Book review by Martine House:
"Quilting with Manhole Covers"
by Shirley McGregor
I must admit being somewhat surprised at the title "Quilting with Manhole
Covers" and wondering if I had understood correctly. However, after reading
the preface and leafing through the pages of designs, I was quite delighted
with what I saw.
Shirley McGregor writes about the genesis of the book with a lot of humor and includes very interesting bits of Japanese culture and history. The lay out and the beautiful photographs make this book truly enjoyable and original.
I really liked the fact that this is not another "how-to book" but an incredible source of oriental designs, which could be used in very many different ways and settings, leaving each reader free to choose her/his favorite technique to duplicate a design in fabric. It is so refreshing to find a book that encourages creativity.
Another great feature: each manhole cover design is presented as a quilt, and three different types of graphics: a colored plate, a line drawing and a positive-negative image of the design. This is a wonderful idea to help readers see different aspects of each design, which in turn might help them select a technique. Those of you who just want to take a little trip to the Orient from your living room chair or the Japanese design and fabric fans, this book is for you!
Following is what Shirley McGregor writes about her book:
"'Quilting with manhole covers'--
The idea of using manhole cover designs as quilt patterns came to me as I was
looking for a Japanese theme for a quilt. I have tried to make at least one
quilt representing each country in which we have lived. So, shortly after
moving to Japan, I began to look around for inspiring subjects."Asia has a great deal that attracts the western eye, so several impressive candidates emerged very quickly. Among them were sand paintings, statuary, bamboo, and a particular favorite, the jumble of wires, poles, signs, small houses and shops, tightly jammed together in some of the older neighborhoods; colorful, 'visual noise'.
"Then early one morning, as I was jogging through the streets of Zushi, where we lived, I noticed that the city's manhole covers had a very intricate and pleasing design. it occurred to me then that the design might look good on a quilt, although, at the time, I didn't consider it a serious contender for the theme I was looking for.
"As I traveled to other communities in the area, I noticed that their manhole
covers also sported attractive designs, and I became fascinated with the
concept. Eventually, this fascination pushed the other ideas from my mind,
and I began to lay the groundwork for 'Treasures Underfoot', what I believe to
be the first quilt based upon manhole cover designs.
"In the months to come, I became aware that a great many such designs existed in hundreds of communities all over Japan. I was also concerned that so many beautiful patterns were lying around unnoticed. Thus, the idea for the book. What had begun as a simple admiration, turned into a major commitment, culminating some two years later in 'Quilting With Manhole Covers.'"
To visit Shirley McGregor's web page and for ordering information, contact: http://user.chollian.net/~quiltart
Page design by Carolie Bartol
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