This partnership led to the development of 'Piece O' Cake' designs in 1994 and a number of quilting reference books. It has been six years since Becky and Linda last updated The New Applique Sampler and, although their techniques have not changed significantly over the years, more tips and techniques have evolved. I was particularly impressed by the instructions and the very close-up photographs. There are 9 applique blocks to make miniature quilts, 5 new quilt projects which include detailed instructions and full-size pull-out patterns, plus the basic stitches are shown for those who stitch right-handed or left-handed. This is an excellent guide to most types of applique and well worth a place on your reference shelf. Fabrications Quilting For You, June/July 2013 I have always been drawn to Piece O' Cake Designs and this book is no exception. Many of their designs are whimsical and this applique sampler certainly follows their trend. The book includes nine different blocks to mix, match and combine and they are all delightful. Friends who know me will not be surprised I picked this book to review if only for the bright cheerful colours used. Included in the book are also five projects using these blocks. The book also covers in considerable detail and with excellent photos the applique process, including tips and tricks. The detail makes this a great book for beginner appliquers or a great refresher for those of us who have been away from it for awhile. As a bonus to left handed quilters they also include instructions and photos for appliqueing for lefties. The Canadian Quilter Magazine, Autumn 2013 Everything you need to know about hand applique is in this updated version of the comprehensive guide from Piece O' Cake Designs. You'll find all the latest tips and techniques to help you stitch your own applique creations, plus charming new applique patterns in the colorful Piece O' Cake style. Basic stitches are shown for both right- and left-handed stitchers. Especially helpful are the very close-up how-to photographs. Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, 10/14/13 For many years one of my go-to favorite applique book has always been Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins The New Applique Sampler. It has been six years since they have updated the book. They have just released an update to the book and I am pleased to say the new updated version is spectacular! In The Best-Ever Applique Sampler from Piece O'Cake Designs you will find all their basic techniques that you know and love have not changed that much over the years. They have added more techniques and tips plus 9 new applique blocks to make miniature quilts or mix-and-match samplers. There are also 5 new quilt projects that include complete instructions and a full-size pattern pullout. Everything you ever wanted to know about how to go about creating applique can be found within the pages of this book. You will find a good solid list of supplies to get you started. That is followed with information about color, contrast and value then general applique instructions. You will learn about stitching order, preparing a background for applique, making and using templates for both hand and fusible applique and working with an overlay to name a few of the techniques that you will find in the book. The basic stitches are presented using clear instructions and excellent close-up photographs. I might add I was delighted to see these instructions for both right-handed stitchers and left-handed stitchers. At $28.95 this book is well worth the price for the knowledge you will gain by studying the techniques found inside. -- Patti Ives The Applique Society Newsletter, Jan/Feb 2016
