Old-Fashioned Appliqu Quilt Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)

About this book

By the end of the 19th century the homemade quilt had achieved the status of bona fide art form. The most prized examples were done in the appliqu style: colored pieces of fabric were sewn onto a white muslin background in intricate patterns or patchwork. Then the entire piece was stitched together with batting and backing. The result was a "show" quilt prized for its beauty and unusual design. This volume features over 40 splendid examples of turn-of-the-century appliqu quilt designs a unique resource and an inspiration for designers artists illustrators and needleworkers. Many patterns have robust histories dating back to colonial times. Others are more recent variations or embellishments of time-honored themes. Choose from a wealth of traditional motifs: pineapples oak leaves baskets cardinals wreaths roses as well as such perennially popular patterns as "Old Town Pump" and "Priscilla Alden." Graphic artists and craftspeople will find this book a valuable reference while colorists will enjoy adding rich hues to a treasury of favorite patterns.