Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Quilts, Bedspreads ->Patchwork ->
Patchwork quilts are an Americana staple, and these items are also highly collectible. While they are most commonly associated with the pioneer times and early formation of the United States, many cultures produce patchwork quilts and many of them are extremely valuable.
The process of making a patchwork quilt is quite labor intensive and for many families, these precious items became heirlooms. Typically, the quilt maker would save little squares of fabric that would then be turned into larger quilting squares during the making of the item. Sometimes, these pieces of fabric would be from old clothes, or blankets, or even feed sacks. Making a patchwork quilt could take months, due to the amount of work that is required.
Collecting the fabric is only the first step in making a patchwork quilt. Once enough of this was on hand, the quilt maker would begin the process of assembling each square, by hand, into an interesting pattern. The history of quilting patterns dates back many hundred years, but patchwork quilts are probably the most quaint. Instead of following a certain set pattern of colors, they were a mishmash of the fabric that the quilter had on hand. Each square would tell a story and that was part of the fun in making this type of quilt and owning one.
Once the squares were all assembled in the right pattern, the quilter would then begin the process of applying them to a backing. Typically, a type of batting would be sewn in between the backing fabric and the patchwork quilt square. However, many times, especially for poorer families, the backing and the squares were the only material that was used.
Each square would be handstitched onto the backing fabric until the entire pattern was assembled. A specific quilting stitch was used to ensure that the finished product would be very durable. Finally, when the finished product was complete, the entire pattern of the patchwork quilt would be made visible. It could take a quilter months to finish this type of project, but some were able to get them done in a matter of weeks once they had the fabric ready.
Typically, patchwork quilts were made during the winter months when pioneer families did not have has much work to do outside the home. However, quilting parties became very popular and gave women a means of socializing outside the home. During one of these parties, several women would work on the same patchwork quilt, assembling the squares, making the pattern and putting everything together.
In many small towns, the practice of making a patchwork quilt for a raffle became very popular. Often, women would construct these quilts and then donate them to their local churches. The church could then use the raffle to raise funds for building or other needs. If you happen to come across a patchwork quilt that is an antique, think about the labor and love than went into it for a few moments. You are holding a piece of someone’s history in your hands.
Originally posted 2008-08-25 14:00:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Rare Books Many people who collect rare books have relationships with a number of booksellers who handle these types of books, and have lists of the books they'd like to own. The seller, when that book becomes available, will contact the customer and then they negotiate on a price. Some online rare...... -
Victorian Furniture Dealers -> Periods-Styles -> Victorian Though its peak popularity was during the late 19th century in America, Victorian furniture still holds quite an appeal for many people today. This style of furniture is distinguishable by the time period in which it was created and the methods that were used. The...... -
Antique School Table Antiques -> Furniture -> Tables, Stands If you're looking for antique furniture like an antique school table or desk, one great place to find these items is estate auctions. While you can find antique furniture in online auctions like eBay, you need to be very savvy about the purchases you...... - Vintage Wedding Dress Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Lace, Crochet, Doilies Many people today want to wear a vintage wedding dress when they get married. Vintage clothing in general has become hugely popular. You can purchase actually vintage clothing in various states of wear, vintage fabric which to make clothing from, or reproduction......
- Antique Door Locks Antiques -> Architectural & Garden -> Doors The look of antique furniture and hardware can lend such old-fashioned charm to a room, so it's no wonder than an antique door lock is a popular item that can look great in all but the most modern décor. Someone searching for this......
Related Websites -
The Mental and Behavioral Aspects of Making Change We all know that making change in our lives is both mental and behavioral in nature. Research has shown that in order to make even the most basic changes in our lives, a four step process is involved. The steps are to be positive, add support, make a gesture and...... -
Open yourself to opportunity and inspiration–Mrs. Micah’s mini-business plan Late last night, inspiration stuck in a rather aggravating way. It must have been a few days since I saw the young man on the subway holding his iPod in its little cloth bag and thought "Hmm, I could make and sell those." And it's been over a week since...... - Quilt-Redeeming Roundup (don't worry, it's still personal finance) Quilting is one of my favorite hobbies. I do it all by hand; I love the connection. In the last year, blogging has been pushing it out of the way more than I'd like. The other factor in my willingness to let it be (except for some small quilts) is......
-
Dealing With Financial Frustrations, Part I What is the best way to deal with financial frustrations? Arrrrgggggghhhh..... I sure wish I knew. SD Gal and I had a ridiculously high heating bill in January so we took quite a few semi-drastic steps to improve the insulation and 'heatability' of our home and also to reduce our...... -
Guide to Measuring and Marking Tools pt 2 Squares - Squares are designed to be used in a way that allows them to lay out an angle that is accurate. Squares also make good accurate testing gauges for checking the angle of an existing part. The smallest square is the try square, which is used to try a......
