An exquisite and authoritative look at four centuries of quilts and quilting from around the world Quilts are among the most utilitarian of art objects, yet the best among them possess a formal beauty that rivals anything made on canvas. This landmark book, drawn from the world-renowned collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, highlights the splendor and craft of quilts with more than 300 superb color images and details. Fascinating essays by two noted scholars trace the evolution of quilting styles and trends as they relate to the social, political, and economic issues of their time. The collection includes quilts made by diverse religious and cultural groups over 400 years and across continents, from the Mediterranean, England, France, America, and Polynesia. The earliest quilts were made in India and the Mediterranean for export to the west and date to the late 16th century. Examples from 18th- to 20th-century America, many made by Amish and African-American quilters, reflect the multicultural nature of American society and include boldly colored and patterned worsteds and brilliant pieced and appliquéd works of art. Grand in scope and handsomely produced, Four Centuries of Quilts: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection is sure to be one of the most useful and beloved references on quilts and quilting for years to come.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Quilts! Beautiful antique quilts and a workbook of patterns come together in this lavish photography book for quilters. The more than 30 featured quilts from the Wisconsin State Historical Society collection are displayed in period rooms at Old World Wisconsin, the Society's outdoor museum of German and Scandinavian farmhouses. Patterns and block layouts are provided for replicating each of the original quilts, and after seeing each of them in a true historical context, home sewers will be inspired to create their own versions.

"One of America's largest collections of quilts - containing almost 400 examples at the time of this publication and steadily growing - belongs to the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City. As it is a national, not a regional institution, the Museum does not restrict its collection by location, nor is it restricted by time period: The quilts have been made all over the country and range in date from the late-eighteenth to the late-twentieth century." "Until this publication, however, there has been no comprehensive guide to the Museum's quilts, almost all of which have been donated by collectors in the field. Highlights from the collection have been published and exhibited many times, but the purpose of this book is to provide an opportunity for quiltmakers, collectors, scholars, and others to explore the collection in depth. The comprehensive discussion of the quilts has been divided into eleven chapters that are illustrated with 141 color plates. This text is then followed by a catalog of the entire collection, which in turn contains forty-four black-and-white illustrations. Here, then, is a richly handsome and informative volume that will prove to be essential for all those fascinated by this category of American folk art."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This photographed book covers the historical panorama of quiltmaking in the United States, from the quintessential patterns to their cultural significance.--[Book jacket.].

Embark on a dazzling journey through the spectacular colors, rich textures, and treasured traditions of America's most spectacular quilts. Delve into a one-of-a-kind exploration of 65 glorious quilts hand-selected from the permanent collection of American-made quilts at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum - the largest public collection of quilts in the world. Treat yourself to a personal tour through this collection of rare gems. Each gorgeous quilt is a precious historic heirloom in its own right, highlighted in stunning, color-saturated photos. You'll be inspired and moved again and again by the breathtaking beauty, incredible workmanship, and ingenious artistry of America's quiltmaking tradition.

This significant catalog is a highly detailed look at the world’s most celebrated collection of red and white quilts. Like the Log Cabin or Baltimore-style, the red and white quilt is a hugely popular genre of quilting. Colorfast Turkey red dye became readily available in the mid-nineteenth century, so red and white quilts became extremely popular, due not only to the newness of the color but also because of the extremely vibrant and punchy contrasting color scheme. Featuring over 650 quilts from the past three centuries, this book is filled with the gorgeous and imaginative designs of feathered stars, diamonds, animals, oak leaves, baskets, lettering, and snowflakes, as well as fascinating examples of careful embroidery and appliqué. With inspiring handiwork, designs, and visual histories, this book exemplifies the sheer magnitude and poetry of red and white quilts and is a staple compendium of this beloved art form.