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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Book Review: A People and Their Quilts

I really try to be one of those~
'If you don't have anything nice to say,
don't say anything at all." 
That being said, if I say I think this is good, I really do:)
I have read & used plenty of shallow, unorganized, 
or low quality books and patterns, but
try to keep them to myself unless asked or
guiding someone who is new to the art.
Nothing is more discouraging than trying something
for the first time and not having quality &/or complete instructions. 
I happened across this over-sized book.
And I know better than to judge a book by its cover,
buuuut....
I was so taken with the woman on the cover (Opal,)
I checked it out.
I did read the book summary:)
It features people from & living in the Appalachia Mountains
and their connection to quilts.
It is not a pattern book, but some of
the antique quilts featured - 
that had no pattern,
are absolutely amazing.
This book was published in 1983 so some of the clothes
 that people are wearing are a bit of a flash-back.
One lady interviewed was 100 years old at that time,
which means she was born in the 1880's.
Hearing their stories is something we have no way
of acquiring today.
It was not only a good read from a quilter's point of view,
but from a humanitarian and historian point of view.
I am truly thankful for all I have.
I am certain that a good majority of the people interviewed
and featured are gone now & their quilts
passed to another generation.
A book well worth the read.

The author is/was the founder of the
Museum of Appalachia
which is mentioned several times throughout the book.
The museum has become a success as well.
If you live in that area, you might plan a day trip.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches


2 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! What a lovely blog you have! I came to say thank you for the nice comments you left for me on my blog and now here I am, eagerly awaiting a few free moments to sit here and go through the archives!

    I love old quilts, I love old lace and quite frankly, I'm addicted to most vintage things! I think we have a few things in common! Pam

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  2. My Grandmother, Eva Mae Clawson, if featured and interviewed in this book. She quilted for age 17 to age 93. She died with pieces cut for another quilt that she was able to finish. She thought she had quilted about 1200 in her lifetime.

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