Lone Stars: A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936 [Paperback]

Karoline Patterson Bresenhan (Author), Nancy O'Bryant Puentes (Author), Jonathan Holstein (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1986

"The authors had been told by 'authorities' that finding really fine quilts in what had been a rough frontier area was quite unlikely. But page after page of visually stunning quilts prove with a vengeance that experts can be wrong.... Highly recommended." --Library Journal "More than anything else, the book provides a fascinating record of women's efforts to create beauty even when every hour and cent had to be spent merely to survive. It is also a tribute to families who have recognized and treasured those efforts through the generations." --Angleton Times The patchwork or pieced quilt is one of the few truly indigenous American art forms, and in the Lone Star State it has long been cherished. But most early Texas quilters were not aware that they were shaping an artistic heritage for the future. They quilted for simpler, personal reasons: to keep their families warm during bitter winters in poorly heated dugouts, to add a bit of color and cheer to drab cabins on the plains, to pass lonely hours far away from distant family and friends, to welcome a firstborn child, or to plan for the arrival of long-awaited guests. Some women quilted for their own gratification: the pleasure of piecing cloth that met neatly and evenly, the satisfaction of quilting tiny, precise stitches that held the cloth and enhanced the design, the contentment of binding and finishing a quilt that represented a piece of the quilter's life and heart. In quilting, Texas women (and the occasional man) took part in an artistic heritage that reflected the needs of life in a new land. In Lone Stars: A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936, over sixty of the finest quilts made in Texas or brought to Texas during that periodare beautifully documented in full color and glowing text. Selected from more than 3,500 quilts analyzed during an intensive two-year search in twenty-seven cities and towns across Texas, these treasures reflect the highest order of design and technique. Because they are prized family heirlooms or from private collections, virtually none of these quilts has ever before come to public attention. Unknown until now, they are masterpieces of quilt art and significant historical records. The photographs show the full quilts, details, and, in some cases, their makers. The text describes the characteristics of each quilt--physical description, sizes, fabrics, colors, pattern name, quality of workmanship, artistic merit, and overall design concept. Placing the quilt in perspective, Lone Stars also relates the family history and provenance of the piece~stories told about the quilt and its maker or owners--and looks at quilting in Texas and its relation to the tradition of quilting as practiced in other regions. A useful as well as lovely volume, Lone Stars adds immeasurably to our knowledge of Texas' rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Lone Stars is the result of an ambitious three-year search for fine old Texas quilts still privately owned and made or brought to the state between the year the Texas Republic came into being and its centennial. The authors had been told by "authorities" that finding really fine quilts in what had been a rough frontier area was quite unlikely. But page after page of visually stunning quilts prove with a vengeance that experts can be wrong. Here "lone star" does not refer to the well-known quilt pattern but rather to the fact that each of the 62 quilts pictured is the "star" work of someone who may have not known she was creating a masterpiece. For each quilt there is a full-page color illustration, accompanying documentation, and, when available, personal information about the maker. Highly recommended. Janice Zlendich, Cal i for nia State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press (1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292746490
• ISBN-13: 978-0292746497
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #536,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful book, July 30, 2001

By 

Lobannio (Southwestern United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lone Stars: A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936 (Paperback)

I cannot believe someone hasn't reviewed this book yet. It is wonderfully charming with beautiful, large color pictures of 63 quilts made in Texas between the years of 1836 and 1936. Accompanying each quilt is also a picture of the quiltmaker and a page about her life and quilt.

The stories of the women are as interesting as their quilts. One story tells of a woman alone with her baby, hearing the Indians circling her log cabin. She spins all night to listen to the whistle of her spinning wheel so as not to be afraid. What wonderful foremothers we had, who left us a legacy of their courage and industry as well as their beautiful handiwork.