Quilts and Quilting

Since 1983 Threads magazine has examined the many forms of sewn work by offering its readers practical how-to directions, and this book collects 29 of these from the magazine. Refreshingly, the author of each seeks to create a ``personal'' textile, often breaking away from traditional patchwork. One creates each of her quilt patterns by painting a picture, then taking scissors to her canvas. Another uses a computer as an automated sketch pad to generate surprising quilt blocks, settings and colorations. A third designs over an unconventional grid (65, say, instead of 60 or 90), producing ``blocks'' with jagged edges that interlock to produce a surface full of movement and mystery Unusually flamboyant embroidery characterizes the crazy quilts featured. Another author describes the liberating effect of using the sewing machine with its feed dog disengaged: you can stitch line drawings by moving the fabric around. The unique cultural traditions of the Amish, Seminole Indians, Hawaiians and African Americans are shown to be related; making a Japanese-style futon is presented as a weekend project. Suggestions for using pieced work in clothing are offered. Altogether, this is a stimulating book for anyone who has made a few quilts. Photos not seen by PW. (Mar.)