MODERN Roots
Today’s Quilts from Yesterday’s Inspiration
12 Projects Inspired by Patchwork from 1824 to 1970
Author: Bill Volckening
Publisher: Stash Books (C&T Publishing)
MODERN Roots is filled with examples of antique/vintage quilts and their modern-made counterparts. This book presents twelve quilts from the author’s collection and explores characteristics of modernism. Some of the projects featured include the Pineapple Log Cabin, Lone Star, Tennessee Piece Quilt, Radiating Fans, Indiana Puzzle and Shadow Box. Directions are concise and very easy to follow with step-by-step pictures of each assembly. The photography is spectacular and as I read more about the author, I learned in addition to being a great quiltmaker, Bill Volckening is also an award-winning photographer. The history Bill includes behind the art of early quilt making is very informative and early examples represent inspiration for today’s quilters.
Bill purchased his first quilt in 1989 and credits this as the start of his new hobby, collecting vintage quilts. In 2009, Bill showed his collection of New York Beauty quilts to a local quilt study group and with their encouragement, tried to share his extensive collection. Since that time, The Volckening Collection, has been exhibited from New York to Tokyo and appeared in various publications worldwide. His blog, Wonkyworld, examines the process of collecting quilts from the perspective of a 21st century collector and details his quilt journey. Bill also has an extensive library of rare titles and signed editions about all things quilt related. Bill studied at Rhode Island School of Design and the School of Visual Arts in New York.
A quote from the author, “Quilts are America’s most beloved works of art, and they keep us warm at night”.
