American Quilters
When we think of American Quilters, most of us think of a bunch of happy women setting around a circle taking turns quilting, cooking and serving the men and children. We have these images because of all the stories and songs that somehow romanticized it all. Well, in all probability that was not the case, especially in colonial days. Most often, in the days of the early settlers, the women didn’t have time for any kind of hobby because they were responsible for the cooking, cleaning, spinning, childcare and much more, and they were typically responsible for large families. So, that left little time for social gatherings and to enjoy being a quilter.
By the time the women had all of their chores and rearing duties finished, it was probably well after dark and the only light source would have been from a candle or the fireplace, which would have been much too dim for stitching. So, this debunks the myth that the beautiful quilting style we see today was started by quilters in the colonial days. Besides, in those days there was very little fabric available. It is a myth that quilting was a pastime in colonial days. If there were quilts made, then they were likely very simple quilts and were made out of necessity, not enjoyment.
If a house had extra room for a quilting frame, then it would be left set up. But since most houses had very little spare room, women were forced to cram in their quilting frames when and where they could. However, women were really starting to enjoy the quilting process so they made time and used the quilts for creative expression. This is when the quilt became a hobby for the American Quilters.
It just so happens that today getting together to make a quilt is much more of a “social gathering” than it was in the times of the earliest American Quilters. Today, when women do gather to sew a quilt, it is with much more ease because of all the available resources for the craft. From the quilt kits to the quilting fabrics, quilters have it much easier today. Making the notion that quilting was a “fun social gathering” much more applicable to modern times.
By Crafts Editor
