Title: An Amish Adventure, A Workbook for Color in Quilts Author: Roberta Horton Publisher: C & T Publishing ISBN: 1571200053

Book Review by Sandi Marshall

Learn some of the exciting things that can happen when you start to combine colors. Roberta Horton teaches a basis of knowledge with the color wheel, moving on to color values. She has long held a fascination with the color interaction and style of Amish quilts. Based on Amish styles, this book has the intent of helping you see how you can make your own color decisions and create your own patterns.

Written as a workbook, the intent is for you to try out (or at least read through) each exercise, in the order presented, to gain full benefit from the book.

Begin to learn about background, following her through the steps in choosing colors; next, learn about color placement, then you're ready to learn about sparkle!

Many examples are given on the construction of different styles of Amish patterns, with color photos of quilted examples. For example, in the lesson named "Bars", you can learn how to use color to make bars seemingly float above the rest of the piece. In the exercise on "Sunshine and Shadow", you can practice choosing and arranging colors for shading. The designs "Pinwheel" and "Pinwheels Gone Awry" demonstrate repeat block possibilities and "Barn Raising" demonstrates a nine-patch arrangement, with an unexpected, off-center placement of design.

Although written for quilters, needleworkers in the areas of crocheting, knitting, cross stitch and needlepoint can benefit from the knowledge of color and Amish style they can learn from this book and bring into their creation of their own designs in their craft medium.

Feature: Design/Color Inspiration from Other Craft Mediums - Quilt Books

Cover image by permission of C & T Publishing