Discover Endless Design Possibilities in Everything from Parks to Parking Lots!
• Create city-inspired quilts by piecing together simple geometric shapes
• Beginner-friendly project designs are inspired by modern urban architecture and landscapes
• Learn how to achieve dramatic looks with more effective use of color, value, and placement
• Work with traditional blocks like Flying Geese and Log Cabin in a new way
Turn your love of urban cityscapes into beautiful quilts. In this book, you'll discover the secrets of minimalist design-how to find beauty in the basic elements of your environment. These projects deliver exciting, vivid results with solid color fabrics.
City Quilts was named one of the Best Books of 2010 in the Fiber Crafts Category by Library Journal, and is a finalist in the 2010 Foreword Book of the Year Awards.
Visit C&T Publishing's YouTube channel to view the video trailer!
Review By: Julie Waldman, - April 23, 2010
"I love this book! Cherri House has a wonderful design sense and explains her process well. Her patterns are simple but very effective and the colors just sing! I've never quilted with solid fabrics before but now I'm itching to go out and create a whole new stash -- and to start paying more attention to the designs in my own city."
Review By: Tammy Gilley, - May 28, 2010
"In City Quilts, one of my favorite quilt designers, Cherri House, demonstrates how basic geometric shapes and the use of boldly-colored fabrics can create the breathtakingly beautiful quilts. The patterns and textures of cityscapes, both architectural and the layout of a city itself, inspired these quilt patterns. The simple lines and shapes in these quilts coupled with the bold use of color provide a “wow” factor that is sure to delight quilters from novice to expert.
I especially loved Cherri’s discussion on color, and her reference to “a quilter’s palette”. She gives a brief, but thoroughly informative discourse on color schemes, which serves as a springboard in one’s own palette discovery or a challenge to an quilt dog to try some new color tricks.
In City Quilts, Cherri shows us how we can train our eyes to see more than what’s in front of us, and to see a quilt in everything. Bravo!"
Review By: Marie Johansen, - May 29, 2010
"City Quilts by Cherrie House is new book hot off the presses at C&T Publishing. Since I love quilts that are both simple and make use of solid color fabrics I knew from the beginning that this book would hold interest for me. Having grown up in New York City the photos in the book were quite evocative for me. I think that Ms. House did a remarkable job of designing simple but dramatic quilts reminiscent of every day city living images. Although I love using solid colors I think that the quilts in this book also lend themselves equally well to using prints.
The beginning of the book includes a well done section on the basics - I like everything about this book and am looking forward to beginning one of the patterns. Also included is an excellent section on color choices, a bit of theory and tips on developing your ability to "see" patterns in everyday sights. I have collected quite a quilt library over the years and so there are not that many new books that come out that I truly want to spend the money on to add to my ever expanding collection - but this one is a good bet for your permanent collection! I don't think it will disappoint!"
Review - June 10, 2010
"I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little excited to get home to check my mailbox this evening...
"City Quilts" is everything I hoped for and more. Sometimes I get excited about a new quilt book and then I end up a little disappointed. Not this time! Cherri really shines in this book and her quilts are just stunning. I'm not much of a pattern follower but there are several quilts in here that I want to make. And then the Tufted Tweets fabrics... super cute! I can't wait to make some new cross blocks with this fabric!
It's been a good day... a new book, new fabric, a pot roast ready when we got home, and now I'm sitting down to read a new book on my iPad."
Review Quilting Arts - August 1, 2010
“Inspired by her admiration for historical quilts, Cherri House presents a fresh combination of traditional and contemporary quilt making in this collection of patterns for what she refers to as “glorified utility quilts.” After browsing through the images in the book, you will never view an urban scene in the same way. House has a brilliant eye for pulling basic patterns from everyday city sight - the sides of buildings, airport runways, tires, and even barcodes - and transforming them into fabric. She translates these sights into simple, geometric quilts whose patterns are achieved through the repetition of basic shapes and straightforward construction techniques, often sewn together in horizontal rows. While House's easy-to-follow instructions make it possible for quilters to re-create her patterns exactly, she also encourages individuals to interpret the designs loosely and use them as jumping-off points for their own unique work. Whichever approach you take, House's patterns will train you eye to discern the underlying quilt patterns in the most unexpected of places.”
Review Quilter's World - October 1, 2010
“As quilters, we frequently find ourselves looking for and discovering hidden geometries in the most unusual places. City landscapes present themselves as a quilting wonderland, particularly for those of us who gravitate towards angular quilt designs. Designer Cherri House has captured her love of urban architecture in her new book.
This straightforward book presents 12 clean quilt designs that, as described by her daughter Lizzie, “perfectly marriage form and function.” This book is great for beginning quilters, modern quilters and quilters looking for non-fussy design. Cherri's use of solid rather than patterned fabrics keeps the emphasis on the quilt's architecture and design. Color placements in many of the designs have a decidedly masculine feel which makes this book perfect for those of us constantly o the lookout for quilts we can make for the men in our lives.”
Review Quilter's Home - October 1, 2010
“This book was so worth the wait! One of the first offerings from C&T's new imprint, Stash Books, City Quilts just drips with mod style, which is defined by quilts made with lots of solids, simple lines and easy construction methods. What's even cooler is Cherri takes us through her design process. Surveying her hometown of Houston, Texas, Cherri shows us how to hone in on repetitive images in urban architecture and translate those images into quilts. The quilts may be simple in concept but they come off as sophisticated because of the overall design. The patterns come from the play of solids, not from printed fabrics. Should you buy this book? Even if you don't luv the growing return to solid quilt fabrics, you'll learn more about how color and pattern work together. Worth it!”
Review The Appliqué Society - September 1, 2010
“Here is a new line of craft/sewing books that celebrates handmade fabric arts. Stash Books™ encourages the craft sewer to create beautiful authentic handmade projects in a time of mass production. Stash Books™ hope to inspire readers with contemporary designs, clear and simple instructions and beautiful photography. Two books I recommend from this series: City Quilts by Cherri House with features 12 graphic projects inspired by urban views. You will never look at a parking lot in the same way once you see the quilt Cherri designed based on a parking lot. Little Birds is a charming little book that offers 26 handmade projects featuring birds of all sorts. From wool to cotton dimensional birds, embroider and quilts. Look for these books and other Stash Books™ wherever books are sold.”
Review By: Laura Lake, - September 8, 2010
"Got my copy of out own Cherri House’s book, “City Quilts” yesterday and it is lovely! Although it has patterns with yardage, etc, the part I found really wonderful was the in depth look at Cherri’s inspiration, discussion on using solids in a painterly fashion, and the eye candy quilts. The quilts take their inspiration from urban landscapes, and I found them absolutely wonderful. I am planning on making almost every quilt in the book, albeit without the usual level of attention to the quarter inch.All of the quilts look as though they would be just as wonderful made in a liberated fashion, and all of them use solids. The directions look clear, with the caveat that I never really follow directions, so I may not be the best judge, (smile)"
Review By: J Harkins, - September 8, 2010
"A friend of mine already made the quilt that is on the cover. The fabric was not all available from one source, and it had to be ordered and shopped for.
It appears this book will make monochromatic fabrics popular.
I find the quilts very interesting because they have the intensity of the colors in Amish quilts, but also have contemporary designs.
Many of the patterns are great for “man quilts,” as well."
Review By: Judy Chaffee, - September 8, 2010
"Here is a perfect example of a creative individual who can make it “understandable” for everyone. The book is easy to follow, one can see how she arrives at her designs through great visual examples. Bravo for your use of solids. This is one beautiful book, I am so glad I purchased it!"
Review By: Christina Lane, - September 17, 2010
"A wonderful book, full of all sorts of new inspiration and lots of words of wisdom. Once in awhile, I like a book that I can really sit down and read. Something that really gives me new insight into quilting and offers me a different point of view, and this book delivers on all of those counts. And then of course, even better, there are so many wonderful patterns to take at face value, or adapt and make your own. All the quilts are done with solid fabrics, such a change from what we see in most books today. Most important of all with this book is the idea of looking around you and seeing pattern in everyday life and then learning to create from it. It is not only a book of beautiful quilt patterns to make, but also a book for teaching you how to see quilt patterns all around you. Definitely a book that you want in your crafty collection."
Review American Patchwork & Quilting - December 1, 2010
“Influenced by tire treads, airplanes, skylines and harbors, Cherri House's City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views (2010) is filled with contemporary inspiration. Learn how to work with simple, geometric shapes and bold solids to craft graphic quilts that are meant to be used.”
Review Library Journal - August 1, 2010
“This fine volume of stylish, modern quilt patterns that are accessible to beginners yet intriguing for experienced quilters is another entry from C&T's new Stash imprint. House (co-owner, Cherry House Quilts) describes her designs as a contemporary version of utility quilts, but they certainly look like modern art. The patters contain bold, graphic designs, and the use of solid-colored fabrics is especially forgiving for beginners. While the basics of cutting, piecing, quilting, and finishing are described, some familiarity with quilting is assumed.”
Review - September 30, 2010
“I've always known that color plays such an important role in the design of a quilt. Despite knowing this, it wasn't until I had a copy of City Quilts in my hand that I really began to see the possibilities. Cherri House really hit a home run with her book. All of the quilts are designed using solid fabrics. Often we focus on the pattern of a print and we don't give enough attention to the color and how it plays with the design. Working with solids eliminates that factor!...”
Review By: Hilary Frye, - October 25, 2010
"If you can sew straight seams on your sewing machine, are familiar with using a rotary cutter and mat, and desire to make contemporary utility quilts, then this book is for you. Cherri House, author of City Quilts, breaks down quilting design into basic grid pattern formats using mainly squares and rectangles. She uses Houston, Texas as her muse for urban views and city design layout. From the patterns and colors she sees in this cityscape, she creates 12 simplified geometric quilts. All of the quilts feature all-solid colored 100% Kona cotton fabric by Robert Kaufman Fabrics, which add to the graphic impact of the whole quilt. And by using these fabrics, Cherri instructs you on basic color knowledge, building a foundation and appreciation for color value and contrast. She uses a range of basic graph paper and colored pencils to specialized quilting software as her tools for encouraging her readers to play with color schemes and design layout. Cherri also supplies information on basic quilt construction, special quilting tips, and personal inspiration to complete this great beginner level book. Once you’ve read City Quilts, and tried its dramatic patterns, you’ll see endless possibilities for your own contemporary quilt creations."
Review International Quilt Festival - December 1, 2010
“Cherri House has created a collection of quilts to celebrate her love of the city; each design found in this book was inspired by a different aspect of urban surroundings. City buildings, blocks, gardens, barcodes, and even airports served as the inspiration behind these innovative quilts. The construction of these pieces is a hybrid of traditional and contemporary quilting, resulting in unique finished products. In addition to providing the patterns for 12 different quilts, the back of the book has a coherent section informing readers of the common techniques needed to finish a quilt. Some of the patterns are more challenging than others, but overall this is a good book for sewers of all skill sets. The passion that House has for the city will surely inspire any quilter who picks up her book to create one of the beautiful designs.”
Review Australian Homespun - November 1, 2010
“Although this book is promote as a set of 12 quilt projects inspired by city architecture, it's just as much about making graphic, modern-looking quilts using only plain/solid fabrics. There are no prints anywhere between the book's covers. Many of us think that plain fabrics are flat and boring, but perhaps we've forgotten the visual impact of Amish quilts? All the projects in this book are simple, geometric and based on traditional patchwork shapes but boy, do they have pizzazz. For those who aspire to design their own quilts or who wish to develop greater confidence in choosing colours, Cherri's 40-page introduction, which covers design inspirations and fabric selection, will be of particular interest.”
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Review By: Karen Rhea, Customer / Creative Troupe - December 19, 2011
Review Title: Great Book for Getting Inspiration from all Around You "A very unique quilt book that makes you look at the Big City in a whole new light. I love this book. It is very easy to follow and is a great book for getting inspiration for new quilt designs. All the quilts are done with solid fabrics and does a great job explaining how to look at things and develop designs from all around you.
This book is a great addition to anyone's quilt library."