Here are my favorite sewing/cooking/DIY books from 2011, as part of my series, “The Year of Books.”  The books with extended reviews are the ones that I rated as “5”; the ones without reviews, I rated as “4”.  The reviews themselves are what I wrote at the time I read them (edited slightly for the blog). 

The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman

This book is perfect for someone who wants to learn how to quilt. I taught myself how to quilt, primarily by using the tutorials at the author’s blog, Oh Fransson. There are several quilts in this book that I’m planning to make.  The book would also be fun and inspiring for experienced quilters.

In addition, I also enjoyed the following books in 2011:

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon

Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon

Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects by Denyse Schmidt

Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

Quarter-Acre Farm by Spring Warren

Home Dairy with Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Make Cheese, Yogurt, Butter, and More by Ashley English