why are quilts important?

Question

why are quilts important?

Answer 1

Because a lot of time and love went into making it.

Answer 2

Quilts give us a chance to see history from a female perspective. We get so caught up in dates and battles and heroes that we forget about the day to day experiences of the people who lived that history. Quilts were practical, in that they provided warmth, but they were also a way for women to create something beautiful, no matter what was happening in the outside world. The names of the quilt blocks reflect the activities and important events in their lives at that time - names like Rocky Road to California (pioneers), Whig Rose (politics), Jacob's Ladder (the Bible), and Churn Dash (daily activities). Quilting bees were a way for women to get together in a social atmosphere, and still be productive. When people moved away, they often never saw their family and friends again. Memory quilts were created as a way to hold on to them. Even today we use quilts like memory albums, whether it's through photos, significant block choices, signature blocks, or just the great feelings attached to a quilt that was made "just for you" by someone special.

We can see history in the changing colors and patterns of quilts. Depression era quilts are anything but depressing, made in bright pastel colors. The need to be frugal shows in the fabric that was used - feed sacks were printed in attractive colors and patterns so they could be used for clothing and quilts once the sacks were emptied.

Today, women have a greater voice in society than they ever did, and quilting is enjoying a renaissance. Traditional patterns are popular because they give us a feeling of continuity, connection to the past. At the same time, people are stepping outside of the boundaries and creating artwork made of fabric. Quilting isn't strictly for women anymore, although we are the vast majority. It's a way to be creative, artistic, and still feel productive.

Answer 3

Well I don't know about today's society, but in the days when my Grandmother and her friends and sisters used to make quilts they would all get together at one of the ladies homes and they would bring scraps of material that they had managed to save over a long period of time. These squares were called swatches and each lady may have been able to provide 10 to 15 swatches each so putting all of these together to make bedcovers for families were quite a labor of love and they were all hand sewn and made very, very well. Families back then did not have the money or resouces to waste anything so that is why so many different types of quilts were made and many were never the same, but the ladies all tried very had to save special swatches to make special quilts for the brides of the communites so that they would have something new to begin their lives with. I was not ever lucky enough to get one of my Grandmother's quilts but I would give anything to have one regardless of how good of shape it is in now. I'm sure that every community has stories about the ladies of the quilting bees, as that is what they were called. I know from doing family tree tracings that several times I came across information of this type. I hope that his has helped somewhat. And if you are lucky enough to come across something this special then get it and hold on to it and pass it down to your children. Thanks for helping me to recall something special that my Grandmother did.

Answer 4

I have on my bed a quilt that my grandmother made for me. It has kittens appliqued on each block. In one corner she embroidered my name and the date she gave it to me.

I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.

I have 14 quilts made for me by my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Each one has countless hours of work put into it. Each one is a unique piece of art.

When money was tight, women used whatever they had to make a quilt. It might be scraps of dresses, or flour sacks, or any number of things. But they still made them beautiful. Each quilt is really a tiny piece of history. Many women could tell you a story about each little scrap of fabric.

It's art, made by people who would have never considered themselves artists.

Answer 5

quilts are usually a family heirloom of sorts.... great great great grandma made it or started it and each generation adds to it, etc. Quilts that are bought in stores.......not so important.

Answer 6

quilts are important becuase some of them tell storys and they keep you very warm!

Answer 7

They are if they're heirlooms. They have a history to them.

Answer 8

because they take alot of care and love to make them

Answer 9

they keep you warm and help with a full nights rest.

Answer 10

keeps the family and generation going...memories...symbolic stuff too...