I used to think that quilt making or
quilting was the kind of activity reserved for elderly or pioneer women. It wasn't until teaching a Third Grade class about quilting during a unit on the Oregon Trail, that I realized how historically significant, fun, and creatively satisfying quilting could be.
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| My current project (quilt #2) |
Quilts have been significant in American history. Early American Settlers often collaborated to get big jobs done. Quilting
"bees," made the huge job of hand stitching a quilt, a fun social event
where women from around the community came together and lent a hand sewing, all the while, catching up with
friends. Pioneers made patchwork quilts recycled from worn out clothing and flour sacks as they traveled westward on the Oregon Trail. Run away slaves depended on quilts displayed in windows or hung over porches by allies, to communicate when it was safe to travel the underground railroad.
Browsing in a fabric store is my idea of fun; its like a museum but- you can touch any fabric you like, feast your eyes on the colors, the patterns, feel the texture of the cloth. After choosing fabric, comes measuring and cutting, that requires precision and concentration, but can be accomplished while listen to your favorite radio station or book on tape. If you don't mind ironing, and you enjoy being in your own little world-I can sew for hours and think of nothing but the task at hand.
As a novice quilter, I am working on my second patchwork quilt right now. I choose my own color scheme and fabrics along with patterns designed by others, Someday, when I have the basics down I'll start working with more complicated designs or start designing my own quilt patterns. For now, I just want my second quilt to come looking decent!
