Southern Quilts: Celebrating Traditions, History, and Designs Review

Title:  Southern Quilts: Celebrating Tradition, History, and Designs
Author:  Mary W Kerr
Publisher:  Schiffer Publishing
Release Date:  April 28, 2018
Purchase Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  5 Quilted Hearts

*Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing for an arc of this book via Netgally.

Synopsis:

In more than 270 color images, hundreds of quilts, juxtaposed for the first time, celebrate and explore the South's rich quilting history. Quilt expert Mary W. Kerr joins 13 other textile historians to show why Southern quilts have a distinctiveness setting them apart, including factors like their patterns, use of tiny pieces, and specific color choices. Learn how the South's quilting traditions developed among all socioeconomic levels, and in communities such as African American, Scots Irish, and German. The use of cotton, the prominence of making-do aesthetics, and other characteristics are discussed, with in-depth looks at topics like feed sack use and tri-color quilts. Explore the classic patterns of Crown of Thorns, Whigs' Defeat, and Double Wedding Ring. Enjoy regional treasures like Texas Rattlesnake, the Shenandoah Valley Farmers Fancy, and many more. This compilation includes quilts from every Deep South state, offering commentary, examples, and insights.

My Review:

Rich in the tradition of the old South in which my grandmother and mother grew up, Southern Quilts is a beautiful treasure trove of hundreds of stunning quilts - all vividly brought to life in pictures and by the inclusion of many of the South's quilting traditions and the history accompanying them.  This is not a "how-to" book on quilting, but rather a book to be enjoyed and shared with others interested in vintage quilts and the history of their journey over time.  I especially liked the in-depth look at the materials used as Southern women learned to not only make-do, but turn out beautiful quilts from the materials available to them.  The patterns, colors, and quilting designs are unique and reminiscent of the time period . . . truly classic pieces of art and history.  Quilts that began as a way to keep family members warm at night evolved into beautiful works of art deserving of being showcased and handed down from generation to generation.  Years ago, most girls learned to quilt as a child as did I.  I was blessed with the opportunity to perfect my skills at the hands of my aunt who was an award winning, master quilter in our area.  I have never equaled her level of work, but pride myself on the quilts I have made just the same.  Quilting is truly a work of love as is, I suspect, this beautiful book of quilts.  A Must Read for both experienced and want-to-be quilters!

My Rating:  5 Quilted Hearts . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra