Publisher Description

The blue-and-white quilt is one of the most desired antiques, and many can still be found in good condition. Learn the history of blue fabrics used during the 19th century, from the first production of indigo fabrics through the invention of the sewing machine, and up to the development of synthetic dyes in the late 1800s. Get inspired to design and create your own heirlooms, stitching up 15 historically accurate reproduction quilts from traditional blocks.

Author Biography

Annette Plog began sewing early. In 1997, she joined a quilting group with a focus on making antique quilts from reproduction fabrics. Annette loves photography, gardening, running, antiquing, and watching her grandkids. She lives in Texas with her husband, Jim.

Table of Contents

Introduction A Quick Fabric Color Study Sewing Basics Early Blue Projects: 1840 and Earlier Prussian Blue Four-Patch Strippy Hourglass Colonial Pinwheels Indigo Lane Cambridge Table Square Mid-Century Projects: 1840-1870 Steps to the Altar Vicksburg Stars Sawtooth Squares French Blue Flowerpots Petite Pinwheels Late Century Projects: 1870-1900 Prairie Sky Nine-Patch Westward Ships Bows and Ties Homespun Plaid Table Topper Dot, Dot, Dash About the Author

Review

Quilts have a history and a tradition that can be brought up to date in contemporary style. Most quilts have a story, the quilts in this book hail from the American Civil War Years. The book is an education in quilt history, a lesson in bringing tradition into modern quilting and is also about all things blue. Blue is one of my favourite colours and you might be thinking blues and white or contemporary blue gradations, but think again. You'll find 15 wonderful reproduction quilts honouring an age-old tradition. The book helps you identify 19th century fabrics and discusses the designs. Sewing basics are included. The instructions are very clear and have excellent photographs and drawings. -- Karen Platt * yarnsandfabrics.com *

Long Description

The blue-and-white quilt is one of the most desired antiques, and many can still be found in good condition. Learn the history of blue fabrics used during the 19th century, from the first production of indigo fabrics through the invention of the sewing machine, and up to the development of synthetic dyes in the late 1800s. Get inspired to design and create your own heirlooms, stitching up 15 historically accurate reproduction quilts from traditional blocks.

Review Quote

There is something timeless about traditional blocks and colours, and this book is perfect evidence of that. The author has grouped the projects into three eras--1840s and earlier, 1840-1870, and 1870-1900. She provides historical information about the prints and dyes for the fabrics, then she identifies the kinds of blocks that were popular at that time. Although brief, this trip into the past is interesting and shows what was popular all those years ago continues to be popular today. The photos are clear and there are plenty of diagrams and instructions to make the process successful for both the experienced and beginner quilter. This is a book for people who love piecing, reproduction fabrics, and the look of tried and true designs and colourways.

Details