 | |||||||||||
From a time of great hardship and frugality came a collection of practical, yet beautiful quilt designs. While many farmwives' source of income were eggs collected from their chickens during the Depression, often this money was spent on fabrics for what has come to be known as "Egg Money Quilts". Eleanor Burns, of "Quilt in a Day" fame, spent over a year in planning, testing and writing this homage to Depression Era quilts. This is neither a basic pattern book or an extensive review of quilt history. Instead, "Egg Money Quilts" bears Eleanor's distinct, welcoming touch. She's filled this book with family stories, recipes and pictures to make the text and the time period come alive. Readers can appreciate the beauty of quilt patterns that also filled a practical need within their historical context. "Egg Money Quilts" is a beautifully organized book loaded with information. Eleanor has provided sample quilts, her easy to follow step by step instructions and illustrations, yardage and cutting charts, and fabric selection guides. Quilters who have never attempted these blocks before will greatly appreciate the labor saving quilt construction and sewing techniques for which Eleanor is well known. Techniques used in this book's projects include English paper piecing, template use, accurate rotary cutting, and appliqué While there is an assortment of twelve blocks featured, "Egg Money Quilts" also includes information for using the patterns in various sized projects. There is a wealth of information and appealing photographs to get anyone's creative spirit moving. Quilters will get a great deal of use from this book. Among the Depression Era blocks included are Dresden Plate, Double Wedding Ring, Garden Walk and Grandmother's Flower. Features
- Spiral Bound: 239 pages Pros : The book's spiral binding is very convenient for quilters. Pages lay flat for easy access while you work. The cardboard templates included in the book are pretty handy. They punch out easily, so no scissors are required, and they are sturdy enough to be usable. The choice to include two styles of sampler quilt layouts is very helpful. While one is based upon twelve inch squares, the other uses blocks of varying sizes. This is a nice touch, and an effective springboard for creativity in your own Depression Era inspired designs. "Egg Money Quilts" features Eleanor Burn's famous teaching style. Her instructions are easy to follow. Techniques save time and labor, and make these projects a joy to try. Quilters may feel more inclined to try new patterns, as Eleanor breaks the process down into manageable steps. Cons : Although "Egg Money Quilts" focuses on a historical quilt form, this book may not suit the tastes of quilt historians. It is more of a practical guide to the construction and appreciation of Depression Era quilts rather than a study in their historical significance. Related : More Book Reviews
|
| ||||||||||