Pieces of the Past

The author provides us with a history of quilt genres, accompanied by beautiful color photographs and full size pattern pieces of select quilts. The text is well researched and gives the reader an understanding of the political and social influences that led to the development of different quilt styles. The author also gives a bit of detail to accompany each quilt photograph, which I found fascinating. The contemporary quilts, created by the author and colleagues, are models using traditional patterns; not the free form, machine quilted exercises that are currently in vogue among some quilt artists. This book should be in the library of both the novice and experienced quiltmaker. The "Wow" factor is very motivating.

I have been a quilter for more than 20 years now. At first I taught myself how to cut fabric and piece it together, but in the eighties more and more books came on the market, and I could learn new techniques all the time.When you quilt you also want to read about quilt history, and among alot of great books on the market Pieces of the Past by Nancy J. Martin is a treasure.Nancy J. Martin knows what she is talking about when she talks about quilt. A quilter and collector for years she is one of the women in USA that knows most about both old and new quilts. She and her husband were the founders of That Patchwork Place, a "book paradise" for quilters.Pieces of the Past has three parts. The first part is about history of qults patterns, colors and fabric in the United States. The second part, written by Martin's friend Marsha McCloskey show us how to make contempraru quilts, and the third part is a pattern collection of many traditional quilts.This book is helpful for both new quilters and more advanced ones. It is filled with photos of old and new quilts, and is a treasure for every quilters home and book shelf.Britt Arnhild Lindland

Pieces of The Past by Nancy J. Martin, is a comprehensive history of quilt patterns, their creators and periods, along with practical guidance for the serious quilter of all ability levels. It features excellent photographs and clear, concise instructions, patterns, templates and advice on how to create original heirlooms for your own family or for posterity. A must have for any lover of quilts or quilting! This ranks as one of the best quilt books ever published.