Quilts, Necktie, and kits
Quilting is practiced by many people throughout the world.
It is the process of creating a quilt through sewing multiple layers
of fabric together into one cohesive piece that is used to keep warm
on cold nights. Quilts can be made from many different materials, and
are almost always unique, although there are machine made quilts that
are produced. Handmade quilts can have more intricate designs and sewing
techniques and are often made from more interesting materials, such
as a necktie quilt created from unused neckties.
In the past many materials were used, especially paper during pioneer
times. Paper was so rare to early American settlers that each bit was
saved, letters, newspaper clippings and articles which were then preserved
in quilts which have inspired modern keepsake quilting which uses materials
that have emotional value, such as pieces of a baby blanket, or a favorite
shirt, even varsity letters. Antique quilts are actually one of the
best archeological sources of life during the pioneer days when quilting
was necessary and prolific. Amish quilts evoke the same styles and construction
methods as those used by early settlers.
The easiest way to start quilting is with a quilting kit that contains
all the basic quilting supplies, such as quilt batting for insulation,
quilting patterns to help with the design and layout, different quilting
fabric so individual designs and color schemes can be achieved and quilting
frames or a quilt rack to allow it to be sewn together easier. Many
quilts are made in smaller sections called quilt blocks which are then
sewn together to create the larger design. This allows for less space
to be devoted to the quilt, a quilting frame often takes up an entire
room until it is completely finished.
Learning to quilt can be rewarding, meditative and even fun. Quilting
circles are popular where many quilters will gather at the same place
and gossip while creating a quilt for their loved ones. Quilting has
always been a social event among quilters and many stories have been
embellished at these mini-conventions. They are a great place to learn
new evolving techniques which can be difficult or impossible to learn
otherwise. Many stitches are adaptations of the strait, or running stitch
which penetrates all layers of the quilt and can be simple or decorative.
With the amount of people working on these quilts they can be finished
up much quicker than by doing one completely alone.
Quilts make excellent gifts, especially baby quilts which can last
for years and years. They can even be hung on walls as art pieces instead
of bed coverings. The amount of time invested into many quilts makes
them masterpieces indeed, and the patterns and stories that can be told
are endless and constantly evolving with every new textile artist. They
have evolved quite a bit over the years, but even the handmade quilts
that the crusaders of old traveled with are unique and usable items,
absolutely essential then, and just as useful now.