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Southern Quilts: Celebrating Traditions, History, and Designs
In more than 270 color images, hundreds of quilts, juxtaposed for the first time, celebrate and explore the South's rich quilting history. Quilt expert Mary W. Kerr joins 13 other textile historians to show why Southern quilts have a distinctiveness setting them apart, including factors like their patterns, use of tiny pieces, and specific color choices. Learn how the South's quilting traditions developed among all socioeconomic levels, and in communities such as African American, Scots Irish, and German. The use of cotton, the prominence of making-do aesthetics, and other characteristics are discussed, with in-depth looks at topics like feed sack use and tri-color quilts. Explore the classic patterns of Crown of Thorns, Whigs' Defeat, and Double Wedding Ring. Enjoy regional treasures like Texas Rattlesnake, the Shenandoah Valley Farmers Fancy, and many more. This compilation includes quilts from every Deep South state, offering commentary, examples, and insights.
- GenresQuiltingNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 10, 2018
“The quilts compiled here offer a sampling of the rich variety and vitality of Southern patchwork. The patterns and colors reflect the influence of multiple cultural traditions brought into the region through nearly four centuries. Each quilt is the result of the choices made from among the styles, patterns, and fabrics available to the maker.”
The earliest of quilts like some in this book were based on those from the British Isles, simple, geometric patterns. As the areas began to be settled by the English, German and others, new styles developed. Southern-grown cotton was sent to the New England textile mills, and returned to the southern general stores as fabric stocked upon the shelves. New colours, new patterns begat new designs in quilts.
I wanted to read this as my grandmother made quilts, I have the wedding quilt she made for my parents, and a handful of quilt blocks she made, but never turned into an actual quilt. My Aunt arrived at my grandparents house upon learning of my grandmother’s passing and took all the quilts that she had in the house, so what little I have is cherished.
I love quilts; my favourite pattern isn’t even really a pattern, but a crazy quilt. I have one crazy quilt made a long time ago but which was never finished, and I’m almost afraid to touch it. I admire those who have the patience and talent to make some of the incredibly artistic ones I’ve seen. I’ve taken classes from quilters, had many good friends who were amazing quilters, but for me a quilt is all about the history, the mystery behind who made it, why they chose the fabric they did – the story behind it all. And while my grandmother taught me how to make bread, and lots of other things, she never taught me how to quilt.
This includes sixteen chapters each with a different topic, and various authors. I was interested in all of these, but some more than others. Like my goodreads friend Nancy, I was particularly interested in learning about the Shenandoah Valley Quilts, since my grandmother’s Scots-Irish family had lived in that area when the area was first settled. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked through this book, read parts of it over and over.
It’s a beautiful book to look through, but it also has some historical background on the quilts displayed, which I found fascinating.
”In a 2017 exhibition at the St. Louis Museum of Art, Textiles: Politics and Patriotism, curator Zoe A. Perkins claims the rise of quilting in the nineteenth century gave women, ‘who did not yet possess the right to vote, a tactile way to express their political views.’”
My thanks to Nancy whose review led me to this beautifully illustrated book on quilts. Please check out her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pub Date: 28 APR 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
The earliest of quilts like some in this book were based on those from the British Isles, simple, geometric patterns. As the areas began to be settled by the English, German and others, new styles developed. Southern-grown cotton was sent to the New England textile mills, and returned to the southern general stores as fabric stocked upon the shelves. New colours, new patterns begat new designs in quilts.
I wanted to read this as my grandmother made quilts, I have the wedding quilt she made for my parents, and a handful of quilt blocks she made, but never turned into an actual quilt. My Aunt arrived at my grandparents house upon learning of my grandmother’s passing and took all the quilts that she had in the house, so what little I have is cherished.
I love quilts; my favourite pattern isn’t even really a pattern, but a crazy quilt. I have one crazy quilt made a long time ago but which was never finished, and I’m almost afraid to touch it. I admire those who have the patience and talent to make some of the incredibly artistic ones I’ve seen. I’ve taken classes from quilters, had many good friends who were amazing quilters, but for me a quilt is all about the history, the mystery behind who made it, why they chose the fabric they did – the story behind it all. And while my grandmother taught me how to make bread, and lots of other things, she never taught me how to quilt.
This includes sixteen chapters each with a different topic, and various authors. I was interested in all of these, but some more than others. Like my goodreads friend Nancy, I was particularly interested in learning about the Shenandoah Valley Quilts, since my grandmother’s Scots-Irish family had lived in that area when the area was first settled. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked through this book, read parts of it over and over.
It’s a beautiful book to look through, but it also has some historical background on the quilts displayed, which I found fascinating.
”In a 2017 exhibition at the St. Louis Museum of Art, Textiles: Politics and Patriotism, curator Zoe A. Perkins claims the rise of quilting in the nineteenth century gave women, ‘who did not yet possess the right to vote, a tactile way to express their political views.’”
My thanks to Nancy whose review led me to this beautifully illustrated book on quilts. Please check out her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pub Date: 28 APR 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
February 21, 2018
Southern Quilts by Mary W. Kerr includes articles by thirteen quilt historians, profusely illustrated with 270 color photographs, demonstrating the rich heritage of quilting across the South.
The heritage of quilts were influenced by Scots-Irish and German settlers as well as by African American traditions, and demonstrate regionally popular quilt patterns, a preference for complicated quilt block incorporating tiny pieces, and specific color palettes.
The Forward by Laurel Horton discusses Southern Roots, Southern Patterns, and the roots of Southern quilting from the British Isles, later impacted by waves of immigrants who migrated south from Pennsylvania.
Southern cotton was milled in New England, the plentiful American-made fabrics leading to the Golden Age of American quilt making during the mid-1800sand into the twentieth century. The development of new dyes and colors and quit block patterns, and inexpensive fabrics, led to the creation of suburb examples, while utility quilts included scrap sewing, the use of feed sacks, large quilt stitching, and heavy cotton batting.
Chapters include:
Making Do- a Southern Tradition by Mary W. Kerr
Alabama Pine Burr by Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Alamance Applique by Kathlyn Sullivan
Circles and Spikes by Teddy Pruett
Cotton Boll by Kathlyn Sullivan
Crown of Thorns by Merikay Waldvogel
Double Wedding Ring by Sherry Burkhalter
Farmer's Fancy by Bunnie Jordan
The Impact of the Feedsack on Southern Quilts by Sarah Bliss Wright
Pieced Pine But by Mary W. Kerr
Rattlesnake Quilts by Marcia Kaylakie
Seven Sisters by Sandra Starley
Southern Florals by Lisa Erlandson
Tricolor Quilts: How the Germans of Pennsylvania Influenced a Color Palette and Style in the South by Lynn Lancaster Gorges
Whig's Defeat by Gaye Rick Ingram
I was particularly interested learning about Shenandoah Valley quilts since my paternal line includes the earliest settlers. The pattern known as Farmer's Fancy was particularly popular in that area.
Farmer's Fancy is a circular pattern, with an inner design similar to a sunburst or compass block, surrounded by several rings of triangles. Jordan notes the earliest documented Farmer's Fancy block dates to 1846. The pattern was later called Pyrotechnics in the 1930s.
This quilt is often found in red and cheddar yellow, and sometimes with a background of blue, cheddar, or green. In another chapter, Lynn Lancaster Georges discusses the Pennsylvania German impact on the Southern color palette. As seen in Pennsylvania Dutch Fraktur art and earthenware pottery, they tended toward teal blue, orange, and oxblood. Zig-zag borders are often found on the Shenandoah Valley quilts.
The West Virginia State Documentation Project found this pattern throughout the Shenandoah Valley and neighboring areas first settled by German Mennonites and Scots-Irish. My Gochenour family were German speaking Swiss Brethren, a branch of the Anabaptist faith which includes the Mennonites and Amish. (My ancestors became Baptist after a few generations.)
I may be daydreaming, but I would love to make my own version of Farmer's Fancy!
Southern Quilts will appeal to those interested in quilt history and to quilters who enjoy making Reproduction quilts.
I received a free e-book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
The heritage of quilts were influenced by Scots-Irish and German settlers as well as by African American traditions, and demonstrate regionally popular quilt patterns, a preference for complicated quilt block incorporating tiny pieces, and specific color palettes.
The Forward by Laurel Horton discusses Southern Roots, Southern Patterns, and the roots of Southern quilting from the British Isles, later impacted by waves of immigrants who migrated south from Pennsylvania.
Southern cotton was milled in New England, the plentiful American-made fabrics leading to the Golden Age of American quilt making during the mid-1800sand into the twentieth century. The development of new dyes and colors and quit block patterns, and inexpensive fabrics, led to the creation of suburb examples, while utility quilts included scrap sewing, the use of feed sacks, large quilt stitching, and heavy cotton batting.
Chapters include:
Making Do- a Southern Tradition by Mary W. Kerr
Alabama Pine Burr by Mary Elizabeth Johnson
Alamance Applique by Kathlyn Sullivan
Circles and Spikes by Teddy Pruett
Cotton Boll by Kathlyn Sullivan
Crown of Thorns by Merikay Waldvogel
Double Wedding Ring by Sherry Burkhalter
Farmer's Fancy by Bunnie Jordan
The Impact of the Feedsack on Southern Quilts by Sarah Bliss Wright
Pieced Pine But by Mary W. Kerr
Rattlesnake Quilts by Marcia Kaylakie
Seven Sisters by Sandra Starley
Southern Florals by Lisa Erlandson
Tricolor Quilts: How the Germans of Pennsylvania Influenced a Color Palette and Style in the South by Lynn Lancaster Gorges
Whig's Defeat by Gaye Rick Ingram
I was particularly interested learning about Shenandoah Valley quilts since my paternal line includes the earliest settlers. The pattern known as Farmer's Fancy was particularly popular in that area.
Farmer's Fancy is a circular pattern, with an inner design similar to a sunburst or compass block, surrounded by several rings of triangles. Jordan notes the earliest documented Farmer's Fancy block dates to 1846. The pattern was later called Pyrotechnics in the 1930s.
This quilt is often found in red and cheddar yellow, and sometimes with a background of blue, cheddar, or green. In another chapter, Lynn Lancaster Georges discusses the Pennsylvania German impact on the Southern color palette. As seen in Pennsylvania Dutch Fraktur art and earthenware pottery, they tended toward teal blue, orange, and oxblood. Zig-zag borders are often found on the Shenandoah Valley quilts.
The West Virginia State Documentation Project found this pattern throughout the Shenandoah Valley and neighboring areas first settled by German Mennonites and Scots-Irish. My Gochenour family were German speaking Swiss Brethren, a branch of the Anabaptist faith which includes the Mennonites and Amish. (My ancestors became Baptist after a few generations.)
I may be daydreaming, but I would love to make my own version of Farmer's Fancy!
Southern Quilts will appeal to those interested in quilt history and to quilters who enjoy making Reproduction quilts.
I received a free e-book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
February 22, 2018
Southern Quilts is beautiful, well written and well researched. As a quilter myself, I loved the use of fabric - the different color blends that I had not thought of for my quilts. I also loved the appliqued quilts! They were beautiful.
The history in this book was so interesting. It would be a great reference book for both southerners and us northerners!
Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The history in this book was so interesting. It would be a great reference book for both southerners and us northerners!
Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 14, 2018
Rich in the tradition of the old South in which my grandmother and mother grew up, Southern Quilts is a beautiful treasure trove of hundreds of stunning quilts - all vividly brought to life in pictures and by the inclusion of many of the South's quilting traditions and the history accompanying them. This is not a "how-to" book on quilting, but rather a book to be enjoyed and shared with others interested in vintage quilts and the history of their journey over time. I especially liked the in-depth look at the materials used as Southern women learned to not only make-do, but turn out beautiful quilts from the materials available to them. The patterns, colors, and quilting designs are unique and reminiscent of the time period . . . truly classic pieces of art and history. Quilts that began as a way to keep family members warm at night evolved into beautiful works of art deserving of being showcased and handed down from generation to generation. Years ago, most girls learned to quilt as a child as did I. I was blessed with the opportunity to perfect my skills at the hands of my aunt who was an award winning, master quilter in our area. I have never equaled her level of work, but pride myself on the quilts I have made just the same. Quilting is truly a work of love as is, I suspect, this beautiful book of quilts. A Must Read for both experienced and want-to-be quilters!
*Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing for an arc of this book via Netgally.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
*Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing for an arc of this book via Netgally.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
March 8, 2018
If you are a true, TRUE quilting enthusiast, then you will enjoy Southern Quilts.
Have you ever looked at that old quilt in the corner, you know, the one handed down for generations, and thought to yourself, "Where did that pattern originate?" For most people that answer will be, "No." However, for the few people out there who have extremely old quilts, searching for this answer used to be quite difficult...until now. Southern Quilts provides the answers to those burning questions few people have ever had, and it does so in droves. Page after page is filled with information about all versions of a specific pattern, and information about those who made them.
The dedication really sums up the whole book. "To strong Southern women everywhere..." As quilting makes a comeback in the hipster, crafty communities, it is nice to step back and remember where it came from. All the patterns in this book have a story, and are, in many ways, reflective of the times they came from. These were hard times, when you couldn't just run down to the Joann's on the corner and get any fabric you wanted. Resourceful women found ways to keep there families warm with anything at hand, even the cotton feedsack.
This book gets three stars because it is packed with information that must have taken a long time to gather. I would recommend this only to those who love thinking about quilting or reading extremely dry histories.
I received this book from NetGalley for review.
Have you ever looked at that old quilt in the corner, you know, the one handed down for generations, and thought to yourself, "Where did that pattern originate?" For most people that answer will be, "No." However, for the few people out there who have extremely old quilts, searching for this answer used to be quite difficult...until now. Southern Quilts provides the answers to those burning questions few people have ever had, and it does so in droves. Page after page is filled with information about all versions of a specific pattern, and information about those who made them.
The dedication really sums up the whole book. "To strong Southern women everywhere..." As quilting makes a comeback in the hipster, crafty communities, it is nice to step back and remember where it came from. All the patterns in this book have a story, and are, in many ways, reflective of the times they came from. These were hard times, when you couldn't just run down to the Joann's on the corner and get any fabric you wanted. Resourceful women found ways to keep there families warm with anything at hand, even the cotton feedsack.
This book gets three stars because it is packed with information that must have taken a long time to gather. I would recommend this only to those who love thinking about quilting or reading extremely dry histories.
I received this book from NetGalley for review.
February 20, 2018
Southern Quilts: Celebrating Traditions, History, and Designs by Mary W Kerr Growing up with a bunch and being a hillbilly myself I have seen some tons of homemade quilts and have some at my house now. My Grandmothers Aunts and Mom have all quilted my entire life. I have even made a few.
I have seen some really beautiful quilts that tell stories as well as some that are just plain block quilts to keep you warm at night. I have seen quilts made out of old clothing, Lord knows my Grandmothers had stacks of what I call rag bags and they called them their quilt pieces. My Grandmothers are both gone now but looking through this book brought back a lot of my childhood.
This book is filled with pictures and a short backstory of quilt designs that became popular mostly in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The picture are stunning and I would love to have so all of the quilts in my house.
The book gives the name to each design and also pictures of the variations of the design. If you love quilts or just think they are pretty you will love this book. If you want to learn how to make a specific quilt you will now have a name of the design in order to search for patterns. If you are thinking of adding a southern theme to a bedroom this book could also help you decide on a quilt to go with the room.
Mary Kerr has one a fabulous job with this book. It would make an excellent addition to any crafters collection.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
I have seen some really beautiful quilts that tell stories as well as some that are just plain block quilts to keep you warm at night. I have seen quilts made out of old clothing, Lord knows my Grandmothers had stacks of what I call rag bags and they called them their quilt pieces. My Grandmothers are both gone now but looking through this book brought back a lot of my childhood.
This book is filled with pictures and a short backstory of quilt designs that became popular mostly in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The picture are stunning and I would love to have so all of the quilts in my house.
The book gives the name to each design and also pictures of the variations of the design. If you love quilts or just think they are pretty you will love this book. If you want to learn how to make a specific quilt you will now have a name of the design in order to search for patterns. If you are thinking of adding a southern theme to a bedroom this book could also help you decide on a quilt to go with the room.
Mary Kerr has one a fabulous job with this book. It would make an excellent addition to any crafters collection.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
December 12, 2018
A beautifully produced overview of quilts from the South, accompanied by essays on signature styles and patterns from 13 quilt historians. As the author pointed out when I heard her speak, we no longer have regional styles in quite the same way, since we can get ideas and inspiration from around the world thanks to the internet. No patterns here, but lots of inspiration.
June 6, 2018
A beautiful book rich in the history of Southern quilts. I loved reading about past patterns, materials, and seeing example quilts that should belong in a museum. Only the addition of real Southern patterns that quilt makers today could use would have made the book even better!
September 11, 2021
Sixteen quilt historians/collectors write about sixteen different designs prevalent in the American South. Each design is illustrated with photos of quilts in that pattern. This is a history book rather than a pattern book.
March 11, 2018
A beautiful history of Southern Quilting. A great reference or resource for anyone interested in the history of Southern quilts.
July 10, 2021
Quilts and history- my two favourite things. This is how I like my quilt books, with some meaty academic text to accompany the pretty pictures. Very inspiring
February 8, 2018
OMG. This book has so many pictures of vintage quilts. This book is celebrating and exploring the USA’s Southern rich quilting history.
Quilt expert Mary W. Kerr along with many other quilting historians, have put together this book about why Southern quilts have a distinctiveness setting them apart.
There is so much information about the southern states quilting traditions. Many different cultures and their quilts have been put together in one book, with so much knowledge about them. A great book to sit and read and enjoy the beautiful vintage quilts put together here in the one place.
There are many traditional patterns, including Whigs' Defeat, and Double Wedding Ring.
This is a definite must purchase. And a great book to give to a Quilter friend who needs a unique book.
Quilt expert Mary W. Kerr along with many other quilting historians, have put together this book about why Southern quilts have a distinctiveness setting them apart.
There is so much information about the southern states quilting traditions. Many different cultures and their quilts have been put together in one book, with so much knowledge about them. A great book to sit and read and enjoy the beautiful vintage quilts put together here in the one place.
There are many traditional patterns, including Whigs' Defeat, and Double Wedding Ring.
This is a definite must purchase. And a great book to give to a Quilter friend who needs a unique book.
February 14, 2018
I received a ARC of this book via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I so can't wait to try all of these quilt patterns and share them with my friends and family too. We will have a ball with all of this info.
March 27, 2018
This is a look at quilting traditions in the south. It is full of historic quilts, why they are significant, and how the pattern plays up the south. I have always wanted to make a pine burr quilt. I’ve seen them and it’s the one pattern I have never tried. There is just something about mixing origami that I am just not sure I can do. A great book for any quilters collection, but remember, it’s a history book, not a pattern book.
April 4, 2018
This is a lovely, illustrated book on the history of American Quilts.
Quilts are practical too, as old worn clothes, discarded by the family can be cut up and made into something beautiful and practical with a history too.
I am a novice at the moment, so am just stitching together squares of the same size and making them into tablecloths etc., but I fully intend to progress to different shapes and blow everyone away with my expertise!
With the help of this book of course.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to Schiffer Publications and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this lovely book.
Quilts are practical too, as old worn clothes, discarded by the family can be cut up and made into something beautiful and practical with a history too.
I am a novice at the moment, so am just stitching together squares of the same size and making them into tablecloths etc., but I fully intend to progress to different shapes and blow everyone away with my expertise!
With the help of this book of course.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to Schiffer Publications and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this lovely book.
April 4, 2018
Finding a well laid out reference to historical quilts is difficult, let alone finding one with background information on the events of the area so it was a nice surprise to be allowed to review Southern Quilts by Mary W. Kerr. The book is overloaded with images, some being up-close pictures detailing of blocks and included are minute details about the age and creator of the featured quilt, if known. There are some patterns that speak to me, such as Cotton Boil circa 1850 - 1920 post Civil War era and Farmer's Fancy dating back to 1846 with a wonderful barn quilt example from West Virginia. The beauty created from scraps and flour sacks is amazing.
Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.
Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.
August 19, 2018
This book is a very comprehensive history of Southern quilts, with many examples of old quilt collection and background stories and development of the different styles.
Great book if you are into the history of quilts or are looking at reproducing the look
Great book if you are into the history of quilts or are looking at reproducing the look
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed reading Southern Quilts – Celebrating Traditions, History, and Designs. I have recently learned to quilt and was fascinated by learning the history of several Southern quilts included in this book. It is filled with many pictures of gorgeous vintage quilts, mostly from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The designs explored cover the Double Wedding Ring to Seven Sisters to Farmer’s Fancy and so many more. It also addresses the concept of “making do” as well as the German influence on design and color. This book has inspired me to try to recreate several of these quilts in the future. A fan of vintage quilts and their underlying history would definitely enjoy this book.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews