Quilted Planet: A Sourcebook of Quilts from Around the World

by Celia Eddy

Quilted Planet celebrates the evolution of a beloved folk art in America and around the world, displaying the eclectic influences that are present in today’s modern quilt designs. Gorgeously illustrated with more than 200 original examples from six continents, this cornucopia of quilting styles is an inspirational reference for historians, crafters, and quilters alike.

Never has it been more evident that quilting is the most culturally rich folk art being practiced today. From the earliest known quilt found in a Scythian chieftain’s tomb near Mongolia (circa 100 B.C. to 200 A.D.) to the hybrid designs of international contemporary works, quilting has mirrored the traditions, lifestyles, and social attitudes of people around the world for thousands of years. Quilted Planet celebrates the versatility of this timeless art form and what it has meant to various cultures by showcasing a wide range of quilt styles and techniques from across the globe.

As she delves into a cornucopia of eclectic quilting styles, Celia Eddy looks at how patchwork and quilting traditions have evolved independently by showcasing methods unique to regions from six continents. She also takes a close look at how these historical techniques are echoed continuously in the work of today’s quilt artists, demonstrating this art form’s enduring influence on contemporary textile arts. More than forty original techniques are highlighted, including those from the United States, Japan, India, Egypt, England, Ireland, France, and Sweden, each with a brief account of the history of specific quilting traditions, methods, and styles. Quilted Planet also includes explanations of the methods and techniques particular to certain regions, including French boutis, Victorian crazy patchwork, and Japanese sashiko, providing quilters with endless new ideas to experiment with and incorporate into their own work.

A gallery of contemporary quilts shows how modern-day artists transcend geographical borders in their use of new materials and techniques that superbly reiterate traditions of the past. With a comprehensive bibliography, exhaustive list of resources, and an introduction to basic techniques, Quilted Planet is the ideal reference and inspiration source for crafters, collectors, and historians alike.

Genres: Quilting, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jean Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delight; a wonderful window into quilts and quilted textiles from all over the world. The photos and text are great. My only complaint is that dimensions are not given and that, to me, is essential for proper study. I took notes and marked many pages to discuss with my small study group next time we meet. Within each geographical section both vintage and contemporary examples are featured. A few pages of basic tools and techniques at the end is nice but not particularly necessary for this type of book. Complete glossary, index, bibliography and more. A must for every textile enthusiast.

[Jonele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions and photographs. Not exhaustive, but a thorough overview. I will own this book.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book. Full color photos, analysis at beginning then for each country.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I returned to this book again recently ( as I have done a number of times since it was given to me as a retirement gift some six years ago). This time I was looking for some techniques for a project in which I am about to embark, my own knowledge and skill in embroidery has grow. Over the intervening years but I still found some inspiration and ideas.

The book's strength, as others have pointed out, lies in the range it covers. It is, as has also been pointed out, stronger on Europe and North America than other continents. Africa is particularly light on coverage. That's a pity, because I was hoping for some information about African amulets and fabric.

Nevertheless, I found some good information - and excellent photographs - in the Japanese and Indian sections. Molas were also well covered.

It is a big ask to cover the planet in this way. It isn't well balanced, but it is really useful - a step towards recognition of diverse traditions, commonality and transferable techniques.

I'm really grateful for such an inspired gift.

[jennifer]

i liked this as a sweeping survey, touching both historical context and methods, and tracing chains of influence. though it gives a lot more space to anglo/european countries. i can't tell if that's a distortion or if the quilting traditions of central and SE asia and south and central america are less, er, developed... i lean towards the former since the african american (and african!) section is also notably thin given what i know is out there. it's a survey, though, so i am probably being too tough.

highlights: korean pojagi (wrapping cloths), which are beautiful and starkly geometric; chintz quilts always; some of the specific adapative modes of quilting from the british north, wales, scotland, and ireland; a ralli-inspired art quilt by lynn setterington; and mary hannaford's quilts from australia, which are somewhat mythic and narrative, a thousand times over.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of quilting traditions around the world - bulk of coverage is Europe & North America (with Hawaiian quilts) but includes sections on Japan, Korea & India, Central America, Africa, Australia & New Zealand

[Slynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice overview of quilting traditions, both current and past, around the world. Lots of information as well as gorgeous photos.

[Catherine Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and inspiring, with quilts from around the globe and across the ages, including many contemporary pieces. Loved it. For anyone with an interest in fabric arts.