Great American Quilts 1993

This book is well laid out with photo inspirations of the many finished projects, cut lists, paper templates with seam allowances, diagrams for assembly, and detailed instructions. In particular, I like the cover quilt project which looks like a pinwheel block with shading that creates added depth and dimension. Another popular project is the "Ocean Waves" Amish-style quilt, which has an illusion quality (triangles which create a detailed trellis), but with larger solid blocks between, giving the eyes a rest. Several smaller projects at the back have no directions, but I like the landscape of the "Barns" quilt, showing the reflection in the lake.

I have been collecting these Great America Quilt books since the very beginning. They are highly treasured among the quilt books I own. I enjoy the variety of quilts from first quilts to quilts from very experienced quilt makers. They are all beautiful photographed and the color just leaps out from the pages. Patterns are included for most and sometimes actually quilting motifs are included. What I love most about this book is that it covers a range of quilters all over the country. I enjoy seeing the photographs of each quilter, but most of all I enjoy reading the stories as to how they began quilting or what inspired that particular pattern or the history behind the quilt. My particular favorite are quilts begun a generation(s) before and finally ended up being finished by the current generation. Can you imagine what treasures those quilts are? Also included in this book are quilts done by Bee Quilters. This book is a wonderful way to become inspired for your next project or just enjoy the quilts for 19993.