Southwest by Southwest: Native American and Mexican Quilt Designs

Rating:
Summary: A mix of surprise, creativity and dissapointment...
Review: Although published in '91 the quilts and techniques in this book are reminiscent of the '70s. Ms. Olsen does a great job of researching Native American designs. Her interpretation and execution of the quilts, however, is a little dissapointing. Her quilts are very simplistic and, in the case of her CHEMEHUEVI CRIB QUILT, entirely misses the design elements. Most of the quilts are pictured draped instead of full view. These quilts could easily be done with the strip piecing technique but Ms. Olsen gives directions for individual patchwork pieces instead. The book does however, have wonderful patterns which are easily adapted to modern techniques and fabrics. Overall, I enjoy the book and look forward to using her authentic designs.

Rating:
Summary: Good for reference but not for patterns.
Review: Given the relative dearth of quilting books featuring patterns inspired by Native American and Mexican art, I was anxious to buy this book. After going through it, however, I would classify it more as an "appetite-whetter" than a pattern book. It is a terrific starting place for a more experienced quilter who can adapt the author's dated instructions to current techniques such as rotary cutting and strip piecing and who can incorporate multiple design elements into one piece. Standing alone, the pieces presented by the author are simplistic to the point of being crude. Nonetheless, I enjoy this book and am happy to have it as part of my reference collection.