More Than Just Patchwork--These Quilts Were Tickets to Freedom

BOOKS

Quilts have been seen in recent years as more than just pretty coverings to toss on the bed. They’re expressions from families affected by AIDS, considered poignant works of art by many. But their ability to share stories goes further back, as documented by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard in “Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad” ($27.50, Doubleday, 1999).

Tobin and Dobard relate how the African tradition of incorporating tale-telling symbols into quilts was carried on by slaves desperate to escape their owners. The quilts had coded messages used by slaves as they navigated their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Some quilts recorded the passage, often dramatic, of those who made their way north.

According to the authors--who note that they studied hundreds of quilts in the South and talked to many oral historians--various geometric designs had rather specific symbolic meaning.

For instance, they write that a series of quilts hung from windows and bearing a certain number of square knots was probably a signal for a group or family of slaves to “box all one’s belongings, pack them, and move on or escape.”

It’s an intriguing book that adds another layer to our understanding of the black experience in America.

Meredith Press has a slew of decorating books for those both ambitious and handy around the house. One of the latest is “Step-by-Step Bed & Bath Projects” ($13, Meredith Press, 1998), which is aimed at anyone with sewing skills, either basic or expert.

The 96-page book is for the do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t mind starting from scratch. It explains which fabrics and colors go with what and how to turn them into everything from shower curtains to duvets to four-poster canopies.

Most of the steps--including sizing and cutting the materials--come with photos showing how everything should look along the way. A friend who has experience with needle and thread said the instructions are practical and easy to follow.

THE WEB

Country Sampler, the popular magazine specializing in homey projects, now has a Web site (https://www.sampler.com). Much of the information is taken straight from the mag and offers simple instructions on spotlighted decorating suggestions.

Currently, the focus is on making decoupage trays (for starters, you’ll need a pizza pan and some decoupage paper) and hanging pot holders with hooks and baskets for the kitchen. There’s also a chat area where you can trade ideas with other visitors or get feedback on the ease (or difficulty) of that month’s projects.

Other magazines that have a Web presence include Better Homes and Gardens (https://www.bhglive.com) and Good Housekeeping, Home Beautiful and Country Living (all can be reached at https://www.homearts.com.