Arundel Historical Society
A Nonprofit Educational Organization
A registered non-profit 501c3 organization
A registered non-profit 501c3 organization
Trying to describe the history of quilting is as difficult as trying to discover the beginnings of the needle, as I’m certain that the two are closely related. Examples of quilting have been found in ancient Egypt, China, North Africa, and the Middle East. The concept of quilting was not that different from culture to culture, as many quilted items were made out of necessity. Many layers “sandwiched” together created a warmer, thicker product that was handy for many different uses. Quilted clothing both warmed and protected the wearer (even to pad the armor of knights!). Bedding was made by quilting different layers of fabric together. As time went on, quilting was embellished and served as a form of storytelling, as well as being functional.
To early American settlers, practicality was more important than beauty. With limited resources and isolation, it meant that materials were often recycled. Damaged or outgrown clothing as well as even old quilts were made into new quilts to keep everyone warm. Since quilts were all hand cut and hand sewn, which could be time consuming, quilting bees served not just a practical purpose, but also a social function. These gatherings allowed the skills to be passed on from generation to generation.
What really is really interesting is how the patterns evolved and reflected either locations or events. Blocks such as the Mariner’s Compass, Storm at Sea, North Star and Maple Leaf reflect New England or seafaring communities. While blocks such as Log Cabin, Kansas Trouble, Churn Dash, Ohio Star, Bear Paw and Country Roads seem to reflect our country’s westward expansion.
Quilt blocks also appear to have served as secret codes for slaves who were following the Underground Railroad to freedom prior to the Civil War. Blocks are said to have held meanings. The Log Cabin: a safe house. Flying Geese: follow the migrating geese north to Canada and freedom. Bow Ties: someone will bring nice clothes to help blend in as freed people. These and many others served as unwritten maps.
One quilt that probably inspires more quilters than any other is the “Dear Jane” quilt. This quilt was handmade by Jane Stickle in 1863 and is now housed at the Bennington Museum in Vermont. The geometry and craftsmanship is amazing in every detail. The quilt was awarded a $2.00 Prize in the Bennington County Agricultural Fair on October 1,1863. This amazing quilt is made up of 169, 5-inch blocks, each in different patterns and unique fabric containing a total of 5,602 pieces surrounded by a unique scalloped border. The blocks of most quilts at that time were 8- to 12-inch squares. Completing a “Dear Jane” quilt is an ultimate challenge to many quilters.
During the Great Depression, life was difficult and frugal farm families were used to “making do”. Feed sacks were transformed into dresses, towels, curtains and much more. By the 1940s the manufacturers began using bright colors and designs to help boost sales since the farm wives chose the brightest colors. This continued until a shortage of cotton during WWII made recycling of the bags a necessity. Scraps of these sacks or “chicken linen” made ideal material for quilts and many beautiful ones still survive and are prized. Reproduction depression fabrics are now available, and I think these are my favorite.
Quilts have evolved over the years and continue to change. Although the quilt may still serve to keep you warm, the new fabrics and colors challenge and inspire. Modern quilting is becoming an art form in itself and with new technology and materials, the future is wide open to creativity. As all quilters learn, there are no mistakes, just variations… and a finished quilt is better than a perfect quilt left unfinished!
Contributed by: Simone Boissonneault
If you’d like to explore more blocks: https://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
Originally published in the March 2024 edition of our newsletter, Yore Connection