Customer Reviews

Women of Design: Quilts in the Newspaper

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author brackman based the designs in this book on the work of several well-known designers who were published in the kansas city star newspaper between 1920 and 1961. these blocks were originally published in that paper in 2004 as monthly features.

the blocks are not originals from the 30s. they are all baskets, based on pieced and applique patterns and, since they are the work of one person, all have a very similar style. this is not a fault, since brackman is an excellent designer, but it does dilute the individuality of the originals.

each block is preceded by a short history of a designer. these are very interesting, and include photos of some of the original designs, some of which, for me, are more interesting than the blocks designed by brackman.

there is a gallery of quilts made by other quilters based on the series, and it is interesting and educational to see the variety of results from the basic patterns.

the blocks are well presented, with a good, clear photo of each block. the instructions are very well done, and there are patterns for items other than quilts, such as table toppers.

if you want to make a very nice basket quilt with a feel of the 30s, this would be a very good book. of course, you could also use the applique patterns in other ways and combinations.

if you want actual 30s patterns, you will be disappointed.

I think I'll become a smarter book buyer after purchasing this book. Should have read the description & review before buying it. Subtitle "Quilts in the Newspaper" is not quite accurate--they're not newspaper patterns, they're Ms. Brackman's patterns. The cover depicts actual newspaper clippings of several partial patterns, none of which seem to be basket patterns. However.......the whole book is basket patterns. I think the title is deceptive and would more appropriately be Basket Quilts.... If you want a lot of basket patterns this book's for you. If you don't, it isn't.

If you are a fan of Ms Brackman's previous books, you will not be dissapointed by this book. In it, Ms Brackman presents many of Quilting's most well known historical designers of quilt patterns, and some not so well known. Many of these women were entrepreneurs, creating patterns, advertising, marketing and selling them from their small town or home-based locations - long before that sort of thing was easy for any woman to do. It' s a great resource for the casual historian.

The book also includes patterns to make a lovely quilt designed by Ms Brackman. Each block is designed in the style of one of the designers.
If you are buying the book expecting patterns from these historical figures in quiltmaking, you will be dissapointed, as it is largely a history presentation, with lovely photographs of quilts made from the designs. Ms Brackman's supplied patterns and quilt are just a little icing on the cake... In this case, the pattern is a bonus to the history!

Learning the history of quilt making and designing will only add to one's appreciation of the art and craft of quiltmaking...

In 2004 I made this quilt by following the Kansas City Star newspaper the third Sunday each month. I liked the quilt but wasn't happy about the way I set it, but I then gave it to our son and his wife. This past December we spent time with them and slept under the quilt. As any woman would do I checked it over, still didn't like my setting and decided to recreate it in my style and colors. In order to do this I needed the book and purchased it through Amazon. I am about to do the setting again as I've finished the squares and am so glad I was able to find the book through Amazon. I have made several quilts but when you find one you really appreciate making, you will make it again. Nancy