Emporia Rose Appliqué Quilts

April 21, 2014
Brackman (Quilts from the Civil War) and Menaugh, a quilt teacher, present seven new projects inspired by the still astonishing quilts made from the 1920s through the 1940s in Emporia, Kans. The projects celebrate the unique work of a group of Kansas quiltmakers whose quilts are world-renowned for their design and workmanship. The women included Rose Good Kretsinger and Charlotte Whitehill. Kretsinger’s appliquéd “New Rose Tree” inspired Brackman’s center block of the nine-block “Emporia Rose Sampler”; Whitehill’s “Calendula” shares commonalities with the “Spice Pink” block used in the sampler and a table runner. Brackman and Menaugh discuss the stunning original quilts and their makers in the first half of the book; the second half explores the modernized projects—bedcovers, pillows and pincushions—plus so-called “bonus” ideas, as well as advice for the advanced quilter. Although the book is more history than how-to, the techniques include the rudiments of appliquéing, piecing sawtooth, and mitering corners. The modern interpretations are especially appealing for their golden yellows and warm reds.

August 1, 2014

Quilt historian Brackman (Barbara Brackman's Civil War Sampler) teams up with machine applique expert Menaugh in this collection of applique projects inspired by quilts made in Emporia, KS, between 1920 and 1950. Emporia was a hotbed of quilting activity during this era, and Brackman profiles three of the city's most prominent quilters, providing context for their work. Samples of the original creations--many now located in museums--are paired with projects that are influenced by these originals. The centerpiece of the book is the titular Emporia Rose sampler, a full-size bed quilt that draws from a number of individual quilts profiled, but smaller projects are also included. The use of machine applique may surprise traditionalists, but hand applique techniques can be implemented, too. Applique templates are provided on pull-out sheets for easy use. VERDICT Brackman's skill at combining history and artistry shines again in this collection. The author's many fans who follow her work online and in print will be pleased with this latest book.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.