Books to Collect
Quilt Books Worth Collecting
A quilter’s library is a treasured collection of books that include patterns, history, photographs, memories, new techniques, and traditional quilting. Each book tells a story or recounts history, but it is in the library for a reason—it spoke to the quilter. In your traveling and antiquing, take time to look for fabulous old books.
New York Beauties: Quilts from the Empire State
By Jacqueline M. Atkins and Phyllis A. Tepper
Published by Dutton Studio Books, an imprint of Penguin Books USA Inc.
Copyright Museum of American Folk Art, 1992
At first glance through the pages of this historical account of American quilts from the Empire State, you will experience more than 200 photographs that will make any quilter who enjoys the history of quilts swoon. Quilts represented in this book come from 39 different counties in the state of New York, making it a marvelous compilation of quilts dated from as early as the 1700s through to about 1940.
Author Phyllis Tepper, having an interest in the history and culture of her native state, was encouraged to examine the quilts of New York, igniting the New York Quilt Project. Experts were gathered for field work and scholarly research, and quilts were called for by hosting public Quilt Days across the state, during which they were photographed and documented.
We encourage you to look for this marvelous book as both inspiration as well as to learn more about the early quilts of America while absorbing the stories of relationships within families and communities through social history.
America’s Quilts and Coverlets
By Carlton Safford and Robert Bishop
Published by Bonanza Books, 1985
This 313-page book illustrates and discusses the beautiful bedcoverings created by generations of women, showcasing simple designs as well as masterpieces.
Many of the quilts presented are wholecloth, meaning they are one color with the quilting stitches creating the design. There are great details on the techniques used to create these lovely quilts.
It is interesting to study the perfectly placed designs in these quilts. There were amazing sewists 1700s and 1800s. You can see the precision and exactness in the pieced tops. Not only is it a learning experience, but this book inspires quilters to make the quilts they love accurately.
Favorite motifs include stars, trees, baskets, and flowers. The go-to for so many quilters is the patchwork quilt made from colorful scraps and remnants. Appliqué was also a popular technique. This book will be a book to refer to often.
American Quilts and How to Make Them
By Carter Houck & Myron Miller
Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1975
Whether you love to make quilts or simply enjoy looking at them, this book is for you. The antique quilts are photographed in period settings. They were made in the 1700s to 1800s and have been preserved for generations to enjoy.
There are 57 patterns in this book along with photographs of the quilt. The various sewing techniques are illustrated as methods used when these quilts were made. There is a variety of quilt designs and patterns, making this an inspirational guide for creating your own version, if you don’t want to make a duplicate quilt. Choosing antique reproduction fabric would be enjoyable. Trying to find a close match to the original would be like a scavenger hunt in a fabric store! This book is very informative and is a pleasure to read. The quilt patterns are a wonderful addition.