Quilting Revealed: Best Quilting eBook on Amazon Review
Quilting is as old as the hills, and for many, has that wonderful
combination of domestic necessity, social cohesion, and craftwork
and commemoration.
Quilting methods don’t vary enormously throughout the world, but the
designs are largely specific to a country, or a society, although the
traditional American patchwork designs have become loved world
wide.
It is wonderful to have such a craft, which is a means of handing
down traditions amongst womenfolk mainly, and which has an end
product that can both look beautiful, and keep you warm at night.
An exception to this is of course the Hawaiian quilting tradition, which
began under the tutelage of the missionaries, and evolved into a
means of recording the Hawaiian beliefs and lives. Their quilts talk of
their gods, their departed spirits, the new members of their society
yet to be born, and the main historical and cultural events of their
society. Their use of the beautiful flowers and the love of their
culture gives Hawaiian quilting a truly magical and precious quality.
In colder climates, the quilting circle was an opportunity for the
women to come together, to talk over the major matters of the day
and to provide invaluable support for each other.
The new settlers in The United States of America were hardy and
tough. Most of them had to start from scratch. Homes had to be
built, and furnished, and in these days, nearly everything had to be
grown or made.
Needlework was a very necessary skill for a woman. Without this,
they would not be able to make their clothes, and would not be able
to make the soft furnishings that not only ‘make a house into a
home’, but are necessary for keeping out draughts from windows and
doors, and for keeping everyone warm at night.
When societies became more established and there was money and
time available, the quilting circle would make quilts to commemorate
certain events, and together produce really large quilts that would
adorn the walls of the buildings that served as community centers.
And of course, the social network was invaluable. The older women
would pass on their skills as needlewomen, and designers of quilts
and other crafts. More importantly, they would pass on the
invaluable knowledge about family life. Childbirth, medicines for
common ailments, cooking and how to grow herbs and vegetables –
this was the sub-text, and the very important function of the quilting
circle.
Clearly in different times, and different places, the women would
have different topics that would dominate the quilting circles’
conversations.
The quilting circle was common place. It was necessary, it was
helpful and social, and it produced wonderful pieces of work for
individuals and for communities.
These days, many women live in relative social isolation. Perhaps
more so within the much more heavily populated urban environments
where most of us live.
Maybe we should rekindle the spark – and start new quilting circles –
everywhere!!
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Jun 10, 2011 05:49:05
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