Two hidden valleys—one in Pennsylvania, the other in Virginia—held vibrant communities and quilting traditions during the closing years of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century. How do the quilts made by the Amish and Mennonites in these tucked-away places compare? Includes photographs of richly colorful quilts, and of the two communities from which they come. "Full of bright color and examples of phenomenal hand-quilting, this book is great for your personal library or for a gift for a friend." —Quilting Quarterly "The elegant designs of these quilts give insight into the simple and unique lifestyles of their makers. Phyllis includes biographical information about the two groups along with photos of them and their work." —Quilter's Newsletter Magazine

Create beautiful landscape quilts using strips and scraps with these 15 lovely projects! In Lovely Landscape Quilts, Cathy Geier walks you through the process of creating amazing landscape quilts using simple techniques that anyone can try. Learn how to find inspiration and choose you fabrics, how to design and lay out your quilt, and how to use angles to create skies, water, hills and mountains. Learn tricks for embellishing your quilts with applique, marker and fabric to create shadows and highlights that will give your landscape quilts depth and perspective. Finally, learn the tips for finishing and quilting before trying any of the 15 beautiful projects designed by Cathy.

The definitive study on the history, meaning, art, and commerce of Amish quilts. Second Place Winner of the Design and Effectiveness Award of the Washington Publishers Quilts have become a cherished symbol of Amish craftsmanship and the beauty of the simple life. Country stores in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and other tourist regions display row after row of handcrafted quilts. In luxury homes, office buildings, and museums, the quilts have been preserved and displayed as priceless artifacts. They are even pictured on collectible stamps. Amish Quilts explores how these objects evolved from practical bed linens into contemporary art. In this in-depth study, illustrated with more than 100 stunning color photographs, Janneken Smucker discusses what makes an Amish quilt Amish. She examines the value of quilts to those who have made, bought, sold, exhibited, and preserved them and how that value changes as a quilt travels from Amish hands to marketplace to consumers. A fifth-generation Mennonite quiltmaker herself, Smucker traces the history of Amish quilts from their use in the late nineteenth century to their sale in the lucrative business practices of today. Through her own observations as well as oral histories, newspaper accounts, ephemera, and other archival sources, she seeks to understand how the term “Amish” became a style and what it means to both quiltmakers and consumers. She also looks at how quilts influence fashion and raises issues of authenticity of quilts in the marketplace. Whether considered as art, craft, or commodity, Amish quilts reflect the intersections of consumerism and connoisseurship, religion and commerce, nostalgia and aesthetics. By thoroughly examining all of these aspects, Amish Quilts is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of these beautiful works.

Illustrated with 200 stunning photographs and encompassing objects from furniture and ceramics to jewelry and metal, this definitive work from Jo Lauria and Steve Fenton showcases some of the greatest pieces of American crafts of the last two centuries. Potter Craft

From apples to cows, kettles to scarecrows, warm country images abound in this delightful alphabet poem.

Sensitively answers the most common inquiries about Amish and Mennonite peoples. Authoritative, sympathetic, and thorough. 20 Most Asked Questions looks at origins, dress, pacifism, education, weddings, funerals, and food, as well as many other facets of Amish and Mennonite life. This book has sold more than 200,000 copies. 1. What is the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites? 2. When and how did these people get started? 3. Are they a Christian group or do they represent a different religion? 4. Aren’t they a bit naive and backward? Why don’t they accept modern things? 5. Does anyone ever join them? Does anyone ever leave? 6. Why do they dress that way? 7. Is it true they don’t go to war? 8. Why are they against education? 9. Why are they such good farmers? 10. Why don’t they pay Social Security taxes? 11. Do any of the Amish or Mennonite groups believe in missions? 12. What are their weddings like? 13. How are their women and children treated? 14. Is food a part of their religion? 15. Do they go to doctors and hospitals? 16. What about burial? 17. Don’t they believe in having fun? 18. What are some of their problems? 19. Are they growing or dying in number? 20. What, in fact, holds them together?

World class quilter, Sally Schneider reveals some of her all-time favourite quilts - plus two brand-new projects. Bursting with beautiful quilts, this book brings together 17 all-time favourites, and two brand-new quilts from the collection of Sally Schneider, one of the world's most popular quilters and teachers. Featuring expert hints and tips, plus updates to several favourites with modern fabrics for a whole new look, this is sure to be a hit with quilters everywhere.

These 20+ cute and practical patterns are perfect for organizing and brightening up your home. Time icons indicate how long each project takes--an afternoon, day or weekend. With projects for the sewing room, kitchen and gift-giving, this is a go-to collection for sewists of all skill levels.Full-sized templates for appliquéSidebars included:Raw-Edge Fusible AppliquéQuilting Basics

Piece dazzling diamond and gorgeous gemstone quilts Add dimension and luminosity to your quilts with gorgeous gemstone piecing! Learn the basics of abstraction and color theory as you piece stunning works of art with gem quilt expert MJ Kinman. After years of perfecting her technique, Kinman explains freezer paper piecing in brilliant detail with jewel quilting ideas to help you express your own creativity. Get helpful advice on fabric selection and quilting patterns to illuminate each cut. A sample gem quilt pattern helps you practice as you follow along step by step. Then find your own muse and bring any gemstone to life in exquisite detail. Just as gems can sparkle and glow in a million different ways, you’ll be inspired by the author’s work and a gallery of student quilts to help you let go of perfection and embrace the chaos of color and light. Shine on! Learn to create freezer-paper patterns for your own gemstone quilts Build skills as you sew a sample diamond quilt top, with step-by-step instructions See a gallery of ground-breaking jewel quilts from the author and her students

20 easy projects for all skill levels, to help you create beautiful lap quilts, wall hangings, and runners to brighten up your home. Kim Schaefer is back with 18 brand new quilts to infuse your home with fresh color and modern flair. This follow-up to Cozy Modern Quilts has an impressive variety of colorways and styles, and Kim’s new designs are both innovative and irresistible! Choose from lap quilts, wall hangings, or runners to cheer up your space or whip up a gift. Straight-line piecing with squares & rectangles makes it quick; bright, bold fabrics make it sophisticated. Whether you’re a new sewer or a dedicated quilter, you’ll love how easy, fun, and stash-busting these quilts are to make.