block sampler that celebrates the wonders and quirks of her native Kansas. The blocks represent familiar themes for any fan of the prairie – wind, wheat, tornadoes, road signs that make you feel like you’re on the road to nowhere... Linda’s designs convey a sense of the pioneer spirit along with the good natured humor that is part of life in the Midwest.