Carved out of century-old farmland near Chicago; the Prairie Crossing development is a novel experiment in urban public policy that preserves 69 percent of the land as open space. The for-profit project has set out to do nothing less than use access to nature as a means to challenge Americas failed culture of suburban sprawl. The first comprehensive look at an American conservation community; Prairie Crossing goes beyond windmills and nest boxes to examine an effort to connect adults to the land while creating a healthy and humane setting for raising a new generation attuned to nature. John Scott Watson places Prairie Crossing within the wider context of suburban planning; revealing how two first-time developers implemented a visionary new land ethic that saved green space by building on it. The remarkable achievements include a high rate of resident civic participation; the reestablishment of a thriving prairie ecosystem; the reintroduction of endangered and threatened species; and improved water and air quality. Yet; as Watson shows; considerations like economic uncertainty; lack of racial and class diversity; and politics have challenged; and continue to challenge; Prairie Crossing and its residents.
2016-01-27 2016-01-27File Name: B01B4SEZ6G
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Likely to please MLiss FansBy SLSMLiss Rae Hawleys Precut Quilts will most likely appeal to beginner-to-intermediate quilters; lovers of contemporary color-ways; and crafters who are already fans of Ms. Hawley. The 6 projects include 3 fat-quarters quilts ; 1 charms quilt; 1 strip-based quilt; and one "bonus" stip-based tote-bag. All are shown in at least 6 colorations (and one has 7!); many more than we are usually treated to with quilting books.Although I enjoyed Ms. Hawleys 101 Fabulous Fat-Quarter Bags with MLis: 10 Projects for Totes Purses Ideas for Embellishments; Trim; Embroidery Beads Stylish Finishes-Handles Closures; this collection just does not thrill my imagination; nor does it motivate me to make any of the projects. All the projects employ Ms. Hawleys own signature line of fabrics (in partnership with Hancock Fabrics since 2009); and the introduction and resources list feature MLiss-specific products (slotted ruler; scissors and tools kit; thread collection; and a notions collection). So; if youre already a MLiss fan; you might like this book more than I do.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good Pattern BookBy CrftySAHMLet me first say that at first glance through this book I was extremely disappointed; as I did not like any of the quilts. HOWEVER; on further inspection; I have to give this book 4 stars. I realized that my problem with the quilt was just my personal taste in fabrics. When I took the time to go back over it I realized that technically the book is GOOD. The directions are clear and easy to follow. Just as the title states; it is a pattern book for precut fabrics (squares; charms; jelly rolls; layer cakes) of various sizes. Once I took the time to notice the color drawings of the quilts and the blocks making each quilt I could see the pattern and design of the actual quilt and look past some of the fabrics. While any level of quilter would like this book; I would especially recommend it to beginners because of the ease and simplicity of the blocks and designs. Plus; with this book you can take advantage of charm bundles or scraps. I often cut my scraps into charms or squares to store easier and this book tells you just how many squares of what size you need to create each quilt. There is also a pattern for a tote made with strips.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great for a BeginnerBy Whidbey MaryThis is well written and the photos and tips are easy to see and follow. Very nice photography too. I do wish it had more patterns. There are only 5 quilt patterns; but each is shown in a variety of fabrics. As an intermediate level quilter I was disappointed in the low number of patterns. However; I gave it to a friend who is new to quilting and she loves it. 5 stars from her and 3 from me makes it a 4-star book.
