Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths (Hobbies - needlework & quilting) [Hardcover]

Laurel Horton (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Hobbies - needlework & quilting | Publication Date: November 1, 1994

A compilation of articles from Uncoverings, the journal of the American Quilt Study Group, this beautifully illustrated book provides an in-depth study of American quiltmaking. Indexed.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558533192
• ISBN-13: 978-1558533196
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book for the History Buff, October 31, 2000

By 

richard bostwick (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths (Hobbies - needlework & quilting) (Hardcover)

This wonderfully informative book is a selection of various research papers that were published by the American Quilt Study Group in their annual journal "Uncoverings" during the 1980s. The articles are grouped into six subtopics: Pattern Development and Distribution, Quilts and Quiltmakers in Early America, Wars and the Work of Women, Textiles and Tools, Many Hands: Group Quilting, and finally, Shifting Functions: Quiltmakers in the Twentieth Century.

The individual articles are extensively researched, well written, colorfully illustrated and provide complete footnotes at the end for those who would like to do further reading. In many cases, the research included personal interviews and examination of personal correspondence.

The American Quilt Study Group was founded in 1980 by Sally Garoutte of Mill Valley, California with the purpose of fostering accurate research on American quilts and was run out of her home for the first eight years of its existence. A group of about 50 people met in November of 1980 and the organization has since grown to about 1000 members strong.

Prior to reading this book, I had no understanding of the role that quiltmaking has played in American culture and society since colonial times. The articles that were selected represent a wide range of dates and interests. I was especially impressed by the detailed piecing of the Primitive Hall Quilt made in Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1842. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the section on quiltmaking during the Civil War and during the aftermath and recovery in Europe from World War II.

If you are at all interested in the history of quilting in America, this is a must read.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quiltmaking in America : Beyond the Myths, July 26, 2001

By 

Judy "historyofquilts" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths (Hobbies - needlework & quilting) (Hardcover)

There are many misconceptions and myths about quilting throughout history and as lovely as these old stories about quilting might be, it is helpful to know what is accurate history and what is not. The American Quilt Study Group has been striving to find the truth about our quilting history for the last 20 years. Their goal is to encourage good research on quilting to be shared the AQSG regularly published "Uncoverings". "Quiltmaking in America" is a selection of articles from this publication. One thing you can be certain of as you read the chapters of this book, the information you find is well researched. The scientific approach used for these articles makes it perfect for teachers and students of women's studies and women's history. But the fascinating information and pictures in the articles makes it a great book for anyone interested in quilting of the past.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths, September 8, 2009

By 

quilt history nut "quilt history nut" (Rocky mountains, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths (Hobbies - needlework & quilting) (Hardcover)

This book is a must-have for quilt historians and a fascinating read for anyone interested in old quilts. It is a compilation of clearly written and exceptionally well researched articles describing a variety of topics describing the process of making quilts and the women who made them. Articles cover quiltmaking from roughly the 18th through the mid-20th centuries. They include descriptions of specific quilts, the technology involved in making quilts in various regions of the country, how quilt patterns for the prized "Album" quilts moved across the country in the 1800s, how the sewing machine revolutionized quilting, word portraits of specific quiltmakers, and many more topics. The illustrations are amazing and the writing is clear and easily understood. The book provides a look into one seldom seen aspect of times past and into the lives of women whose work was essential to the survival of families. It is as close to a time machine as we are likely to see any time soon. I highly recommend this book to anyone who makes quilts or treasures them.