Here is the blurb from the dust jacket:
Overlapping layers of the rich cultural heritage of our country are stitched into America's quilts. The history of quiltmaking flows with the current of the nation's economy, reflects the political environment, and echoes the drama of national and international crises. Quilts have never been simple, utilitarian bed covers; too much time and imagination goes into making a quilt for its function to take precedence over its creative form.
A pragmatic observer might expect that sewing machines, inexpensive blankets, or central heat would have brought about the demise of quiltmaking. But the art of quiltmaking has endured. The story of America, particularly of American women, is told with quilts, but it is the look and feel of America's quilts that make them the treasured blending of art and craft that people in this country have enjoyed for generations. For quiltmakers themselves quiltmaking is precious time spent with friends; it is creative time; and it is never seen as a waste of time. A finished quilt is always cherished and often shared; it is a reflection of what is best about American life-caring, skill, and ingenuity.
Today's American quiltmakers are creating an astounding variety of truly remarkable quilts. Some skilled quilters craft exquisite traditional quilts; others concentrate on elaborate art quilts that blend needlework with other media or use traditional techniques to make uniquely personal statements. America's Quilts introduces you to 75 of America's best quilters and quilting collectives. The quilts they produce are as varied as the quiltmakers themselves, and they all share a commitment to carrying on the tradition of American quiltmaking.
The quiltmakers included in America's Quilts are incredibly skilled at their craft. But each quilter is ,unique in the way in which she or he uses the techniques of quiltmaking. Many quilters explore the traditional themes of geometric patterns and flowers; others make quilts that interpret new themes, such as architecture, humor, or personal imagery. All of these quilters experiment with color and pattern. Many paint or dye the fabric they use in their quilts; some use only antique or handmade fabrics. The standard rectangular format of traditional quilts inspires some quilters to find unique ways to organize patterns and images within its prescribed shape, but other quilters are challenged to make quilts in new shapes and sizes, to make two-sided quilts, or to break out of the rectangle in other dynamic ways.
Since colonial times, quilts have been in our homes, warming us, comforting our -children, giving us joy as we make and share them, and helping us remember our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. They have witnessed the good times and bad times for our families and our country. Quilts are the pieced records not only of the clothes we wear, the kinds of fabrics we like, and our favorite colors, but also of our values and our dreams. Today, quilts are as much a part of American life as ever, whether they are on a frame in the process of being quilted, tucked away safely in a closet,, hanging proudly on a living room wall, or keeping us warm at night.
| Price | $9.50 |
|---|---|
| Shipping & Handling | $4.00 |
| Total | $13.50 |
