An Amish Nativity: Complete Projects and Instructions

Rating:
Summary: Precious, unique patterns. Well designed.
Review: After "discovering" this book quite accidentally (while searching for an advent calendar pattern), I feel as though I've found a diamond in the rough! This book is so unique, and so intelligently designed. The patterns are simple to sew, with clear and concise instructions. If you've ever matched notches and stitched curved seams, you can make this nativity! Wonderful and relatively easy! As an experienced quiltmaker and novice cloth doll maker, I'm so glad this book even exists. It's exactly what I didn't know I was looking for!

It is helpful to know the scale of the patterns: the manger (made with basketweave print fabric and interfacing) is approximately 4.5 x 7 x 2 inches tall. Not pictured on the cover is a great camel pattern. The donkey, who kneels, is designed without legs -- an example of how intelligently the patterns are designed. Most nativities I've seen are either rustically wooden or regally porcelain. This book is both humbling and inspirational, so in keeping with both the Amish and the nativity scene. I look forward to any future books by either co-authors.