Review from Linda Brandau, Bookvisions

Pennies from Heaven is a quilt designed with antique penny rugs in mind, and I love the simple folk art look of penny rugs. This 50" x 63" quilt is a combination of cotton and wool designs of birds and flowers with each block containing “pennies.” The book has some general instructions on working with wool, felting wool, wool appliqué and a wool color guide. Also, there are basic embroidery stitches and quilting information. The “working with wool” section gives the advantages of using wool with fabric. The beautiful designs and patterns are the main focus of this outstanding book.

Although the entire Pennies from Heaven quilt is stunning, the patterns in the book can be used as individual blocks for other designs. There are pillows, wall hangings, table mats, a table runner, and even window treatments. The book contains full-color patterns and the mixture of mediums of wool and cotton makes these designs really interesting. 

Neither machine washing nor dry cleaning is advised, so making the whole quilt is with the understanding that you are making a work of art and not a quilt for everyday use. This is a book that has definitely earned a space on my permanent bookshelves.

Gretchen Gibbons began quilting in 1984, and she's been passionate about quiltmaking ever since. She is the owner of Celebration of Life Designs, a pattern company. In 2008, her "Pennies from Heaven" quilt was selected for the juried Country Living Classics exhibit sponsored by the International Quilt Festival and Country Living magazine. In 2010, her "My Enchanted Garden" quilt won first place in the embellishments category in the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza and was selected to compete in the 2011 AQS Quilt Show. Her quilts have been featured in Easy Quilts and Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, volume 6.