Discover why so many Amish and Mennonites, committed to a simple life, make beautiful quilts. This book looks at quilting in plain communities and the possible origins of quilt patterns popular among the Amish and Mennonites. Why do so many Amish and Mennonites who are devoutly committed to a simple, austere life make beautiful quilts? Why this splash of beauty? What are the favorite designs? How has quilting become a part of the very fabric of Amish and Mennonite life? What are basic how-tos of quiltmaking? "Quilting has survived among these frugal, simple people because a quilt is not only apiece of art. It is also functional."