Lone Stars, Volume II: A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1936-1986

Time on their hands may have motivated some of the quiltmakers whose works are featured here, but Lone Stars Volume II reveals that artistry, love of beauty, and keen design and sewing skills characterize the quilts made in Texas since the 1936 Centennial. Beginning where Volume 1: A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936 left off, Volume II presents 81 quilts that illustrate the finest work done by modern Texas quilters, using designs that range from traditional to abstract and experimental. Each quilt receives detailed attention in glowing color photographs and an informative text. The authors describe the quilt's physical characteristics—size, fabrics, pattern, method of quilting, quality of workmanship, and overall design concept. They also offer stories and photos of the quiltmaker and her family and the circumstances under which the quilt was made, when known. In their introduction, the authors provide a historical overview of quiltmaking in Texas and discuss how quilts have come to be perceived as works of art, rather than mere decorative crafts. This documentation and the on-going Texas Quilt Search that they direct underline Bresenhan and Puentes' commitment to preserving and encouraging this art. Through these efforts, they hope to encourage young Texans to "appreciate the beauty of quilts, value the inspiration, commitment and hard work it takes to produce them, and feel a sense of kinship with all of the creative women who have ensured that quilting does not become a lost art."