I received a most wonderful book in the mail today.
"Baltimore Garden Quilt" by Barbara Burnham.  Published by AQS.
Barbara has published the patterns for an 1848 red and green applique quilt in the Baltimore style.  Her eye for detail in reproducing this quilt is remarkable.

The actual patterns are on a CD that comes with the book, all ready to print out at correct size.  Nice and easy.
There are pictures of each block from the original quilt and its reproduction.

What really makes me happy though, is that this is one of the best "technical" books on general quilting instructions and  applique that I've seen.  Very easy to understand, and clearly written.  From the small section on fabric choices and the very comprehensive cutting lists to various applique techniques, I LOVE this book.
Sometimes I feel like some books are thrown together just to "get them out".  However, I'm very happy to see that sometimes a gem comes along.
I'm very pleased to say that now I own a real GEM.

I've had a lovely time since returning from Inspired Stitches in Adelaide last weekend.
I've really enjoyed reading Kathie's posts at Inspired by Antique Quilts.  Recently she has had several posts regarding some good books on antique quilts in her reading library.
I have to say, I immediately went and had a good look at those books on the web.  I'm in heaven with a good book.  Whilst I resisted buying any of them for a while, in the end I couldn't help myself.  I simply gave in to temptation and purchased several for my reading pleasure.
So, my parcel postie man has been coming by a lot lately.  Do you think it's odd that he waves at me in the street now?  LOL.
Anyway, here are some of my purchases.....

 These first 2 are gorgeous books that have lots of patterns and information on doll quilts, many made by small children.  Hard to believe that girls as young as 3 or 4 were stitching little blocks together.  Of course many were made by their mothers as well.

This book has been on my "to buy" list for quite some time.  Just beautiful.

Another lovely book from Kathie, first published in 1992, some gorgeous photos of quilts from New York State.
A wonderful night was spent on Friday at Threadbear in Castlemaine.  Our regular group of quilters got together for a 6 hour session of sewing. 
I managed to finish 2 more blocks for my Dear Jane quilt- currently being blocked into submission shape, so pics next time. Somehow, a couple more books found their way into my bag.

 This lovely little book specialises in miniature quilts and their construction.  It's also been out for quite a while, but somehow never made it home with me before.

I also found this little book by Mary Koval- beautiful pictures of my favourite 2 colour quilts.
The Castlemaine Applique Group had a special meeting last weekend (sadly whilst I was away in Adelaide), Mary Koval was one of the guests for the meeting along with Petra Prins from The Netherlands.
Hopefully I'll get to see these very talented ladies next time they're down this way.