The late Ricketson, founder of the popular crafting website Whip Up, had a background in visual art, and she brings her interest in 20th-century art movements to quilting in this collection of patterns. Quilts inspired by modern art commonly feature bold and contemporary designs, and these interpretations are no exception. The glimpses into the author’s design process, from inspiration to choice of color to block layout, are fascinating. The majority of these projects are appropriate for adventurous beginners, while more experienced quilters will appreciate the playful attitude toward color and shape. VERDICT Ricketson’s final book serves as a lovely coda to a promising career cut far too short. Modern quilters will love the art-inspired designs, and quilters of all skill levels will savor Ricketson’s gentle guidance and encouragement.
—Library Journal; June 2013
Kathreen Ricketson, an Australian blogger (whipup.net) and quilt columnist, marries her interest in art to her creativity as a quilter. The result is colorful quilts of varying degrees of difficulty and derivative design. She admits an attraction to opposites in designs that reveal her "little spark of quirkiness." In particular, she is drawn to 20th-century art and social movements, from art deco and Bauhaus to punk; she extracts the essence of each via color, text, line, and motif. Ricketson teaches design principles, such as space, color, and mood, before laying out 12 designs, each augmented with suggestions for the reader/quilter (her commonest verb is "try"). To teach use of line, she offers the quilt "Intersections." "Weave," its horizontal lines jabbed by a wedge of complementary lines, manifests Bauhaus ideals. Cubist concepts play in "Rhythm." Each quilt design includes a chart detailing size of blocks and finished quilt, degree of difficulty, and te chniques. Throughout, Ricketson offers tips, such as tracing fonts right off the computer screen for "Frothy Nothing," a fabric tribute to dada.
—Publishers Weekly; July 1, 2013
These projects are derived from 20th century art movements: Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, pop and punk, etc. The author guides you through the process of creating and personalizing the quilt using four design elements: line, color, motif and text. In-depth information on tools and finishing techniques are also included. Quilters at any level will spark their creativity and become better quilt designers by using this new book.
—Quilter's Digest; September 2013
This book contains 12 quilts inspired by art movements from Art Nouveau and Bauhaus to pop and punk. Included is information on colour, fabric selection, inspiration, and mood boards. Each project begins with an overview of its historical period, then you are guided through the process of creating and personalizing your own innovative quilt. Note: Kathreen was on an around Australia trip with her family when she tragically drowned in May. As the founder of Whipup.net she was well known and loved in the crafting community. She will be much missed.
—Down Under Textiles Magazine; 9/19/13
Brave New Quilts from Kathreen Ricketson delves into the world of art quilting, with 12 projects highlighting the concepts of line, color, text, and motif. From Bauhaus to Mid-century Modern, the quilt concepts take you through time, offering practical tips along the way. It was Ricketson's last book before her untimely death in May 2013.
—Stitch Gifts Magazine; November 2013
Learn about 20th-century art while creating your own modern-design quilt. Well-known author and blogger Kathreen Ricketson presents 12 quilts inspired by 20th-century art movements, from Art Nouveau and Bauhaus to pop and punk. Each concept is divided into four chapters: Use of Line, Use of Color, Use of Motif, and Use of Text. Each of these chapters contains 3 projects and is generously outlined with illustrations and 2 alternate design options. Also included is expert information on color, fabric selection and inspiration. Kathreen finishes with a comprehensive appendix and in-depth information on tools and finishing techniques.
—Modern Quilts Unlimited; December 2013
