Over the centuries, the quilt has evolved from a means of warmth to a family record to a decorating accessory to an art form. Quilts range from simple, elegant pieced coverlets to elaborately appliqued Album Quilts, to delicately embroidered samplers. Whether you collect them to hang, to display or to throw over yourself on a chilly night, they are valuable heirlooms worth knowing about.The "Collector"s Guide to Quilts" is the first book solely devoted to understanding the skills needed to collect quilts. It provides everything a collector needs to know, including a brief history of American quilts; what makes a "good" quilt; information on fabrics, dyeing and printing techniques; quilt patterns; and the current state of the market. Fully illustrated in both black-and-white and color, this guide will provide valuable information for decorators, historians, and hobbyists