Before creating their quilts, the authors asked each other "what if". What if vintage Amish quilts contained applique? What if Amish quilters were free to make quilts of any color? The quilts in this book illustrate their answers to those questions. The ladies stripped away the boundaries normally seen in Amish quilts, while retaining the wonderful color play and heavy quilting that Amish quilts are so famous for for.
General Instructions
The book's general instructions walk you through materials choices, including an explanation of each item and what it's used for. The authors offer advice for choosing colors -- and I like their style, because they aren't afraid to say "anything goes". The general quiltmaking instructions aren't long, but they cover the information you need to stitch the quilt.
Ms. Goldsmith and Ms. Jenkins discuss applique techniques in a separate part of the book, giving you plenty of choices to help you find the method that's right for you. Numerous step-by-step photographs illustrate exactly what's required to assemble and sew quilt components.
The Quilting Patterns
There are ten patterns in Amish Inspired Quilts. You'll find lots of applique, lots of Wow! color combinations and plenty of heavy quilting in open spaces. Don't worry if you're into piecing, because there are several pieced patterns to choose from, too. The Baskets quilt is one of my favorites. Its double nine-patch blocks are straight set at the quilt's center and surrounded by a wide border filled with colorful baskets.
The asymmetrical quilt designs are stunning, and and a few could be categorized as contemporary art quilts.
Beginning quilters will find patterns that aren't too difficult for a first quilt. I think seasoned quilters will be inspired by the combination of shapes and colors that create visual texture on the solid fabrics.
Overall Impression
Amish Inspired Quilts is itself inspiring. The color combinations reach out and grab you -- and include those little color surprises we so often see in Amish quilts.
It's an excellent book, so be sure to take a look at it if you have the chance.
