Most quilts are prize possessions in families. They are handed down from generation to generation. If you are lucky enough to be the recipient of one of these treasures you know how unique and valuable they are. There are myths that surround this inherently American craft. Quilt museums and historians have done research to discover the truth behind some of the most popular myths.
To a large extent quilts shape our understanding of this country's beginnings. We imagine hard working Colonial women lovingly stitching bed covers from scraps of old clothes and remnants of discarded materials, underscoring the virtue of thrift. Many believe some quilts held secret messages during the period of slavery, offering instructions for runaway slaves hunting the Underground Railroad.
Many have a vision of housewives keeping scrap bags filled with material remnants to be turned into quilts. This fits the view of early settlers as hard workers who had to be creative with very limited resources. The truth is that the majority of early American quilts were created using whole cloth, not remnants. Textiles were imported and very expensive. It was only after the Industrial Revolution that people began quilting from scraps.
A common assumption is that women in colonial times made quilts. This fits in with our picture of resilient early Americans making the most of the resources they had. It turns out that quilting during this time period was fairly rare. Textiles were too expensive to be cut up for scraps. It was not until mass production that material became affordable, and it made economic sense to cut scraps and sew them together for quilting projects.
Another common belief is that quilting is an activity exclusive to women. Even feminists have embraced the idea that quilts demonstrate the ability of women to make something out of nothing and to create a community through the common act of quilting. In fact, there are a number of men who are professional quilters and create unique quilting patterns. Their works are on view in museums along with their female counterparts.
Most people believe that quilting is an American phenomenon. America may produce the majority of quilts, and created distinctive traditions that were handed down from generation to generation. Some of the styles and designs were borrowed from Europe though. Mosaic patchwork design, seen in American quilts, originated in Britain. Quilted textiles dating to the first century have been found in Mongolia.
One of the most compelling myths regarding American quilts is the part they may have played in the Underground Railroad. Quilters were supposed to have sewn secret code into their projects that only those involved in the Underground Railroad understood. The codes gave instructions to runways heading north. Historians discount the story believing it to be started by an individual family.
Most people love quilts. They are reminders of a time long gone. The stories that have built up around them through the years may or may not be true. Either way people love the idea of the history they represent.
To a large extent quilts shape our understanding of this country's beginnings. We imagine hard working Colonial women lovingly stitching bed covers from scraps of old clothes and remnants of discarded materials, underscoring the virtue of thrift. Many believe some quilts held secret messages during the period of slavery, offering instructions for runaway slaves hunting the Underground Railroad.
Many have a vision of housewives keeping scrap bags filled with material remnants to be turned into quilts. This fits the view of early settlers as hard workers who had to be creative with very limited resources. The truth is that the majority of early American quilts were created using whole cloth, not remnants. Textiles were imported and very expensive. It was only after the Industrial Revolution that people began quilting from scraps.
A common assumption is that women in colonial times made quilts. This fits in with our picture of resilient early Americans making the most of the resources they had. It turns out that quilting during this time period was fairly rare. Textiles were too expensive to be cut up for scraps. It was not until mass production that material became affordable, and it made economic sense to cut scraps and sew them together for quilting projects.
Another common belief is that quilting is an activity exclusive to women. Even feminists have embraced the idea that quilts demonstrate the ability of women to make something out of nothing and to create a community through the common act of quilting. In fact, there are a number of men who are professional quilters and create unique quilting patterns. Their works are on view in museums along with their female counterparts.
Most people believe that quilting is an American phenomenon. America may produce the majority of quilts, and created distinctive traditions that were handed down from generation to generation. Some of the styles and designs were borrowed from Europe though. Mosaic patchwork design, seen in American quilts, originated in Britain. Quilted textiles dating to the first century have been found in Mongolia.
One of the most compelling myths regarding American quilts is the part they may have played in the Underground Railroad. Quilters were supposed to have sewn secret code into their projects that only those involved in the Underground Railroad understood. The codes gave instructions to runways heading north. Historians discount the story believing it to be started by an individual family.
Most people love quilts. They are reminders of a time long gone. The stories that have built up around them through the years may or may not be true. Either way people love the idea of the history they represent.
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