The Quilt: A History and Celebration of an American Art Form

by Elise Schebler Roberts, Jennifer Chiaverini (Foreword), Sandra Dallas (Contributor)

The story of the American quilt is the story of America itself, stitching together the history, hopes, and heartaches of a nation. From colonial to pioneer quilts, Civil War to Victorian crazy quilts, Depression-era quilts to quilts of the present day, this American craft speaks volumes about the changing world around us and the lives of the quilt makers who have pieced it together.

The largest, most comprehensive history of American quilts ever published, The Quilt explores the evolution of quilting in America. It shows, in vivid colors and patterns, how African American, Amish, Hawaiian, Hmong, and Native American quilts celebrate cultural identity, and how quilts connect us to one another through quilting bees and other community groups.

Author Elise Schebler Roberts also goes beyond the historical nature of quilts to cover current efforts at quilt preservation, with discussions of museums, collecting and appraising, and state documentation projects. Her book features an encyclopedia of favorite quilt styles, detailing the stories behind applique quilts, crazy quilts, art quilts, scrap quilts, sampler quilts, and whole-cloth quilts, as well as traditional patchwork patterns like the Nine Patch, Log Cabin, and Double Wedding Ring. The Quilt is gloriously illustrated with more than 200 full-color photographs of classic collectible quilts, close-up detail shots, current and historical photos of quilters, and vintage quilting memorabilia such as pattern booklets, advertisements, posters, postcards, and more.

Genres: Quilting, Sewing, History, Nonfiction

348 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a coffee table book about quilting, with little snips about history, nostalgia and other related quilting stuff. While some reviewers knock this book for the text, it doesn't read as if it was ever meant to be a scholarly book; instead the intent seems to be as an entertaining look into American quilting. So, rating the book as such, I like the pictures, stories, and snippets - and give it 4 stars. If you are looking for a more scholarly text into the exacting history of America quilting, look somewhere else.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of quilt styles in America throughout its history. Very inspirational!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info and pictures.

[Susanne E · Rating 1 out of 5]

The text gets 1 star, the pictures get 2-3. Terribly written and copy-edited but there are some nice antique quilts and photos of people sewing.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to learn about the history of quilting.