Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles from Pakistan and India (Schiffer Book for Designers and Collectors)

I received what I was expecting.

Nowadays, when you buy a book, it has so few pages that it is a glorified magazine with a slightly thicker cover. This book has lots of pages with lots of gorgeous photographs of this quilt style that is new to me. It also has a lot of information about the quilters and the region. I will refer to it often.

This is a book about the amazing patchwork and applique quilts from India and Pakistan that are known as "ralli" quilts; these are largely produced by nomadic tribes in the Indus desert area of the region. This is not a project or design book. It is a presentation of the cultural and historical context in which these works of art are produced, along with high quality photographs of many of the quilts. They are produced using dyeing techniques, patchwork, applique, reverse applique, embroidery, embellishment with sequins and mirrors and very fine quilting stitches. The patchwork rallis are very dynamic and graphic and often have a very contemporary "op art" look. The applique blocks are reminiscent of those found in Hawaiian quilts except that the blocks are much smaller and therefore the applique patterns are much finer. Think of the paper cutout patterns that are put into windows in Mexico and you have some idea of what these blocks look like. Indeed, the patterns are prepared by folding the and cutting the fabric through all the layers. If you think you have seen it all when it comes to quilts, guess again. These are very unique works of art that have not been widely seen in the West. Highly recommended if you are interested in ethnic textiles or if you are a quilting artist looking for new sources of inspiration.

I was pleased to find the mirror work of northern India featured in this book. I have a couple of pieces and had never found much information on them. I didn't know the proper name for them! I got this because Michigan State University Museum is having a special show on Ralli Quilts this summer. One thing led to another and now I know the name of this technique and some of its history. I am so pleased. The book is well written with lots of color photos. And maps! A really thorough approach to an interesting subject!

Very interesting and the only book on quilts from Pakistan!

A lovely book. It makes me want to take up embroidery and quilting.

absolutely great!.......a visual feast

Excellent service. Loved the book.

If you love colourful textiles, you will not be disappointed with this beautiful book. All the quilts are absolutely exquisite (there is a lot of reds in them). I found there was a lot of resemblance between the Jogi Ralli on page 80 and the cover of Kaffee Fassett's book "Quilts from Sweden" that I am in the process of making at the moment.