Recreate beautiful antique quilts from the pioneer days of the 1850s to the wartime 1940s--and preserve the stories they tell about America's quilting heritage. Twenty antique quilts are pictured in detailed color photos with fascinating information about each of the originals in their era. Complete, photo-filled instructions explain how to make yesterday's quilts with today's fabrics, techniques, and materials. The projects have been expertly chosen by one of the world's leading authors, publishers, and lecturers on the history of needlework. Among her selections: Chimney Sweep Variation, developed by quilters with only small pieces of fabric available; the Double Wedding Ring, a gift quilt from the 1820s; and Jacob's Ladder, another pattern drawn from the farm home scrap basket.

An illustrated guide to needlecrafts features information on the necessary equipment and materials, techniques, and step-by-step instructions for attractive, practical projects, including scarves, blankets, sweaters, and rugs.