A Must Have

Amazing quilt...I love the use of color here and how the colors almost obscure the block structure. This is one of the quilts in the most recent addition to my quilt book collection, Amish Abstractions: Quilts from the Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown.

Lattice (crib quilt) ca. 1930 Haven, Kansas

I received Amish Abstractions from the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, in exchange for a review from a modern quilter’s perspective. Why would a modern quilter be interested in a book about Amish quilts? Could it be the quilts simplicity, dynamic use of color, superb craftsmanship, clean lines, and inventive uses of traditional blocks and patterns? I think so.
This book is a must have for any quilter looking to understand an important part of the history of quilting as well as those looking for inspiration for modern quilts. Amish Abstractions presents more than 75 quilts made in Amish communities in Pennsylvania and in the Midwest from the 1880’s to the 1940’s. While the quilts are spectacular on their own, the book, through essays written by noted quilt experts, also explores how Amish quilt making emerged and evolved within a deeply religious and highly structured community.

Double Wedding Ring ca. 1930 Ohio or Indiana

Though Amish quilts have a characteristic look, I was surprised to see the diversity and creativity that flourished within the confines of a community that values conformity over individualism. Joe Cunningham observed that quilt making could bring out “surprising eccentricity” and “a bold improvisational streak.” Those aren’t phrases that I would typically associate with Amish quilts, yet looking at the quilts in the book and reading about the community in which they were created allowed me to see the quilts with a fresh eye and better appreciate the artistry behind them.

Bars ca. 1910 Rebecca Zook, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

I especially enjoyed the third essay by Joe Cunningham, 'All in the Details: The Making of Amish Quilts'. Mr. Cunningham looks at the quilts in a unique way, comparing similar quilts in an attempt to reveal the “quirks and talents of their individual makers.” I felt in a small way that I was looking into the minds of these quilters, understanding their design choices and empathizing with their struggles.

I understand that the some of the quilts in the Brown’s collection are currently on exhibit in San Francisco until June. I would love to see these quilts in person and the book would be a perfect accompaniment to the exhibit. If you’re not close to the SF area, get the book anyway. You’ll learn, but more importantly, you’ll be inspired.