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The "Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns" is a hugely valuable resource for quilting pattern identification. Quilt historians will appreciate the span of its contents greatly. The author is credited with over twenty years researching the topic, and her expertise is quite evident. Originally published between 1979 and 1984 as eight volumes, this edition contains the information in a single volume. The condensed version allows for easy identification of quilts based on a design's appearance or pattern name. Patterns may even be located by characteristics if the appearance is unknown. A considerable time span is covered in this book. Patterns featured in the "Encyclopedia" were published between 1830 to as recently as 1970. Entries for each design include the date of the first known publication, which provides a helpful frame of reference. The book's organization focuses upon usability. A key for locating patterns is conveniently included in the book's first few pages. The extensive range of patterns is sorted into 25 categories. An overview page specifying characteristics common to all designs within a group prefaces each category section. Individual designs are numbered and illustrated by a small black and white drawing. Designs are keyed by name and cite their first-known publication source. Features
- Hardcover: 552 pages Pros : The "Encyclopedia" is a fine reference book. It's organization and the inclusion of an extended table of contents, index and bibliography are particularly useful for quilt historians seeking further information or material for additional research. Quilters will appreciate the ease with which designs may be identified. The book is organized so that quilting patterns may be easily identified if the appearance, but not the name, is known. There is a wide selection of patterns included in the "Encyclopedia". Featuring over 4,000 designs, the book provides exhaustive coverage of the subject. Cons : The book's focus is clearly upon pieced designs. Although pieced patterns that include some appliqué are included, the reverse is not the case. Appliqué designs that include some piecing are not featured at all. Readers should understand this book is reference material. There are no patterns or piecing instructions included at all. The "Encyclopedia" is intended to simplify quilt identification rather than construction. Although the book presents the publication history of quilt designs, it goes no further. Details of a pattern's history are limited to the derivation of its name. Those seeking information on the patterns within the context of history, or an explanation of a pattern's evolution may find the "Encyclopedia" lacking. Although each pattern notation includes a visual element, the graphics do not provide a bounty of information. The graphics in this book are basic black and white illustrations. Shading is used to indicate light and dark patches, but no color used. The images are rather small, making visualization of blocks in a finished quilt rather challenging. Related : More Book Reviews
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