Modern Scot Patchwork

February 19, 2018
Quilt designer Allen, who makes modern table runners and bed quilts based on traditional Scottish tartans of lowlands and highlands, begins her charming book on Scot-inspired patchwork quilts with a vocabulary lesson. In Scotland, “tartan” means “woolen, latticed fabric,” and “plaid” refers to how the broad cloth is used, say, as a blanket or skirt. That established, she moves on to the basics of quilting techniques. The book includes patterns for six of Allen’s designs, which she selected for their “quiltability,” three of which are aimed at beginners and three at more experienced quilters. She also configures a gold and green tartan to honor her California roots and outlines six steps for readers who want to construct their own tartan design, including creating “merge” fabrics (ones that interweave others) and strip sets to provide the base for the patterns. Piecing these tartans into patchwork quilts is complex; however, Allen has simplified the process with a system, plus large graphics, charts, and tips. Allen delightfully includes each tartan’s family story, such as the Maxwell, inspired by the story of a man who escaped from prison dressed as one of his devoted wife’s ladies. The histories add texture to a book made to instruct kilted quilters­­—and non-Scots, too.