Baltimore Beauties and Beyond, Vol. II: Studies in Classic Album Quilt Applique

The current enthusiasm for patchwork should not banish techniques of quilt applique to obscurity, and for Washington, D.C., quilter Sienkiewicz the quilt tops made in Baltimore during the mid-1800s exemplify the classic standards of the applique craft. In a series of 12 lessons, Sienkiewicz describes in meticulous detail the ingenious methods employed a century past by Baltimore women, and others favored by contemporary needleworkers (who use timesaving devices such as freezer paper, glue sticks and masking tape without shame). Each lesson prepares the reader to execute a 16-inch quilt block in one or more of 27 full-size patterns, cut from paper first folded into halves, quarters or eighths. Organized as a text for a single reader or for a class of quilters, the book allows the faithful to advance from cutwork applique to folded rosebuds, stuffed berries, ruching and inked calligraphy. Each block is presented in color, as are four antique and four contemporary quilts. Sienkiewicz's very specific how-to instructions are verified by historical example--and one is always made aware not only of the evolution of the stitches, but also of the feelings that inspired them. Illustrations. (Aug.)