BlockHead

ToDo list for reading about British Quilt history

At the moment I have 3 interesting, but rater comprehensive books to read:

Susan Briscoe: "Traditional British Quilts". B.T. Batsford Ltd 1987

The 1718 Coverlet Book By Susan Briscoe

Book review from the Sewing Studio: The 1718 Coverlet Book By Susan Briscoe 69 Quilt Blocks from the Oldest Dated British Patchwork Coverlet The coverlet is the earliest known British patchwork that has a date worked into it and forms a benchmark against which all other rare survivors of early 18th century patchwork can be compared. Learn how to piece each of the stunning 69 quilt blocks this unique book features a block directory and instructions for how to piece each of the blocks using the original mosaic piecing technique, as well as more accessible modern techniques. The traditional technique used to piece the blocks is known as 'Mosaic patchwork' and is a time-consuming method requiring the use of paper for templates. Some of the paper templates still remain in the coverlet and provide tantalising glimpses of printed and handwritten text including bills, letters and printed text as well as hand drawn designs for the quilt. Experienced quilt author, Susan Briscoe, explores how a replica quilt was painstakingly reproduced using the original mosaic piecing technique. There is information about the original fabrics used to create the coverlet and what kind of modern fabrics lend themselves best to recreating the quilt, using a variety of different techniques. This makes it perfect for the more experienced quilter looking for a challenge, as well as anyone fascinated by the history of this traditional craft. 

Bridget Long: Anonymous Needlework: Uncovering British Patchwork 1680-1820.

Submitted to the University of Hertfordshire in partial fulfilment of the

requirements of the degree of PhD 

From the "Introduction": "Yet oddly, many modern authors associate historical patchwork predominantly with nineteenth- and twentieth-century North America. This thesis demonstrates that further research is now required to assess how British patchwork practice influenced needlewomen across the English-speaking world, in particular the new United States of America, during the following century."

- exactly what I found out was the case for me. It looks like there was a reaso for my lack of knowledge.