Making Welsh Quilts [Paperback]

Mary Jenkins (Author), Clare Claridge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2005

Welsh quilts with their characteristic fabric choice, strikingly simple patchwork designs and decorative quilting patterns, have a rich tradition that inspired the Amish when the first Welsh settlers arrived in America. This inspirational new book, the first of its kind from any major publisher, opens with a history of Welsh quilting followed by a gallery of photographs of Wales' quilt treasures. In depth information is given on selecting the right fabrics and colours, and basic equipment needed to create these quilts. The projects begin with five quilts, made by traditional hand piecing and hand quilting methods, and continue with five more made by modern rotary cutting and machine quilting techniques. A pattern library of traditional Welsh quilting pattern templates completes the book and shows how the patterns were originally drafted from cups and saucers and other everyday household items.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Jenkins teaches textiles in Adult Education and is a collector of Welsh quilts and samplers. Mary is an experienced author and has written House & Garden Samplers and Making Samplers, both published by David & Charles. Mary lives in Cardiff, Wales. Clare Claridge is a world expert on Welsh quilting patterns and their origin and has lectured on the subject at seminars around the world. Clare lives in Quakers' Yard, once a stronghold of traditional Welsh quilting in the heart of the valleys of South Wales.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (October 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896892549
• ISBN-13: 978-0896892545
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful quilts, interesting history, October 28, 2005

By 

E Rice (western ny state) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Welsh Quilts (Paperback)

this is wonderful book. there's enough historical information for most quilters, many excellent color photos of historic welsh quilts with as much information about their makers as is known, and an extremely generous selection of traditional quilting patterns with instructions on how to draft them. the general quilting information is sufficient for intermediate quilters, but a bit sparse for an actual beginner.

the only drawback many quilters may find is that the projects that are offered, which are very beautiful and inspirational and have wonderful colorways, are SMALL. the largest is only 45" square. many are half that size. and, of course, the quilting patterns given are also small. anyone wanting to make even a twin sized quilt would have to get out paper and pencil, or a computer drafting program, and work out the measurements herself, and then re-size the quilting patterns, which are what give welsh quilts their identity. of course, anyone who makes miniature quilts will be thrilled.

wholecloth quilts are not really addressed.

all in all, this is a book that most quilters will enjoy and want. the quilting patterns alone are worth the price, while the gallery of antique and vintage quilts is stunning.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to any quilter's stash, April 4, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Welsh Quilts (Paperback)

Make your own Welsh quilts using traditional patterns of heritage quilts with Making Welsh Quilts: The Textile Tradition That Inspired The Amish? Paragraphs of information on inspirational sources for different kinds of featured quilts accompany full-page color photos and tips on choosing fabrics, requirements, and instructions for making each quilt. Tips including finishing techniques such as building classy borders. An excellent addition to any quilter's stash.

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Welsh Quilts, September 3, 2011

By 

K. Willoughby "searching for relief" (michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Making Welsh Quilts (Paperback)

An excellent book on so many levels. If you like the influence of Welsh quilts on Amish and Mennonite patterns you will love this. If you like the simplicity of quilting designs themselves - - this on is for you! Beautiful Celtic influence in the quilting lines. This books is very well laid out, colors are true to historic quilts and instructions are straightforward. Definitely a book that you would want to go back to again and again.