The tradition of quilting has evolved from the practical necessity of maintaining warmth to a modern art form. Quilts are unique because they tell stories. The quiltmaker can integrate certain colors, shapes, images, and textures in order to convey different aspects of the story being told. The beauty of quilting lies in how subtly certain messages can be conveyed within the quilt.
Display the Work of Art
Once the quilt is made, the quiltmaker will want to find a novel way to display the quilt. It can be framed between glass and backing in order to be displayed on the wall. Showing off the amazing quilt can also be achieved by using a decorative ladder for blankets.
Quilting a Wonderful Story
Just as in analyzing literature, when analyzing the composition of a quilt, the interpreter must understand the themes and moral of the quilt’s story. There are many ways for the quiltmaker to tell her story through the quilt work of art. She must choose between a variety of options in terms of fabric, pattern, and more. Quilts can be made of silk, velvet, cotton, and virtually any other fabric material that one can think up.
Start With a Pattern
The pattern for the quilt may be conjured up by the quiltmaker, or perhaps maybe copied from an original quilt pattern and then modified in order to suit the quiltmaker’s artistic intentions. There are numerous ways to design the pattern for a quilt. There are also quiltmakers who compose their work freestyle.
Depending on the artistic tendencies of the quiltmaker, it may or may not be beneficial to use a pattern as an inspirational building block or to completely wing the design of the quilt on the spot. When in the planning stages of making the quilt, the quiltmaker has to be honest with herself about how she best expresses her creativity.
Choose the Material
The first thing that the quiltmaker must do when starting the quilt is to choose materials. The quiltmaker must also choose a pattern or opt to freestyle. Additionally, she must cut out the pieces of the quilt in the shape needed in order to achieve the desired pattern outcome. The process can take anywhere from days to years, depending on how much time can be devoted to the quilt. Indecision is to be expected when beginning such a time-consuming endeavor as sewing a quilt.
A History of Quilting
The history of quilting is very fascinating and lends a deeper understanding as to how quilting has become an art. The first quilt ever made may go as far back as 3400 B.C. It was
first invented by the Crusaders in Europe. They designed these quilts to wear under their battle armor before going to war.
Some three hundred years later, the quilt became a staple for the common man too, not just for the warriors. The “Doublet,” as it was called, was a fashion statement. One of the earliest quilts ever made was sewn around 1360 in Sicily. It is referred to as the Tristan Quilt. However, the very oldest sample of quilting dates back to one hundred to two hundred BC. This quilt scrap was found in Russia in a Mongolian cave.
There are also surviving samples of quilts made during colonial times in the United States. During this time, quilting was reserved for the very wealthiest populations, as the rest of the population was too busy working to quilt. After the colonial era came the Industrial era and, as one can imagine, this period brightened the art of quilting. New fabrics came into play and the ability to quickly sew was aided by the advent of sewing machines. The Singer company, one of the finest names in the world of textiles, took action during this time to fulfill each household’s dream of owning an in-home sewing machine.
Leading up to the Civil War, quilts were actually made to help raise funds for the Abolitionist movement. After the war began, they were used to raise funds for helping soldiers recover from battle. Even now, in modern times, when most women have the opportunity to be as physically active as they desire, many opt to quilt as a therapeutic and creative activity. As a matter of fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those who are usually restless have turned to quilting as a fun and engaging indoor activity.
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