Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking

Quilts of Provence presents a detailed and beautifully illustrated history of the marvelous quilted needlework of France. Quilts of Provence is a well-documented and anecdote-filled book showing examples of this visually appealing art in various Provencal settings and marrying the handsome textiles to the charm of their origins. Exquisite textiles emerged from the two Provencal traditions of printed textiles and elaborately stitched white work: beautiful bed covers and articles for the toilette, fancy gowns and accessories that captured the imaginations of playwrights, kings and queens and all their court.

The women of Provence adopted the needle arts and printed cottons for their own use as well, combining the bright color palette of printed cottons with floral prints and stripes to embellish their garments and domestic articles with stylized floral, heart, lyre and other fanciful high-relief quilting forms. This book opens the armoires of 17th- to 19th-century households to show how Provencal women brought summer sun and flowers into their lives every day of the year.

Quilts of Provence includes a detailed reference section with instructions for making traditional French quilts, directions for caring for and displaying quilts, and a directory of museums and shops in France where textile enthusiasts can see and purchase French quilted needlework.

With 192 pages and 175 color and 25 black and white illustrations.