Grab a Cup of Coffee and Let’s Talk African American Quilt Books

After an exciting weekend at the Atlanta Quilt Festival, I am claiming some quiet time and curled up with quilt books. Attending a lecture at the Atlanta Quilt Festival about the life of quilt historian Cuesta Benberry inspired me to search for and purchase her book Always There: The African American Presence in American Quilts. I already owned A Piece of My Soul - Quilts by Black Arkansans.

But once you are on the trail of historical quilt books, why stop with one? I also purchased Bisa Butler — Portraits. I am sure it will be a keepsake as time goes by.

Her success reminds me how fortunate I was to take a class from her at the 2014 Atlanta Quilt Festival. Although I never finished the class project which was a portrait of Lupita, the time I spent with Bisa remains a fond memory.

Forever a UFO. My unfinished Bisa Butler class project.

ME! And Bisa Butler at the 2014 Atlanta Quilt Festival

I also pulled Communion of the Spirits off the shelf and re-read the preface written by Cuesta Benberry,

Curling up with a good book is one of my favorite ways to unwind, and it is one way I treat myself. I recommend it as a way to refresh and renew.

What’s your favorite quilt book?