Spotlight on Neutrals by Pat Wys, softback published by Martingale Publishers. ISBN 978-1-6046-8050-8, price 16.99 GBP available from www.martingale-pub.com

I love all colours and it’s good to see someone embrace neutrals so wholeheartedly. These quilts are not banal or washed out, they are simply gorgeous. The neutrals allow the designs and the materials to work their individual magic. I love ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ snowflake quilt, ‘Summer Stitch In’ and ‘Going My Way?’ and ‘White Chocolate’ bed quilts, but whichever you choose to make of the 12 projects, which also include cushions, I’m sure you’ll be delighted. Excellent photographs and instructions. With today’s emphasis on neutrals in the home, this book should prove to be a great success. It deserves it.

Log Cabins Today from House of White Birches, softback published by House of White Birches. ISBN 978-1-59217-331-0, price 14.99 GBP available in the UK from www.searchpress.co.uk

Log cabins have moved on. Learn 7 techniques to use in the 30 plus projects that are presented in this book. The methods are piecing with strips, paper piecing, free-form foundation piecing, quilt as you go, easy ragged edge, folding and pleating and paper piecing from the top. For each method, there is one project to hone your skills. More projects are provided under the subject headings: from scraps, by Monday, to carry, for baby, to celebrate, to vary. In this way, this book provides the techniques and instructions to make log cabin quilts for any purpose. This book presents an exciting array of projects for all skill levels. The projects include coasters, place mats, pillows, bags and quilts. They feature good designs and good choice of fabrics together with clear instructions and very good photography. Some projects are quite traditional and others are ultra modern and contemporary with a twist on the log cabin. This is an excellent look at log cabins of today, suitable for anyone who enjoys this style of quilting.

Urban Country Quilts by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks, softback published by Martingale. ISBN 978 -1- 6046-8068-3, price 16.99 in the UK, available USA from www.martingale-pub.com

This book has a striking cover, both colourful and bold. The authors look like two happy ladies and no wonder, they create good design and have great colour sense. This batch of 15 designs concentrates on flowers. The designs bring country into contemporary for a style that is as easy to use in the country as in the town house. I love the polka dot pillow. Clear instructions and photos make this easy to use. Includes large quilts, pillow cases, table runners and more.

Sew the Perfect Gift from That Patchwork Place, softback published by Martingale Press. ISBN 978-1604680690, price 16.99 in the UK, available UK and USA from www.martingale-pub.com

To my eye, Martingale books are a publisher that has got everything right, no matter which title you choose. Layout, ease of use, instructions, design and presentation are always spot on. In this book you’ll find table toppers, runners, wall quilts, pillows, cushions, bags, aprons, a journal cover and more. Favourite picks for me are the totally taupe table runner and the denim scarf. Many of these projects can be made quickly. This is a varied collection to suit a wide taste and age range. It’s for everyone who loves quilting and sewing. A great book as a gift but also to make gifts for friends and with the Christmas season approaching, we ought to get stitching.

Another Bite of Schnibbles by Carrie Nelson, softback published by Martingale. ISBN 978-1604680584, price 18.99 in the UK, available in the USA from www.martingale-pub.com

I loved Carrie Nelson’s first book and I love this one too. For all those times when you don’t want to make a full-sized quilt, Carrie offers two sizes. Use 5 or 10 inch squares to make 12 different quilts in two sizes. Carrie doesn’t do average or middling – her quilts are real stars. They consist of great design in good colourways. These are the kind of quilts I’d like to make and keep. Perfect for all skill levels, these quilts have real appeal. I hope there will be a third ed of Schnibbles next year. Beautifully laid out and easy to use with good instructions and photos – this should be in Santa’s sack under the tree for every quilter.

Fabric Flowers by Kate Haxell, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-699-1, price 4.99 available from www.searchpress.com

Great ideas for corsages, hair clips and more. This book uses a variety of materials and techniques. Part of the twenty to Make series, these designs are fun to make and even more fun to wear.

The authors have thought up some pretty good ideas on the basis of A-line, Pencil and Flare skirts. Most of them are workable although for me there was no overall wow or must-make. At least the authors seem to have used real people to model the designs and not ultra skinny models. Mainly above the knee skirts, there is only one ankle-length skirt. Some you could go to work in, others suitable for an after work drink with friends. Patterns at the back of the book do need to be copied and enlarged.

Sew La Tea Do by Pip Lincolne, hardback, spiral bound published by Hardie Grant. ISBN 978-1-74066-860-6, price 17.99 available from twitter.com/HardieGrantUK

Craft books have to lie flat so that you can use them properly and patterns are always useful – this book has both. In this book, you’ll find contemporary children’s clothes and useful items like Pyjama bags – the cutest you’ve ever seen. Adults get the same treatment, with simple contemporary dresses for women and just one pants pattern for men. My favourite is the Miss Marlo dress. Then there are blankets, cushions and pillowcases (very cute), quilts and more for the home. Whilst you are busy making, have a stack of Pip’s choc chip biscuits on hand, the recipe is at the back of the book. That’s it then, life sorted in one chic book.

Make Hey! While The Sun Shines by Pip Lincolne, hardback, spiral bound published by Hardie Grant. ISBN 978-174270131-8, price 17.99 available from twitter.com/HardieGrantUK

I love books that provide pattens in pockets and are spiral bound, so that they lie flat when you are crafting – and this book does both. This book is full of projects to get you crafting – a welcome flag, good gift bags, finger puppets, bunting, cushions, bike seat cover, tote and so much more. I adore the piggy back pocket monkey – he’s so cute. The geography seat is a great idea, could be used as a table – now why didn’t I think of this? Ideas for all the family using a variety of crafts including sewing, embroidery, crochet and more. A fun book that will help to usefully occupy any spare time you have.

Perfect Fit Pieced Borders by Sheila Sinclair Snyder, softback published by Martingale. ISBN 978-1-60468-043-0, price 16.99 in the UK available from www.martingale-pub.com

With its sumptuous cover, I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Sheila is a colorist of that I have no doubt. Her fabrics are in perfect harmony whether she is using pastels, bold colours, autumn colours or brights. This book has perfect designs for every quilter with great tips on colour and technique. I love ‘New York Minute’, which Sheila says is quick to make and that’s the one I’m going to have a go at first. The pastel ‘Sun Washed Summer’ is second on my list – I can see this hanging in a conservatory. I also like ‘Shooting Stars’, that beautiful cover quilt – ‘Conversation Starter’ and another must make on my list is ‘Drama Club’. The applique ‘Tulips’ is great too. Out of 12 designs, I really like 10, which is very good going. Great photographs and clear instructions. This book has wide appeal and I would happily recommend it to anyone who loves quilting.