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One of the things that I enjoy about the farmhouse that we’re renting now is the old quilts that our landlord has collected over the years. Looking at them has inspired me to create my own.
I recently received a nice book that has everything I need for making creative quilts for the house that we just bought (pictures coming up tomorrow!). The book that I’m talking about is Improvising Tradition by Alexandra Ledgerwood.
I like what the author wrote in the introduction:
That’s exactly the way I want to create my quilts. It is more fun when you have room for improvisation. Isn’t the pillow below beautiful? I love its simplicity and clean lines.
Alexandra’s book shows you how to build quilts on traditional techniques, incorporating elements of improvisation and identifying ways to personalize your work. Her step by step directions are very easy to understand. I appreciate that since I’ve never made a quilt before.
This book includes eighteen projects, such as coasters, a table runner, a bed set, and more. I can’t wait to start sewing and playing. But first I need to order the supplies. If you enjoy the idea of having freedom in the process of creating quilts, then you will love Alexandra’s book as much as I do. The book is available here and here you can visit the author’s blog to learn more about her.
Have a great day!
Elsita 🙂
Elsa, such a wonderful plan for your new home. I love the direction of the book, for it is in improvising that our own creativity blossoms. I think you will really enjoy the process of quilting. Many years ago I was a quilter myself, at a time when artists opened up the traditions and created many new and surprising works. Quilt National at the Dairy Barn in Ohio was born. At the time, I was home with my little daughter, and used her drawings to design several quilts. Later I joined Susan Shie’s Green Quilt movement which focused on stitching healing energy into quilts. But that is my story, it was story quilts which I made. I’m excited for you that you’ll be trying this, and look forward to seeing what you create! Susan
Great to hear that, Susan! I think that I am going to fall in love with quilting. For a long time I have been admiring what crafters do in that area and it seems like a wonderful path to explore. Looking forward to it!
Elsa 🙂
Elsa Mora recently posted..Improvising Tradition. A Book by Alexandra Ledgerwood.
Hi Elsa,
I enjoyed reading your post about quilt making since as I wrote to you previously I am a textile artist specializing in art quilts. I was exposed to quilt making over 35 years ago from my grandmother making very traditional patterns using templates and lots of measuring but through the years, thanks to a very talented artist in Michigan named Gwen Marston, I was introduced to the idea of “liberated” quilting which totally changed my quilt world! I am actually just now finishing up a piece to exhibit in a small art show in nearby Monterrey in the Berkshires next week. Now that you live in NY, the next time you visit the city, I highly suggest you visit THE CITY QUILTER on W. 25th. It is a beautiful store and it is challenging to not leave empty handed as their inventory of gorgeous textiles is wonderful. An added delight is the Art Quilt Gallery adjacent to the shop whose current exhibition is Color Stories by Erin Wilson which is a gift to the eye and to the soul. Enjoy your new quilt project and I hope to see it posted on your site!!
Kolleen
Thank you for the kind review, Elsa. Although much belated, my appreciation stands.