Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook

by Kyra E. Hicks

One million African Americans spend approximately $118 million annually on quilting. Some believe that recent studies of oral histories telling of the role quilting played in the Underground Railroad have inspired African Americans to take up their fabric and needles, but whatever the reason, quilters like Faith Ringgold, Clementine Hunter, Winnie McQueen, and many others are keeping the African American traditions of quilting alive. This is the first comprehensive guide to African American quilt history and contemporary practices. It offers over 1,700 bibliographic references, many of them annotated, covering exhibit catalogs, books, newspapers, magazines, dissertations, films, novels, poetry, speeches, works of art, advertisements, patterns, greeting cards, auction results, ephemeral items, and online resources on African American quilting. The book also includes primary research done by the author on the Internet usage of African American quilters, a listing of over 100 museums with African American made quilts in their permanent collections, a directory of African American quilting groups in 29 states, and a detailed timeline that covers 200 years of African American quilting and needle arts events.

Genres: Quilting, Reference

260 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2002

Reviews

[ij · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains bibliographic references on African-American quilting and textiles. It is a bit dated, but is a good starting point for anyone wishing to research this subject.

Reference only.

[Gwen Humphries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sourcebook for information on African American Quilting. I found it to be a great resource.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resources for research.