Quilt the Beloved Africa

Aug 10

A stunning book with quilts inspired by modern Africa. The first 19 pages show vividly coloured quilts made by the authors. There are instructions for making further 13 quilts and photos of contemporary rural life. The quilts combine piecing and applique designs. The templates are of people engaged in everyday activities, lighting fires, fishing, playing football. There are weaving patterns, traditional houses, butterflies and much more. The instructions assume some knowledge of the techniques used. All the quilts are densely quilted, often with shadow quilting. A wonderful collection of beautiful quilts giving us views of African life we rarely see. It is my choice as book of the month.

Sept 10

This is the third book by Jenny Williamson and Pat Barker, who have been quilting together and teaching for 25 years. It includes a gallery of gorgeous quilts and accompanying photographs of African scenes, showing the flora, fauna, landscapes and faces of Africa that have inspired their quilts. There are 13 quilt projects and a set of instructions for making two very sweet African dolls. The quilts are characteristically full of colour and vibrancy and tend to include lots of applique showing images from nature, African scenes and people. Although there are one or two projects involving simple piecing, which are quite contemporary in nature, the book is probably more suitable for fans of applique. The majority of templates need to be enlarged to fit into block sizes which could be a little taxing for novices, but once you are comfortable working out percentages, and have mastered your preferred method of applique, you will be making colourful, lively quilts in no time at all.

Sisters Jenny and Pat were born, grew up and live in Johannesburg. Neither can remember a time when they were not surrounded by fabric and were not involved in one form of handwork or another. They started teaching quilting in 1978 and have taught courses at National Quilt Festivals since 1989. They have won numerous prizes, individually and together, for their quilts. Their work has been exhibited in Britain, Canada and the USA, where they have also successfully conducted classes and lectures.
Sisters Jenny and Pat were born, grew up and live in Johannesburg. Neither can remember a time when they were not surrounded by fabric and were not involved in one form of handwork or another. They started teaching quilting in 1978 and have taught courses at National Quilt Festivals since 1989. They have won numerous prizes, individually and together, for their quilts. Their work has been exhibited in Britain, Canada and the USA, where they have also successfully conducted classes and lectures.