Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Identifying and Dating Antique Quilts

Rating:
Summary: Best Quilt Book I Own
Review: I purchased this book several years ago in preparation to becoming a certified quilt appraiser, It proved to be invaluable. I have used it so much it is literally falling apart. I have highlighted it's pages until it looks like like they were colored to begin with. I consider it to be the best guide for fabric identification on the market. I own many quilt books on lots of subjects, but this is my favorite.

Thelma L. Stone

Rating:
Summary: The super information makes up for the lack of visual appeal
Review: This book could use a lot more pictures. It is a great source of written information, but does not provide much help in the visual identification of calico fabrics. Eileen Jahnke Trestain's book is much more useful in providing pictures, but Trestain's book does not come close to providing the written documentation and depth of discussion that Barbara Brackman does in Clues in the Calico.

I use both books and they are great companion guides for solving the mysteries presented when you attempt to identify the age of old fabrics, especially in old crazy quilts. HOWEVER, in general, I find I refer to the Trestain book more often than the Brackman book.

Rating:
Summary: Clues in the Calico by Barbara Brackman
Review: This book is essential for anyone who wants to learn about antique quilts. Comprehensive information about textile technology, pattern dissemination, and chronology of stylistic influences on quiltmaking in the United States presented by the leading authority on quilt history.