Pictorial Quilting

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 128 pages
• Published by: Watson-Guptill May 15, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0823044750
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0823044757
• Book Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.3 pounds

Product Review
Showcasing a wide array of works by a multitude of needle artists, this colorful volume provides quilters with wonderful inspiration, as well as an interesting dose of the history of pictorial quilts. Created to tell a story, commemorate an event, or evoke a sense of place, pictorial quilts combine traditional quilting techniques and representational images to become highly personal statements. Gordon presents an great overview of what it takes to design and produce such a quilt, from finding source material, choosing fabrics and colors, and adding embellishments, to understanding the specific methods (piecing, various applique types, decorative stitching). The book's second half is a detailed exploration of specific themes, including landscapes, garden scenes, fauna, and portraits, told in relation to a gallery of exquisite works by numerous artists. This is not a book for beginners or traditionalists; it is meant for experienced quilters looking to expand their horizons. There are no full-fledged step-by-step projects. Readers are instead treated to terrific analyses of what makes these quilts work, and they learn what they need to know to begin designing and making their own. --Amy Handy

Product Description
This thorough workbook shows needle artists and crafters everything they need to know about the gracious art of pictorial quilting, from how to select subject matter, fabrics, and color scheme to how to choose and carry out the right techniques.

Background information on the rich history of pictorial quilts opens the book, then subsequent chapters take the reader through all the essential stages step-by-step, from deciding on the subject to the final work of designing and finishing the quilt. Included is information about adapting photographs and paintings, making sketches, laying out designs, and preparing fabrics. Piecing techniques, turned-edged and cut-and-sew appliqu, decorative and quilting stitches, 3-D effects, textural effects, and other embellishments are demonstrated. A gallery of finished quilts by contemporary artists shows a variety of styles and techniques, along with some trace-off methods and step-by-step instructions. Pictorial themes include clouds and skies, leaves and flowers, people, birds and animals, travel and transportation, and other popular motifs.

Reader Reviews
This book covers basic techniques and tools for making pictorial quilts. Great photos show different applique and quilting techniques, with lots of close-ups that give you a nice feel for the types of fabrics, stitching and embellishments used to create various effects. These are particulary helpful. But its biggest contribution is its ability to inspire by example. A wide range of pictorial quilting styles is shown, offering many ideas for how to represent flowers, leaves, water, sky, and more. I also like the quotes from various quiltmakers that provide background information on their inspiration and techniques. A must-have for any quilter who enjoys looking at or aspires to create pictorial quilts!