Americana Quilts
By Sandy Bonsib
That Patchwork Place
Sandy Bonsib says that she "always made quilts" just
because she "loved making them." But as she made quilt after quilt for this book,
she discovered that she "was able to work through the sadness and enjoy making
quilts as an expression of my pride and patriotism,” following the September 11th
tragedy.
In "Americana Quilts," Sandy defines what Americana means,
what symbolizes it, and where it came from. It is true American Folk Art consisting
of expression in many objects, from trade signs, dolls, baskets, weathervanes,
textiles and more. She includes great descriptions and some pictures from a wonderful
Folk Art collection. "We associate certain colors with Folk Art." Sandy then goes
on to describe the colors and fabrics that make up the Americana and Folk Art
Palette before going into the ten projects she has created. It is a very nice
introduction to this world of Folk Art.
In the wonderful manner of all Martingale & Company books,
the illustrations are beautifully done, both for the photos of the quilts and the
diagrams for construction. Each quilt has wonderful photos that show the rich colors
and also the quilting designs very well. She also includes some quiltmaking basics
to help you complete the designs.
One of my favorites is the "Patriotic Folk Art Animals"
quilt that includes a clever chicken, horse, and dog with flag bodies. They are fun,
whimsical, and are running along the top edge of another flag. Who couldn't resist
making one of them?
The circular flags in "What Goes Around, Comes Around,"
are unique. Floating on a background of blue sky with cloud-like fabrics in the
background, this makes a neat contemporary version of a flag quilt.
Sandy Bonsib shows us variation on a wonderful theme in a
clear and concise manner. This is a book to add to your personal or guild library.
Look for this book at your favorite quilt shop!
Publisher Name: Martingale & Company: That Patchwork Place
Publisher Address: 20205 144th Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
Publisher Phone: 1-800-426-3126
Publisher Website:
www.martingale-pub.com
Author Website:
www.sandybonsib.com
©2004 Dori Hawks (Reviewer)
www.theQuilterCommunity.com
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