Baltimore Beauties and Beyond: Studies in Classic Album Quilt Applique, Vol. 1 [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Elly Sienkiewicz (Author) "In the mid-nineteenth century, as now, many applique Album Quilts were not completely pre-planned..." (more)
Key Phrases: Baltimore Album Quilts, Mary Evans, Elly Sienkiewicz (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The current enthusiasm for patchwork should not banish techniques of quilt applique to obscurity, and for Washington, D.C., quilter Sienkiewicz the quilt tops made in Baltimore during the mid-1800s exemplify the classic standards of the applique craft. In a series of 12 lessons, Sienkiewicz describes in meticulous detail the ingenious methods employed a century past by Baltimore women, and others favored by contemporary needleworkers (who use timesaving devices such as freezer paper, glue sticks and masking tape without shame). Each lesson prepares the reader to execute a 16-inch quilt block in one or more of 27 full-size patterns, cut from paper first folded into halves, quarters or eighths. Organized as a text for a single reader or for a class of quilters, the book allows the faithful to advance from cutwork applique to folded rosebuds, stuffed berries, ruching and inked calligraphy. Each block is presented in color, as are four antique and four contemporary quilts. Sienkiewicz's very specific how-to instructions are verified by historical example--and one is always made aware not only of the evolution of the stitches, but also of the feelings that inspired them. Illustrations.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
A comprehensive guide to hand applique, including 21 Baltimore Album style blocks with basic details of perfect points, curves and invisible stitches.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing; 1st edition (August 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091488123X
• ISBN-13: 978-0914881230
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #308,506 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tutorial on Baltimore Applique methods, February 10, 1997

By A Customer

Elly Sienkiewicz presents a step-by-step lesson plan teaching applique methods. Each Baltimore album block builds on previously learned skills while incorporating new techniques. Even as a beginner quilter, I have quickly mastered each lesson while creating a beautiful quilt. This book is volume one of several books in an excellent series

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb instructions/photos of a true American artcraft, February 26, 1998

By A Customer

If I could, I'd give Elly Sienkiewicz a MacArthur prize for her unbelievable devotion to the applique quilt art, specifically the "Baltimore" style that blossomed more than a 100 years ago and continues to influence needle artists to this day. This book is no mere "how to" but a combination instructional and artistic guide of the highest caliber. If you want quick-and-easy applique, this book isn't for you. No do-it-in-a-weekend quilting here! But if you love intricate, absorbing applique art, and are stimulated by the challenge of needleworking techniques (both 19th century and contemporary), you will love this book.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended by the Accidental Quilter, April 8, 2001

By	Mary Z. Cox (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My love of Hawaiian quilting attracted me to this book and Baltimore album quilting. The instructions and patterns are clear and the designs are awesome. I particularly like the simpler patterns like double hearts, fleur-de-lis, and you are perfect (a pineapple design). I think it may be possible to machine applique as well as hand applique these designs. Of course, there are many intricate designs too--many that require rouched flowers and curved stems and intricate applique that I can only imagine being quilted by the most devoted. The directions on how to cut out the patterns with paper folding are clear and helpful. You could spend a lifetime making the quilts in this book--and what a beautiful life you'd have!