Wisconsin Quilts: Stories in the Stitches

by Ellen Kort

A gorgeous visual sampling of quilts produced by Wisconsin women over the past two centuries, featuring color photos of many privately held heirlooms. Produced in association with the Wisconsin Quilt History Project, this book offers a rare and intimate glimpse at these tangible pieces of our past.

Genres: Quilting

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Nann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful quilts and wonderful stories of their makers.

[Jean Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start my review with my favorite story from the book as I especially love these personal 'stories' handed down through families.
Ellen Dopp began an intricately pieced quilt in 1880. By 1895 she had 23 blocks done. She passed away and the blocks were put into a trunk given to her only daughter. The trunk was passed on to Her son when she died and he later gave it to HIS son. In 1940 HE gave the trunk to his niece (great-grand-daughter of the original maker)This niece kept the trunk until SHE retired from teaching and when she opened it she began to make a quilt from the blocks. It was an original design incorporating 18 of the original blocks into a family tree; a spectacular and unique design honoring the family legacy. She completed the quilt in 1985, five years after she began it and over 100 years after Ellen began! ( p 77-78 if you care to look it up)
One of many state documentation books, this book showcases quilts selected from among over 7,000 quilts documented in Wisconsin between 1987 and 1996. Quilts for the book were chosen based on story (provenance), visual appeal and historical significance. Wonderful color photos of the quilts, the makers and other ephemera related to quilting is enhanced by well written, interesting text. Chapters feature quilts by the date they were made from statehood (1848)to the present time. "Quilts are a important part of history and help define women's place historically, socially, economically and politically."

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book showing some of the historical quilts of Wisconsin and the women that made them. From the territorial days of pioneer women to the 1940'sish. There are little tidbit bios of the who, why and what they made and who owns them now. Nice photographs of the quilts and most had photos of the quiltmaker and/or family. Also the patterns that evolved over the time periods.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about the history of quilts and the women who made them. This book is a well illustrated history of some of the quilts which make up Wisconsin's heritage.
Definitely recommended to those who are interested in quilting and history.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this kind of book, combining two passions of mine, quilts and history... not to mention reading of course. The author relates the stories of the quilt makers as well as discussing patterns and period fabrics. Interesting book indeed.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for researching Wisconsin quilt history.