Modern Quilt Perspectives: 12 Patterns for Meaningful Quilts

While I have been a quilter for 25 years, I have recently returned to school for graphic design. Since I have been away from the quilting community for a bit, I've let my book buying lapse except for this book. I pre-ordered it knowing it was one I would not want to miss. I usually find some inspiration or want-to-make quilts in the books I buy, this one has truly captured me. It is still on the coffee table as I am not willing to put it away on the shelf. When I look at the quilts, and even more so, read some of the stories behind the quilts, there is an uneasy feeling that I have been away from quilting too long, that I am missing something exciting. The message I got in this book from Thomas is not "look what I made' but `go make something.' True to that I began cleaning off my quilting tables and pulling out some unfinished projects this week... I have not made any of the quilts yet, but the quilts certainly look doable for a wide range of quilters, the instructions and diagrams look very clear. My first choice - Ampersand - I keep going back to that one and imagining it hanging on my wall.

From the beginning you can tell that this book is different from other quilt books. It is like a conversation with the author. It is written in his "voice" from the tools needed to the explanation of quilts to the directions themselves. Knauer delves into the reasons that quilts are made. As a quilter I never thought past making a quilt for someone. After reading his reasoning, I totally agree with all the reasons behind what we do. Some of these quilts touch on views and politics that most people are afraid to discuss. It doesn't matter your views on these issues as long you are respectful of the person giving them. Kudos on the guts to voice these views. This is definitely a book to read and think about. It is a wonderful bonus that it has beautiful quilts in it!!!

Most quilt designers should not write book. They are dreadful to read. Every sewing and quilting book I've ever picked up has a section called Tools and Materials. Buy the best stuff, don't be cheap, have loads of fancy tools. When you read Thomas' book it is clear that there is a real person there advising you. He is conversational and personal, and yet knowledgeable. The quilts in this book are visually exciting and draw you in. Each quilt has a message to deliver, one that will touch your heart. Thomas Knauer IS modern quilting. He gets it. He lives it. He inspired me. Buy this book. You will not regret it. Plus, you'll have something nice to read when you're in the loo.

This book is thought provoking about quilts and quilting. The quilts are very modern and very well described. Does the average quilter think about the composition of a quilt in quite the same way as these quilters do? I think not. But for those quilters who want to sew as a "Writer" this would be a good book to have.

I had the very good fortune to organize a special exhibit of 17 of Thomas Knauer's quilts for the Minnesota Quilters 2016 show that took place in St. Cloud MN and when I returned home I immediately bought this book. His quilts are very beautiful; their construction is impeccable and seeing them made me want to find out more about how they were made. The book does not disappoint. There is, first of all, his writing about the quilting process and practice, which is in itself magnificent because he dissects what we do as quilters, shines a light on it, makes us think about it. Then there is the thinking that goes into making each quilt, the story that inspires the work. We do not all have the gift of language that Thomas Knauer has, but we can read his book and recognize ourselves in what he writes about. Highly recommended even if you are not a modern quilter.

Very interesting concept.

Beautifully written, designed and photographed, inspiring, personal--just the best! Since this book arrived, have read it cover to cover and reread excerpts again. Not only is this book instructional in a free-spirited way--it also addresses personal and social concerns--gently, lovingly and symbolically. This is an important book for quilters and non-quilters who crave insight on why we make beautiful things with meaning. Maggie Magee

Incredible read - very different than most quilting books because its one of the first I've read that delves much deeper into the personal nature of quilts and the quilting process . . . the instructions are simple, easy to follow and much more like outlines. Not the book for you if you want a simple "how-to" quilt book.

I bought this book as a pre-release after attending one of Thomas's Cambridge workshops. I've been machine quilting for about 18 months (but admit to doing the Laura Ashley hexie thing by hand back in the day), and had been making quilts from mags and a couple of beginners' books. What wowed me is Thomas's punk approach to quilting: he takes tradition and turns it on its head. He makes (modern) quilting relevant to us and how we live our lives today by showing how we can instil meaning in what we create, and that is completely liberating. He writes well in a direct, personal and open way (see his blog!), with clear and easy to follow instructions (I read it from cover to cover when I got it), and great advice. As an object the book is gloriously conceived: the layout and palette used on each page is harmonious, and the texture of the cover and pages is lovely (all like a good quilt). So have I made any of these quilts: no - but I will (starting with Answer Key). Rather Thomas's approach inspired me to start designing quilts (first top pieced and ready for a sandwich, and second top being designed now) that are relevant to me, and the people and things that matter to me. I can't wait for the next instalment...

I have been looking forward to this book since I had heard that Thomas Knauer was writing it. I first saw his spectacular quilt, In Defence of Handmade, at the QuiltCon show in 2013. Learning the story behind that quilt made it clear that Thomas Knauer was making quilts that were thought provoking - although his quilts function as warm blankets, they also mean engage you in a conversation about their meaning. Modern Quilt Perspectives is a wonderful book full of ideas and and also beautiful quilts with excellent and easy to follow instructions. It is a book that will appeal to quilters at all levels and also to those who wish to share Knauer's analysis and conversation about the meaning of his quilts and the practice of quilting in general. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I am already looking forward to Knauer's next book.

This is an awesome addition to my textile library. Beautifully executed designs and a strong, supportive text that gives the reader a whole new perspective on creating designs for themselves. Thomas shares his story, and the path he took to making quilts a special part of his artful life. I will definitely be trying several of the designs in my studio practice, and encourage others to buy and read this book and take some steps toward creating modern quilt designs for their collections.

Good book. Delivered on time

This book is beautifully presented and has an amazing array of quilts in it. Lots of background information as to the "Why" for each pattern. Makes you think about quilts in a new light.