VIP Fabrics Backyard Friends & Neighbours Panel by Leslie Beck

Backyard Friends & Neighbours by Leslie Beck for VIP Fabrics is a country-style quilting panel full of folk-art garden scenes. It's printed with cats lounging by white picket fences, rows of colourful birdhouses, beehives, watering cans, sunflowers and flower beds. The rich palette of cornflower blue, barn red, forest green, mustard and cream gives it a warm, homespun look that suits primitive and country décor.

The fabric panel measures 85cm x 106cm (33.5" x 41") and has several ready-to-cut designs. There are two large framed scenes, a tall birdhouse banner with a watermelon slice and a set of smaller cat and bird blocks. The larger scenes make easy wall hangings or quilt centres. The tall banner works well as a door or garden-themed wall decoration. The smaller blocks suit cushions, tote bags, sweatshirt appliqué, mug rugs or extra quilt blocks.

Project ideas are printed right on the panel, including making a wall quilt, adding corner blocks to make a larger wall quilt, and no-sew appliqué projects. That makes it a good choice for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Simply cut out the scenes, add borders, wadding and backing, and quilt around the motifs for a quick, rewarding project.

This cheater panel is perfect for cat lovers, gardeners and anyone who loves country charm. It makes cosy, handmade gifts and seasonal décor with very little piecing.