The reason we probably view women that quilted in colonial days the way we
do, is because of all the fictional books written about those times, many about
the quilter. Books about American Quilters tend to make the women seem like they
lived to tend to the men and children and when they did gather it was a time of
laughter and socializing. It was a time when the quilters gathered to finish
quilts while still tending to the needs of the family.
By the time the women had all of their chores and rearing duties finished, it
was probably well after dark and the only light source would have been from a
candle or the fireplace, which would have been much too dim for stitching. So,
this debunks the myth that the beautiful quilting style we see today was started
by quilters in the colonial days. Besides, in those days there was very little
fabric available. It is a myth that quilting was a pastime in colonial days. If
there were quilts made, then they were likely very simple quilts and were made
out of necessity, not enjoyment.
If a house had extra room for a quilting frame, then it would be left set up.
But since most houses had very little spare room, women were forced to cram in
their quilting frames when and where they could. However, women were really
starting to enjoy the quilting process so they made time and used the quilts for
creative expression. This is when the quilt became a hobby for the American
Quilters.
It just so happens that today getting together to make a quilt is much more of a
"social gathering" than it was in the times of the earliest American Quilters.
Today, when women do gather to sew a quilt, it is with much more ease because of
all the available resources for the craft. From the quilt kits to the quilting
fabrics, quilters have it much easier today. Making the notion that quilting was
a "fun social gathering" much more applicable to modern times.
Quilts are a great tradition that has been handed down to countless
generations. But that skill is quickly dwindling as more individuals would
rather buy a factory stitched quilt than to make their own. It is a saddening
fact that this skill is being lost. You do not have to let this lost art go.
There are countless books on the internet that can show you how to quilt. You
will be amazed at how easy it actually is to quilt and you will wonder why you
have not done it before. Click here for more information:
