An Interesting Piece Of Quilting History

The reason for what began as the European American tradition of quilting was to increase the weight and warmth to garments underneath armor

. From that simple beginning a slight divergence occurred.

Quilters of the Victorian age utilized every scrap of cloth they had collected from the leftovers of their previous projects to sew together what was known as a crazy quilt. Often the finished product of their endeavor was utilized as a decorative showpiece for their homes.

Quilters in the American colonies out of need created more practical quilts. Material came from what was available; feed sacks for example, to make the fabric blocks that would be used in their quilts. By doing this they were able to save what little money they had. The primary purpose for their endeavors was to keep their families warm on winter nights, but, at times, selling quilts to those who needed them could also make a living.

No single quilt design is more popular than the others. Religion, end purpose of the quilt, and region in which it is produced, often are influences in the choice of pattern. One interesting use to which quilt making was put was at a time when paper and ink were not readily available was the recording of history on a local, family and national level.

Quilts could also be used as an expression of friendship and devotion to a family member or close friend. One type of quilt was even given the name friendship quilt as an acknowledgment of that fact. Pieces of the quilt would be made and contributed by individuals that would eventually come together into a quilting circle or 'bee' to finish it. The quilt would then be presented to the special person it was intended for.

A signature or autograph quilt is another type of friendship quilt. Community, friends and family would autograph individual quilt pieces, which would be collected together for assembly into the quilt. An individual or a group of quilters would then sew it together for the commemoration of a significant event in the life of the one who is to receive it.

Not every signature quilt was made for friendship purposes. Quite a few were created for the purpose of fund raising. Important and famous people would be asked to autograph a quilt block for a charity. Once all the blocks were collected and the quilt sewn together it would be auctioned off or a raffle would be held. A variation of this type of fundraiser was to have members of the community who wish to participate pay a fee for the privilege of autographing a quilt piece themselves.

The crazy quilt design is also used in the raising of funds for needy causes. Scraps of cloth from the clothing of famous people would be collected and sewn into a quilt. Once the quilt was finished it would be auctioned off for a needy cause.

Those practicing the art of quilting have discovered many more uses for their skills than weight and warmth added to underclothes. The preserving of memories and aiding the needy are also a part of the quilting tradition.

by: Eddie Lamb

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