Treasury of American Quilts: Including Complete Patterns and Instructions for Making Your Own Quilts [Hardcover] Review

the first half of this book is quilts--wonderful photos of quilts (and also a few embroidered bed rugs) on each page. the quilts range from the late 18th century to the mid-20th, applique, piecework, amish, hawaiian, original and commercial designs. the captions contain the usual information about dates and maker (if known) plus informative and frequently entertaining comments by the authors. the second half of the book has instructions for several of the quilts.

this book is copyrighted 1982, and, comparing this and other quilt books from about the same time to those published more recently, i am struck by the differences--the earlier books, such as this one, seem to offer a far broader range of styles and types of quilts (most remarkably individualistic), as well as more of them--it's as if the attitudes and standards in the quilt world have hardened and narrowed when it comes to which quilts deserve publication. while i have seen a few of the quilts in this book reproduced in other publications, many of the quilts are new to me. two of the most magnificent log cabin quilts i've seen are in this book, as well as a range of applique, from naive to baltimore album quality, that is unsurpassed. why more of these quilts have not seen further publication is a mystery.

aside from the captions, there is no text in the first half of the book. the space is given to the photos of the quilts.

the instructions date from before the time of the rotary cutter. much as i love my rotary cutter and rulers, i deplore the apparently complete dependence on them. these instructions offer templates for the piecing, and shapes that are not broken down into half square triangles or simplified out of character. templates are not frightening--they can be more efficient that ruler cutting. and y-seams are not difficult, they just need a bit more attention. patterns for a few applique quilts and a few patterns for quilting are also included.

this is a book that should be in every quilter's library. there is inspiration on every page. and, since the used prices start so low, there's no excuse not to buy it!

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Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft [Bargain Price] [Hardcover] Review

The quilts tell this story...
Author Jane Kirkpatrick wrote two series of books taking place in the Willamette Valley of Oregon during the 1800s.Aurora, a German Christian commune, existed at that time.The members worked together using their skills to survive.

Aurora:An American Experience in Quilt, community, and Craft is a celebration of their lives and the artifacts they left behind.The skills and talent varied from quilts to furniture to numerous other items.This book is filled with photographs.I was particular impressed with the quilts, for each one tells a story.One of the quilts that caught my eye is a piece-appliquéd quilt.The background is brown and black with colorful appliquéd birds.This quilt seems to break the barriers that prevent friendships.

The hand-stitched samplers are beautiful.Needlework is quickly becoming a lost art.Few people in today's world have the time or take the time to put needle and thread to fabric.Aurora:An American Experience in Quilt, community, and Craft is a book to be cherished.It is gift quality.

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