Simple Whatnots II by Kim Diehl

I'm a huge fan of designer/author Kim Diehl. I love her signature style, blending simple piecing with applique in her little quilts. I have numerous pages bookmarked in her previous books, and have added a few more to my list in Simple Whatnots II. Kim shares 18 projects to make little quilts from scraps to brighten and soften your home decor. Here's one of her clever hints for decorating with little quilts (page 79).

I'm a fellow antique collector, so I'm always drawn to the beautiful photos of her quilts in her home. It's inspired me over the years to use small quilts in new ways around my home, too. This red cupboard serves as my pantry. I change the decor and quilts each season - partly because it forces me to dust! In this small space, there are three ways to add quilts to your home.

Kim and I are kindred spirits when it comes to all things vintage. Both of us design quilts with warm colors that pair perfectly with chippy antiques and collectibles. This little doll quilt softens the hard lines of the crock and plays off the colors of the rolling pin handles for a sweet vignette.

The quilt on the door is the charm quilt, Star Crossed, from my upcoming Homemade Homespuns fabric collection. Watch for it at your favorite quilt shop in July.

 

I store some of my seasonal napkins in this old red basket. Tucking a little quilt over the top makes it look more finished and adds pattern and color to the display.

It took three years of searching to find right sizes of sugar buckets for my stack. The little vintage quilt tucked under the lid adds a pop of spring yellow to this corner of my entry.

A simple 9-patch quilt draws the eye up to vintage items instead of the canned goods and staples in the pantry cupboard. Robert loves the look of all the quilts around the house, too. I appreciate that he doesn't grumble when he has to move the quilt everyday to open the pantry door. 

If you love little quilts, you'll love the inspirational eye candy and wonderful projects in Kim's new book, Simple Whatnots II. It's available at your favorite quilt shop now or at ShopMartingale.com. 

Watch Instagram throughout the week for more Martingale authors who love Kim's book. Comment on my Instagram page to win a copy of Simple Whatnots II at @lynnektq.