The Quilting Group and the Next Generation

The history of quilting can be traced back at least to medieval times. The V&A has early examples in its collection from Europe, India and the Far East. The word ‘quilt’ – linked to the Latin word ‘culcita’, meaning a bolster or cushion – seems to have first been used in England in the 13th century.
Quilting originated in Sweden in the fifteenth century with heavily stitched and appliquéd quilts made for the very wealthy. These quilts, created from silk, wool, and felt, were intended to be both decorative and functional and were found in churches and in the homes of nobility.

When we think about quilting, we often think about a skill or hobby that is passed down from generation to generation. My mom was a sewer – she did make a couple of quilts, but, she mostly sewed garments. I resisted the urge to quilt for a long time – until I met a group that encouraged me and I had the time to invest (and some extra money).

This week, I had the pleasure of watching Grandmother and Granddaughter work together to quilt a table runner. It was so much fun to see the excitement and the ability of a young quilter encouraged. the project was planned so that it could be completed in one 2 hour quilting experience…which is a great way to start quilting. We even tried the fancy stitches that are part of new sewing machines. I was personally impressed with the patience and the concentration of our little prodigy. The key to learning is to create an experience to start where the learner can be successful (that is the teacher in me coming out).

Quilting is fun – and it is exciting to know that it will continue – from one generation to the next.

Of course, we have our little mascot, Madigan…she is never impressed that we focus more on our quilting than on her…lol

I have finished “The Wanderer’s Wife”. My co-quilters are not far behind me and I will definitely be posting on the quilts together when we are all finished.

…and of course, as soon as you are finished one project, you are on to the next one. I will keep you posted about this table runner. It is made of a grid of “pinked” squares. Stay tuned…