Customer Reviews

Quilting Lessons: Notes from the Scrap Bag of a Writer and Quilter

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This compelling memoir is composed of a series of essays which center around the author's struggle to find a way through an unexpected onset of writer's block. She describes how she found solace in the creative acts which go into the creation of quilts, and how the creativity she found an outlet for there helped her return to the life of a professor and scholar. The author gives readers a glimpse into the life of an academic--the pressure and the difficulties as well as the accolades and successes. The most interesting sections of the book are those which give valuable insight into the importance of quilting--an extremely undervalued art--in the lives of modern women, including the author and her two lovingly-described sisters. Interspersed within the memoir are yummy recipes, for those readers who are cooking-inclined. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the importance of quilting, the experiences of modern-day female academics, or instructions on how to overcome writer's block. An excellent read!

I am PASSIONATE about this book! It's written as a mix between a journal and an autobiography and lays bare a lot of the feelings that I thought only I had about the importance of quilting. I love the way that the passion for quilting is woven into Janet's love for her sisters and her sometimes difficult relationship with her mother. As you read, you begin to see her working her way out of the depression that imobilised her, and it shows how she re-chanelled her creativity after her writing "avenue" of expression was blocked. This is a book for anyone interested in the stresses of 21st century woman, and even if you don't quilt yourself, you will still enjoy the sharing of emotions. I defy anyone not to say at some point "I have felt exactly like that!", whatever your interests or background!

Although this is not a long book, I found myself spacing out my reading to enjoy each and every tidbit that Ms. Berlo had to offer. I didn't want it to end and savored each scrap. She is a wonderful writer that captures what it is to be a woman entreanched in family issues, life in general and how crafting can lift you up and out of a "funk". My only regret is that I can't see her beautiful quilts that she describes so poetically. That would complete the circle.

I discovered this book by accident many years ago, and have since purchased several more copies to share with friends (some fellow quilters and some not). I started quilting as part of my treatment for depression so it was deeply satisfying and encouraging to read of Janet's ongoing journey through fabrics. SO much to consider and feel. I've returned to this volume time and again and portions of it have even inspired some of my own quilting (notably Thirty Years Later, a quilt created along the lines of one essay titled "Smashing Those Dresden Plates").

This book didn't quite grab me the way it seems to have grabbed other reviewers. I can appreciate it, reading about her life and historical aspects of quilting were interesting, but it just wasn't my style. For me, having a visual reference would have helped. I would have loved for her to have added photos of the quilts she was making and writing about and/or photos of the historical figures and quilts she wrote about.

Berlo describes the way a sudden depression turned her from a highly esteemed, publishing professor to an almost obsessive quilter overnight.
She talks movingly about finding balance, and the way that "playing" with colors, patterns and fabric helped her find that, both in her work, and with friends and family.
In a society that undervalues "women's art" (especially textile arts), Berlo makes an interesting case that it is both therapeutic and historically significant.

I really wanted to like this book; however, after reading about halfway through, I've become disenchanted with her cutesy, self-satisfied triumphs. This book would be much more interesting if it contained photographs, illustrations or examples. As it is, the author gets carried away with her academic expertise and seems to me to be constantly showing off her knowledge. She doesn't sound depressed to me. Instead she brags about all her travels and awards and recognitions. This book was written for her own satisfaction with little regard for the reader. I'm sorry I bought it.