Shadow Quilts: Easy-to-Design Multiple Image Quilts (Paperback)

~ Donna Ingram Slusser (Author), Patricia Maixner Magaret (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Authors Patricia Maixner Magaret and Donna Ingram Slusser both confess to a lifelong fascination with shadows dating back to shadowplay in early childhood. Naturally, this attraction eventually found its way into their quilts, adding an inventive element to otherwise traditional patterns. Shadow quilts, they explain, combine several visual layers of images to create a design. The smaller individual blocks compose one layer, while the shadow layer is a large motif that hovers in the background of the smaller blocks. Like an optical illusion, this shadow image is not immediately apparent but rewards the careful viewer gradually. Thus, for instance, an autumn leaves quilt consisting of 24 multicolored blocks of similar leaf designs camouflages a huge golden leaf residing behind them. The seemingly complex designs become quite attainable in the authors' capable hands; good directions and photographs ensure that anyone with a working knowledge of traditional piecing and a dose of patience can create these enchanting designs. --Amy Handy

Product Description

Dramatic multi-layer images and sleight-of-hand techniques are shown in this truly original quilting book in which nine inventive projects progress from easier to more complex patterns, featuring lively shadow effects in both small and large scale.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing; 1st Ed 2nd Pr edition (March 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571200932
• ISBN-13: 978-1571200938
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #983,285 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Color and Geometry in Tradition Quilting, May 3, 2000

By A Customer

Maxiner and Slusser lead the quilting world in structure and color with this new book. The quilts in the full-color photographs are stunning. The author/quilters have once again shown their artistic abilities. Quilting is an American tradition, but the authors have moved this tradition to a higher level in their choice of color placement and geometric patterns. In this book, they show that quilting is no longer just a process of using what is left to create a practical item. We can no longer envision quilters hand-sewing squares of scraps together to create a necessity. The authors of this book use up-to-date methods and tools. They have created beautiful works of art that are methodically thought out and carefully pieced and, as are traditional quilts, sure to become heirlooms. A beautiful book!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Traditional Creativity, May 26, 2001

By	Carol H. Miller (www.Quilt University.com) - See all my reviews

It is no surprise to discover that Patricia is a methodical, organized designer while Donna is a "what if" sort of person. They have blended these two approaches perfectly in Shadow Quilts. The concept is that you begin with a traditional block and layer it over a shadow version of itself (or even another block). The shadow is formed by making the block appear in the background in a different fabric. The first half of the book is devoted to exploring the possibilities and explaining the concept so that you can go out and create your own Shadow Quilt. The second half contains 9 projects so you can have your hand held until you are ready to fly on your own. Their writing style is entertaining and easy to read. There are numerous sections with detailed instructions for techniques such as adding a sleeve or hand painting your fabric. If you are looking for a way to be more inventive and want a little guidance, this is a good place to start.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for learning to do transparencies, June 1, 2009

By	Joya Johnson "Joya Johnson" (Huntington, West Virginia) - See all my reviews

I ordered this book because I'm interested in learning to create the illusion of transparency in my own quilts. I found it an excellent resource for this process and would highly recommend it for anyone else who is interested in achieving this type of process in their work.