Modern Quilt Perspectives: 12 Patterns for Meaningful Quilts Paperback – March 14, 2014

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.

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.

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.

I love Thomas's academic approach to modern quilt design making it personal and accessible. As soon as I saw him on youtube I knew he was a kindred spirit and went looking for his books. Yes, thoughtful, handmade design is a serious artistic endeavor with simple, striking technique and beauty. No, I will not "copy" his patterns but am so inspired by them that I immediately planned a new quilt with a fresh conceptual approach. Looking forward to the next book(s).

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Yes, it has patterns to make incredible quilts, but more importantly, it is a guide and inspiration for a quilter to make his or her own quilts with meaning. I'm a quilter who falls in love with fabric and patterns, but I've never felt able to step out and create something that is truly my own. Thomas Knauer's narrative gives me courage to expand my world, and express myself in my own meaningful quilts. That's an awesome gift for a writer to share. (The quilts by Thomas, with quilting by Lisa Sipes, also make for some pretty incredible eye candy.)

This is a genuinely engaging book about quilting. Mr. Knauer has an eloquent voice and he tells interesting stories about each of the meaningful quilts featured in this title. Through his narrative about each quilt..the how and why of his design process. readers will want to design their own meaningful quilts, or replicate or adapt his projects. Clear instructions are provided for those who want to replicate his designs.Highly recommend this title if you are interested in modern quilting, or interested in eloquent stories about why we create.Buy this book, then go make stuff!

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...

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.

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 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.

wife loves it