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A People And Their Quilts

Quilts are a reflection of the people who make, use, and cherish them through the years. John Rice Irwin has personally conducted interviews with hundreds of old-time quiltmakers, some of whom were over one hundred years old. Detailed photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize winner Robin Hood depict an opulent conglomeration of quilts, from the community quilt which became known as the Murder Quilt. More importantly, Irwin looks under the quilts, at the lives of the people who created and used them. He explores their ambitions and aspirations, their struggles and disappointments. From the young ladies of Salem Valley who pieced a quilt for the town's most eligible bachelor in the hope that one of them would sleep under it, to the retired physician who began quilting in his late sixties to fill his spare time, Irwin presents their stories with compassion and candor. This lavishly illustrated volume is a treasure trove of creative needlework, colorful anecdotes, and intriguing personal histories which will entertain readers of all ages.

Hardcover: 214 pages

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd (March 1997)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0916838870

ISBN-13: 978-0916838874

Product Dimensions: 1 x 9.8 x 12.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #528,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #131 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume #1458 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Quilts & Quilting

This book is superb & worth the extra effort to special order it. The author interviews women (and a few men) of Southern Appalachia, where quilting as a mainstay of life has never really gone out of fashion -- hence they've never had a quilting "revival" either. Photographs are gorgeous, and the stories about the people make you feel rooted to the land. One of the more intriguing stories is the "Hanging Elephant" quilt, which shows an applique block of an elephant being hung for the crime of killing a Tennessee man in 1916. The book is printed on heavy, high quality paper. Quilt history buffs and anthropologists will love this book. As for hobbyists, it's not a how-to book, but the photographs will furnish much inspiration and food for thought.

I bought this book while visiting Williamsburg with a friend. It so captured my attention that I had to read some of the stories to my companion. We were both quickly enthralled. I brought it back with me and introduced my quilting group to it. Several more copies sold the next day. The stories are heart warming. The photographs are incredible.The man who picked up quilting only after his wife passed. Well. Just amazing.The wedding quilt made in the late 1800s by friends and relatives of the bride. Awe inspiring.This book is not a "how to" book. But if you are interested in quilts, quilting and quilters, it is a must for your library.

I first discovered this book while visiting my Aunt in North Carolina. She had received it as a gift from a quilter friend.I read this book every night before falling asleep. I love this book so much that when I returned home from my vacation I bought a copy. I highly recomend this book. This is not another pattern book, it is not another glamorous glossy picture book. It IS a wonderfull adventure thru the mountain regions of Tennesse, appalacians and the old frontier. This book captures the history,lifestyle and dialect of a a hard working people.You will never look at your scrap bin the same way again. I have a renewed respect for every inch of cloth I own. We take so much for granted that to be immersed in a people who made primarily utilitarian quilts, and made them beautifully with REAL scraps is a humbling experience to read. I recomend this book to anyone interested in personal histories and real life images. This book should be in everyones library and when you have had enough of pretty picture books and endless patterns pick this book up and discover who you are in all of this.

This book isn't just about quilts and not just about people. This book is about how quilts helped a primitive Appalachian people survive the cold winters. Each quilt is not only described but the story of it's maker is told with it and why or how they made the quilt. There are amazing touching stories of survival throughout. A must read for collectors of quilts and for those who want to remember a past so different from today. Any Appalachian grandparent would treasure this book.

Must be one of the best books available recording quilts and their makers, family life in the Appalachians post depression era. A wealth of knowledge on everyday tack quilts as well as the best quilts handed down through family.

Loved this book and the stories of the people and how they lived. From the poor to the wealthy, they all found a way to bring a little color, warmth and light into their lives. The pictures are excellent and the stories are touching. One of the best I have found so far.

Once again, John Rice Irwin has captured the soul of the Mountain People of my home territory as only he can do. Reading his books is like going home and I will continue to purchase his books because it reminds me of my heritage.

There is something so special about these people. Aside from the quilts themselves, the stories of these resourceful, determined people will change the way you look at life. I keep this by my bed to read at night for inspiration and to remind myself of how lucky I am to have a warm house and can quilt for enjoyment at my leisure. If you read this, you will be amazed at how hard these people worked to eek out a living and pass these quilts down to others who would value them so much. Enjoy the stories and feel amazed!

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