The Art of Mixing Textiles in Quilts

July 2, 2018
Schmitt, who owns quilt design company A Different Box of Crayons, encourages quilters to look beyond cotton fabrics and incorporate mixed media textiles into their quilts for a richer design. Schmitt is not the first to juxtapose wool with silk and cotton; she credits Victorian “crazy” quilts as her source of inspiration. Schmitt first describes aspects of working with different fabrics as well as differentiating types within a category (e.g., silk matka vs. dupioni). She then details techniques, such as her appliqué method for wool, and offers quick lessons on beading, embroidering, and binding. The 14 stunning projects result in a brocaded look, particularly the Umbrian Fields series, which consists of traditional blocks made from nontraditional fabrics with a poppy flower wool appliqué that can be made into a wall hanging, a quilt, or a purse. While many quilters will appreciate the beauty of Schmitt’s designs, the book is best suited for experts willing to stray from traditional work. Color photos.