The simple petal shape takes center stage in this charming book, Playful Petals by Corey Yoder. Each of the 18 appliqué projects employ simple piecing techniques; the appliqué is straightforward, eliminating the need for reverse templates, additional seam allowances, and time consuming methods. The techniques are well suited for sewists of all levels.

"Improv quilting, in which quilt designs emerge organi?cally as fabric is cut and stitched, is simple, popular, and fun. In this book, expert quilter Patricia Belyea offers improv instruction and shares her appealing Quilt Manifesto of five simple rules. While providing quilters with a starting point, the fifth rule of the Manifesto, "Break any rule you like," opens the door to creative freedom. (However, the solid instructions allow even the rule-breakers...