American Quiltmaking: 1970-2000

Today's new quilters have no idea of the primitive beginnings and early struggles of the modern quilt revival that began in the '70's. They will enjoy reading this book about the development of new products, fabrics, ideas and activities connected to quilting, which many take for granted. We "old timers" will recall these early days of a "new/old" movement in which many women and men, not knowing they had so much creativity within, surprised themselves with a new interest that forced it to the surface. Quilting is a rewarding activity that does not seem to wane and will probably develop more amazing surprises in the future.

As I read this book, I tried to imagine myself as a quilt historian and quilter in the year 2050. What came to mind was the wish that someone in the 1850s would have done the same thing for us. It was so much fun to read a history book about quilts that was describing an era I lived through. Eleanor Levie reveals wonderful tidbits and secrets through quotes, facts and interviews with quilters we all know and appreciate, who are pioneers in the revolution that began in the second half of the 20th century. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot and laughed many times. From start to finish, I related. I highly recommend you read this book and keep it on your shelf for reference. It will likely be a college textbook soon, as there is no other book like it. My sense is that it will be reprinted for decades to come.