Overview:
This book delves into the rich history of quilting, tracing its roots back to ancient Egypt, where patchwork and quilting were used to adorn clothing and even funeral tents. The text explores the evolution of these needlework techniques through the Middle Ages, highlighting their use in both religious and secular contexts in various European countries, particularly Spain, Italy, and England. It then focuses on the quilt’s journey to America, emphasizing the role of English and Dutch colonists in introducing and popularizing the craft. The book examines the prevalence of quilting in colonial America, its connection to household industry, and its prominence in both rural and urban communities. The author, Marie Webster, details the different types of quilts, their construction techniques, and the various designs and names that have emerged over time. Finally, the book sheds light on the social significance of quilting bees and the revival of interest in quilting in the early 20th century.
Key Findings:
- Quilting has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.
- Quilts have served both functional and decorative purposes across cultures and time periods.
- Quilting is a complex art form with a variety of techniques, designs, and names.
- Quilting bees were a significant social event in American history, fostering community and friendship.
- The early 20th century witnessed a revival of interest in quilting, prompting more exhibitions and a growing demand for skilled quilters.
Learning:
- Patchwork vs. Quilting: Learn the difference between these two techniques and understand their individual roles in quilt making.
- Quilt Design: Discover the diverse and creative designs used in quilting, including names, patterns, and how they reflect historical events, nature, and personal experiences.
- Quilting Techniques: Master the techniques of piecing, patching, and quilting, using detailed instructions and illustrations.
- Quilt Names: Appreciate the significance of quilt names and their ability to reveal the quilter’s personality, historical context, and inspiration.
- Social History of Quilting: Understand the cultural significance of quilting bees and their impact on American social life.
Historical Context:
The book was written in 1915, a time of significant change in American society. The Industrial Revolution had begun to shift manufacturing from homes to factories, yet quilting remained a popular home craft. The book reflects the ongoing debate over women’s roles in society, particularly the value of domestic skills like quilting. It also highlights the growing interest in preserving and celebrating American heritage.
Facts:
- The earliest known example of patchwork is a colored gazelle hide used as a canopy for an Egyptian queen around 960 B.C. (This fact is interesting because it shows the long history of patchwork and its use in ancient times.)
- The Crusaders brought back fine silks and cottons from the East, which inspired a surge in textile arts throughout Europe. (This fact demonstrates the impact of trade and cultural exchange on the development of quilting.)
- During the Middle Ages, Spanish women were known for their skill with the needle, and many stitches currently in use are attributed to them. (This fact highlights the contribution of Spanish women to the evolution of needlework techniques.)
- In 1540, Katherine Howard, Queen of England, was presented with 23 quilts of Sarsenet, a type of silk fabric. (This fact showcases the prevalence and popularity of quilts among the English nobility in the 16th century.)
- The early French settlers in Canada used furs for warmth instead of quilts, as furs were readily available in the region. (This fact illustrates how cultural needs and resources influence the adoption of specific crafts.)
- During the colonial period in America, quilted garments, especially petticoats, were widely worn, particularly by women in Massachusetts and New Amsterdam. (This fact demonstrates the importance of quilts as a form of warm clothing in colder climates.)
- The early settlers in Virginia and the Carolinas were predominantly English and adopted the practice of quilting. (This fact highlights the influence of English settlers on quilting traditions in America.)
- The migration of settlers westward in the 19th century led to the spread of quilting into the Ohio Valley and the Midwest. (This fact demonstrates the impact of migration on the spread of quilting throughout America.)
- Quilting provided a valuable outlet for creativity and social interaction among the women of the American frontier. (This fact emphasizes the social and psychological significance of quilting for women in early America.)
- The Civil War era witnessed an increase in quilting, with some quilts reflecting political sentiments and events. (This fact showcases how historical events can influence quilt designs and names.)
- The invention of quilting machines in the 19th century did not fully replace hand quilting, and quilts remained a popular home craft. (This fact illustrates the enduring popularity of hand quilting despite technological advancements.)
- The early 20th century saw a revival of interest in quilting, with more exhibitions and a growing demand for skilled quilters. (This fact demonstrates the renewed appreciation for the craft in the early 1900s.)
- Quilts have been made and used in various countries, including Hawaii, where missionaries taught the craft to native women. (This fact shows the global reach and adaptability of quilting.)
Statistics:
- In 1707, a runaway Indian woman was described as wearing a “Black and quilted White Silk Crape Petticoat.” (This statistic gives a specific example of quilted clothing worn in colonial America.)
- A New England bride in 1720 received a “good fine larger Chintz quilt, well made” as a wedding gift. (This statistic demonstrates the value and importance of quilts as a wedding gift during that time.)
- In 1728, a runaway Indian servant was described as wearing a “Stript Home-spun quilted petticoat.” (This statistic highlights the prevalence of quilted petticoats among servants in colonial America.)
- In 1774, George Washington purchased 19 coverlids at an auction of the Fairfax family’s possessions, demonstrating the luxury of bedding owned by Southern planters. (This statistic reveals the abundance of quilts and bedding used by wealthy families in pre-Revolutionary Virginia.)
- In 1768, twelve wealthy couples in Charleston, South Carolina, received beds with canopies and elaborate curtains and spreads from England. (This statistic shows the lavishness of home furnishings among wealthy residents of Southern cities.)
- In a Kentucky mountain cabin, an elderly woman had 84 quilts, all different and all made by her. (This statistic emphasizes the dedication of mountain women to quilting and the quantity of quilts they often produced.)
- A quilt awarded the first premium at 37 different county fairs was made over 75 years prior to the exhibition. (This statistic reveals the long-lasting quality and enduring beauty of quilts.)
- In a quilt show, 118 quilts were displayed, highlighting the abundance and variety of quilts found in rural communities. (This statistic showcases the popularity of quilting and the large number of quilts that can be found in a single area.)
- One quilt collection included seven quilts, each meticulously crafted with thousands of stitches. (This statistic reveals the immense amount of time and dedication involved in making quilts.)
Terms:
- Appliqué: The technique of applying pieces of fabric onto a foundation fabric, creating a raised design.
- Patchwork: The art of piecing together fabric scraps to create a quilt top.
- Pieced Quilt: A quilt made by joining together individual pieces of fabric, often in a specific pattern.
- Quilting: The process of stitching together two or more layers of fabric, usually with an interlining, using various stitch patterns.
- Quilting Bee: A social gathering where neighbors gather to assemble and quilt quilts together.
- Counterpane: A bedspread, often quilted, used as a top cover for a bed.
- Comfort: A thicker, warmer quilt, often used as an additional layer of bedding.
- Tufted: A type of quilting where the fabric is stitched together in a raised pattern, creating a textured effect.
- Sarsenet: A type of fine silk fabric, often used for clothing and quilting.
- Chintz: A type of printed cotton fabric, often used for bedding and upholstery.
Examples:
- The Egyptian queen’s canopy: This ancient example of patchwork, made from colored gazelle hide, showcases the early use of this technique for decorative and symbolic purposes.
- The Bayeux Tapestry: This 11th-century tapestry, depicting the events of the Norman conquest, is a prominent example of early appliqué work.
- The Black Prince’s coat: This 14th-century coat of armor, ornamented with appliqué velvet, highlights the use of patchwork for military and ceremonial attire.
- Queen Mary’s bed hanging: This piece of appliqué work, incorporating singed velvet designs, illustrates the creative use of techniques and materials in the Tudor period.
- The Indiana Wreath: This 1858 quilt, with its intricate wreath design and careful use of color, represents the pinnacle of American quilt making.
- The “Wild Goose Chase” quilt: This quilt, with its rows of small triangles representing the V-shaped formation of migrating geese, demonstrates the quilter’s ability to draw inspiration from nature.
- The “Drunkard’s Path” quilt: This quilt, with its intricate curved blocks, exemplifies the whimsical and playful nature of quilt designs.
- The “Keepsake Quilt”: This quilt, incorporating scraps of the maker’s old dresses, showcases the sentimental value and personal significance of quilts.
- The quilting bee: This social gathering provides a space for women to come together, share stories, and create beautiful quilts.
Conclusion:
Quilting is more than a simple craft; it is a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, art, culture, and community. This book provides a fascinating journey through the evolution of quilting, highlighting its enduring appeal and its significance in American life. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or a curious newcomer, “Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them” offers a valuable resource, inspiring you to create your own quilts and cherish the heritage of this remarkable craft.