Join Lark books fun quilting contest – quilters have to incorporate 3 of 5 preselected elements: bird/s, silver, mountains, repurposed fabric, and beads – here is more information …

Two more books from Lark from their pretty little series.

Pretty Little Potholders and Pretty Little Patchwork follow on from Pretty Little Pincushions which we reviewed back here.

Both of these books, as before, are a collection of contributors projects, very sweet and cute projects, utitilising various techniques and fabrics. As before the projects are all simple, mostly easy – with a few more advanced projects as well. Both books have a quite short techniques section – relying on the ability of the reader to understand what is going on – but as the projects are mostly very simple – this is not really an issue.

The potholders – who knew there was such variety in such a simple household item. I love the ‘little bunny’ holder by Christina Romeo – simple little design with ears and a personality. There are a few embroidered designs and I liked the nine-patch shabby chic design with embroidered bread and milk bottles by Betsy Couzins. There is a section on patchwork with some sweet designs – and the cover image project ‘nifty fifties’ by Autumn Hall, is adorable with a teapot embroidered on one corner. There are some fancier designs, with beading and photo transfers and decorative stitching – not to everones taste but something for everyone.

The patchwork – As the name suggests – lots of little patchwork projects ranging from pincushions and potholders, to organisers, wallhangings to mini quilts. Some very sweet potholders by Wendy Aracich with appliquéd patchwork. Some patchwork boxes by Aimee Ray, patchwork coat hanger covers (great idea) by Valerie Shrader, lots of different bags, include laptop covers and totes and a simple and functional crochet hook holder by Terry Taylor made from black and white ticking. Some nice belts, cuffs, scarves and hats make an appearance, with a very elegant wide brim sunhat by Valeria Shrader again, and some really cute and colourful belts by Erin Harris. Towards the end there are some decorative homewears, patchwork clock, cushions, hanging mobiles, picture frames and very nice ‘mini mod coin quilt’ by Maitreya Dunham.