Simply Modern Christmas

Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays
By Cindy Lammon
Gifted By: Martingale Publishing
www.shopmartingale.com
Reviewed by Molly Fletcher, AllFreeChristmasCrafts Editor

Wrap your family and friends in love this Christmas with a handmade quilt. Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays is true to its title's words, featuring festive patterns that are both familiar and original. Cindy Lammon is a designer, blogger, and published author. She has lovingly created 14 quilt designs for the holidays. Even as it pays tribute to the designs of our grandmothers, this collection is a breath of fresh air in the world of Christmas decor.

Picture a Christmas quilt. Do you have visions of dark greens and deep reds? Lammon isn't afraid to add other shades to the mix. From lime green and aqua to pink and cherry red, no hue is off limits in her capable hands. Lammon is also able to meld blues, grays, and even blacks into gorgeous designs while keeping the spirit of the season in each pattern.

These patterns strike a balance between tradition and innovation, due, in part, to Lammon's use of basic shapes and bold fabrics. Lammon is known for her floral patterns, so this focus on geometric designs is a welcome change. Not only do simple shapes allow each pattern to pop, but they also make it easier for beginning and intermediate quilters to piece together these designs. Along the way, readers will pick up quilt block favorites like flying geese, log cabin, chevron, and snowball blocks.

Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays contains an array of projects including quilts, table toppers, stockings, and more. If you're new to sewing or quilting, you can start with one of the smaller projects like the tree skirt. The word "holidays" may be in the title, but these patterns are so universal that a simple fabric swap will make them appropriate for any season. When it comes to putting a new spin on an old favorite, this book fits the bill.