Quilts

by Jane Vest

Inspired by quilts emerging from old chests in the attic, quilting is experiencing a revival. In times gone by, women pieced together anything from animal skins to cloth when available, to make garments or coverings for warmth or decoration.

The people of China quilted their clothing and to this day are noted for the excellence of their skill.

During the American colonial period, quilts made in the colonies were in great demand on the continent especially in England and France. But the British Parliament prohibited their importation and in the France of Louis the Fourteenth, if a trader was caught bringing in quilts from America he was either heavily fined or executed! These penalties were enforced in order to protect the weavers= industry in both countries.

Quilting in America developed into a fine art. Some of the colorful patterns were regional, and others individual. The names were fanciful: Ducks Foot in the Mud, Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, Kansas Trouble, and the more common Wedding Ring, Log Cabin, Mariner’s Star, Pine Tree, and Oak Leaf. There are endless configurations.

Piecing - or patchwork as it is called - was geometrical, and its sister format, applique, was fluid and employed curves instead of straight lines. The technique of putting the quilt together was the same. In applique, free range was given to form intricate patterns with tiny stitches around the motifs, holding patchwork, batting and backing together. These fillers also had their own names: Laurel Leaf, Cloud, Prince's Feathers.

Quilting eventually gave rise to a social event - the quilting bee. Women came together to piece their own quilts for a communal quilt for a bride, a baby, or a needy family, foreshadowing quilts made now for distribution to the homeless or the large quilts made in memory of the Vietnam Veterans or Aids victims which are displayed in our cities.

Quilting bees were so popular in the past that a song, Seeing Nellie Home, was written after escorting a young lady home from a quilting bee.

Quilts were also a slice of life. Those who sewed their own clothes or clothes for their family always had a piece of material leftover. Many of these leftovers found their way into patchwork and down the line one day they would recognize that piece of material and think about what it represented.

Today it is not necessary to rely on hoarded material. Quilt shops have sprung up all over and offer the most beautiful material ever. You have only to choose.

At craft festivals, there are a variety of quilts on display as well as for sale. The Farmers Museum and the Cooper House at Cooperstown have a fine collection of quilts. It's worth the trip. Enjoy!