Celebrating Two IBPA Book Award Winners for Cover Design
Sometimes, you really can judge a book by its cover.
We’re thrilled to announce that two C&T Publishing titles have been honored in the 2026 Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Book Awards in the Cover Design: Nonfiction category:
Gold: Art of Fabric Block Printing by Andria Green
Silver: Patchwork Sashiko by Diana Li Fitzgerald
These awards recognize covers that do more than catch the eye—they communicate a book’s purpose and invite readers into its pages.
After the joy of celebration comes something equally important: gratitude. We’re proud to recognize Senior Graphic Designer April Mostek, whose distinctive cover designs brought both books to life, along with Senior Editor Madison Moore and authors Andria Green and Diana Li Fitzgerald.
Gold Award Winner: Art of Fabric Block Printing
Art of Fabric Block Printing received the Gold Award for Cover Design: Nonfiction. Its vibrant cover offers an immediate glimpse of the creativity waiting inside: clear instruction and inspiring visuals for making hand-printed fabric for quilts, garments, and home décor.
IBPA judges praised the design’s confidence and clarity. One called it “exceptional across all design pillars,” noting its “gorgeous pattern collage,” “extremely strong color variety,” and “very strong shelf appeal.” Another judge celebrated the “fantastic” thematic typography and said the cover “totally sells the subject matter and the user friendliness of the approach.”
The award-winning cover was designed by April Mostek in collaboration with Senior Editor Madison Moore and author Andria Green.
Shop Art of Fabric Block Printing here.
Silver Award Winner: Patchwork Sashiko
Patchwork Sashiko earned the Silver Award for Cover Design: Nonfiction. The cover introduces readers to Diana Li Fitzgerald’s fresh approach to slow stitching, blending Sashiko, Boro, Kawandi, and Kantha traditions into a method that transforms fabric scraps into richly textured textiles.
Inside, readers will find 14 inspiring projects—from bags and pouches to pillows and home décor.
Judges highlighted the cover’s craft-market appeal, calling it “very strong” and “competitive with top tier of books in this category.” They also praised its “beautiful craft photography,” “strong lime-green background,” “clean hierarchy,” and “excellent product clarity.” One judge especially admired the “vibrant and sophisticated” purple-and-green palette and the modern, behind-the-scenes view of the crafting tools.
The Silver-winning cover was created by April Mostek, in collaboration with Senior Editor Madison Moore and author Diana Li Fitzgerald.
Shop Patchwork Sashiko here.
Meet the Artist Behind the Award-Winning Covers
Photo Credit Ken Mostek
April Mostek has been a graphic designer at C&T Publishing for 15 years, specializing in book and product design. Over the course of her career, she has designed hundreds of books and approximately 500 books and products for C&T Publishing.
“I take all the puzzle pieces—text, illustrations, photos, and ideas—and mix them together to create a book or product.”
For April, design is about more than arranging visual elements. It is a bridge between creators and readers—one that inspires people to explore, make, and learn new skills. Her thoughtful, vibrant work on Art of Fabric Block Printing and Patchwork Sashiko is a wonderful example of that connection in action.
Celebrating the Teams Behind the Books
Since 1985, the IBPA Book Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in independent publishing. We’re honored that these two C&T Publishing books were included among this year’s celebrated designs—and especially grateful to the talented people who made them possible.
Congratulations to:
April Mostek, Senior Graphic Designer
Madison Moore, Senior Editor
Andria Green, author of Art of Fabric Block Printing
Diana Li Fitzgerald, author of Patchwork Sashiko
Shop the IBPA Award Winners here!
