Colonial Applique: Inspirations from Early America

Sheila Wintle has taken some old early American designs, enhanced with her own artistic spin and appliqued a delicious assortment of quilts! Her used of bold colors and modern fabric designs do not take away from the colonial designs. This is one of my favorite books because her flair for applique/quilting is altogether different than what is typical. Though most of her 13 pictured quilts are smaller lap or wall size, my favorite, her "Carnation and Acanthus Leaf" (pictured on cover) is near full size. The colors are rich and luscious and the medallion design is cleverly put together by using the acanthus leaf to surround the carnation blooms in a wreath style. The plus in this book is that Ms. Wintle took the time to give beginners directions on applique, quilting, the purchase of supplies, fabrics, how to make stems, border treatments, mixing and matching patterns and fabrics, and consistently offers valuable personal tips that most don't consider. Her various ideas for pieced and appliqued borders enable anyone to enlarge the quilt designs. The patterns are fresh and lovely, so that even a seasoned quilter will find inspiration. A must for any quilter's library.