Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love

by Karen Musgrave

For generations, quilts have both preserved history and furthered artistic innovation, leading to personal and creative discoveries that have changed lives. In Quilts in the Attic , author and quiltmaker Karen Musgrave presents 30 stories of great quilt discoveries, including hidden masterpieces, fascinating finds, and treasured family heirlooms. The tales in this book are both heartwarming and thrilling, whether about unearthing breathtaking pieces at summer flea markets or finding Grandma’s priceless antique quilt hidden away in a box. By sharing stories from all over the world, Musgrave uses these wonderful works of art to explore the complex patchwork of human history, from 19th-century Jewish life in Southern California to the Sears National Quilt Contest at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, to a 12th-century castle in France. Each memory embodies the inherent human drive to craft something of purpose and meaning while shedding light on the works of well-known quiltmakers like Mary Lee Bendolph from Gee’s Bend, Marie Webster, and Ruby Short McKim. Featuring stories from unknown and famous quilters alike, Quilts in the Attic uncovers the mystery and significance of the quilts we love.

Genres: Quilting, History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed looking at the photos of the quilts and reading about the history of them.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful. Stories of how quilts came to be made, found, bought, gifted, etc. Wish there were more pictures or close ups. Easy read to pick up one story at a time to read at leisure.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tales that Quilts would tell if they could only speak! Quilts in the Attic looks at 30 different quilts and their stories.

I love books like this where I can set it next to my chair, pick it up and read one of the stories before I am beckoned back to my duty as a Mom. Sometimes finishing an entire book seems to be too much for my children to handle. I could easily read through this entire book if given time however, in one sitting! I love the history of quilts, the quilters and how they came to design or make the specific quilt, and the current owners story of their research to find what they have on the story the quilt speaks.

These quilts were made from beautiful quilt blocks like

Feathered Star

Turkey Tracks

Crazy Quilt

Log Cabin.

Some of the quilts in the book are truly unique and one of a kind design like

Signature Quilt

Sunday School Picnic

Smoke in the Garden

Each quilt is a book that beckons to be read! Often time it is nearly impossible to find the back story of the quilts. It takes hours of research and quite honestly I think a dose of God's grace or good luck however you look at it. Some of these quilts can be traced back quite far, time wise, and distance. The hours that went into designing and making each quilt, renders each a complete masterpiece. The hours into researching and writing this great book to share with us, renders Karen Musgrave a masterpiece!

I received a copy of this book from Voyageur in exchange for an honest review.

[Asuka0278 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love all the different stories about the history of the quilts. I also enjoyed reading how people found themselves immersed in the world of quilts; whether through an inheritance or a chance find at an estate auction. I was particularly touched by the story of the lady with anxiety. I suffer from the same problem and like her quilting and being creative are an outlet for channeling that anxious energy. It's very therapeutic. My only complaint about the book was there weren't enough pictures! I would have loved to see more detail on some of the quilts and the pictures of others that were mentioned in the stories but not shown. I will definitely be recommending this book to my quilting group! Happy Reading!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book for quilt history buffs. Lots of stories about quilts and their makers and the stories that they tell.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in desperate need of reading material and in perusing my shelves I came across this which must have been a gift. I don't remember ever buying it. But I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has compiled the history of over 20 quilts and put each into it's own chapter with a picture. She discusses the origins of each and how the quilt was passed. Sometimes they are literally found in an attic or a box in the barn, and once found stuffed in a hole in a linen closet. Fascinating information, not just about quilts, but the social and political history during the quilt's life.
I' going to reread it because there was so much information stuffed in the chapters that I haven't retained it.

[Michele Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of short stories about quilts and the people who loved them, created them and cherished them. The quilts are in museums, stored in attics, hanging on walls and keeping families and hearts warm. A fun read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a quilter and a history buff, this book was meant for me. I loved the photos and the various histories of each quilt. I loved this book so much that I had to hunt down a copy. I finally found a used copy and can return this one to the library for next appreciator of quilts to enjoy.

[Brenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful stories and histories of the individual blankets. Borrowed my copy from the library, but wouldn't mind having a copy of my own!

[Nancy Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who loves quilting.

[Haley Mathiot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring! I loved flipping through the book and looking at the pictures of the quilts and reading about them. It was fun to read, too. These stories felt more like fictional short-stories than they did a historical report! The only thing I would change is I would have liked the book itself to be a little larger, because the pictures were so small. I also would have liked to see more pictures of the quilt. There was only one picture of each quilt.

This would be an excellent gift to a quilter or a quilt collector.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a book that began with Q so I searched in the Green Free Library catalog and foun 746.9 MUS. This book shows a picture of a quilt and tells a story about that quilt. I showed the book to someone who was quilting and she showed it to a friend as it was given in memory of that woman's cousin.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

found one major mistake - the book states that Nebraska became a state in 1864. In fact, it became a state in 1867 - an easy to check fact. hopefully the other facts are correct! and yes, it could have a LOT more pictures!!! otherwise, love the book.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Tkjtwmr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Documents quilts people have found in strange places, bought at yard sales etc. Some are very old which was interesting to learn how they had survived hundreds of years. Not a page turner however.

[Elaine Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect type of book. A collection of short stories, with it's own family history
I hope this author has more books of this nature.I believe I would enjoy them all

[barbara]

i absolutely loved this book - so many secrets and great ideas

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was rather intriguing how the author and others investigated some quilts that were over 100 years old to find out information about the creator and their lives.