Friendship's Offering: Techniques and Inspiration for Writing on Quilts
Not more how-to books on quilting! But wait, both Horton and McKelvey have innovative approaches. McKelvey revives a Victorian fad for the modern quilter. The fashion for inscribing quilts with expressions of friendship, love, and remembrance became popular after the development of new indelible writing inks in the mid-1830s. Here a brief history of album and friendship quilts is given and techniques and supplies are recommended. Details further relate how to embellish handwriting and how to design with medallions and wreaths. Over 100 sentimental phrases are listed. This is a title for the experienced quilter who wants to re-create the sentimentality and elegance of Victorian times. Usually quilters are cautioned to avoid using plaid and striped fabrics in their creations, but Horton feels that by understanding the subtle nuances of directional fabrics, design compositions of great visual interest can be achieved. She discusses weaves, patterns, symmetrical and asymmetrical plaids, calm versus busy differences in pattern, as well as size and mood of the print. This artistic license is then applied to traditional pieced, utility, log cabin, African-American, applique, and contemporary quilts. The novice may be scared off, but the adventurous will be intrigued. As demonstrated by Quilt San Diego, an international, juried quilt exhibit on view this spring at the Museum of San Diego History, contemporary quilters combine tradition with innovation. Some 877 entries from 11 foreign countries and all 50 states were submitted. Visions contains 83 of these quilts with modern interpretations of traditional designs and techniques. Each page of this catalog contains a color photograph of the quilt accompanied by a personal statement by its creator. Through the medium of fabric and uninhibited use of color, these artists display a vision of art and design trends of the 1990s. Public libraries should consider these for their quilting patrons.- Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., N.J.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.