Quilting Lessons: Notes from the Scrap Bag of a Writer and Quilter

Rating:
Summary: Quilting through Writer's Block
Review: Berlo describes the way a sudden depression turned her from a highly esteemed, publishing professor to an almost obsessive quilter overnight.
She talks movingly about finding balance, and the way that "playing" with colors, patterns and fabric helped her find that, both in her work, and with friends and family.
In a society that undervalues "women's art" (especially textile arts), Berlo makes an interesting case that it is both therapeutic and historically significant.

Rating:
Summary: Discovering a kindred quilting spirit
Review: I am PASSIONATE about this book! It's written as a mix between a journal and an autobiography and lays bare a lot of the feelings that I thought only I had about the importance of quilting. I love the way that the passion for quilting is woven into Janet's love for her sisters and her sometimes difficult relationship with her mother. As you read, you begin to see her working her way out of the depression that imobilised her, and it shows how she re-chanelled her creativity after her writing "avenue" of expression was blocked. This is a book for anyone interested in the stresses of 21st century woman, and even if you don't quilt yourself, you will still enjoy the sharing of emotions. I defy anyone not to say at some point "I have felt exactly like that!", whatever your interests or background!

Rating:
Summary: Escaping writer's block through quilting
Review: This compelling memoir is composed of a series of essays which center around the author's struggle to find a way through an unexpected onset of writer's block. She describes how she found solace in the creative acts which go into the creation of quilts, and how the creativity she found an outlet for there helped her return to the life of a professor and scholar. The author gives readers a glimpse into the life of an academic--the pressure and the difficulties as well as the accolades and successes. The most interesting sections of the book are those which give valuable insight into the importance of quilting--an extremely undervalued art--in the lives of modern women, including the author and her two lovingly-described sisters. Interspersed within the memoir are yummy recipes, for those readers who are cooking-inclined. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the importance of quilting, the experiences of modern-day female academics, or instructions on how to overcome writer's block. An excellent read!