notes about quilts

Some Interesting Notes About Quilts

In a time when not everyone could read, sometimes quilts were made to pass messages to people—much like telling a story. The blocks could be placed in an order like pages in a book. These blocks date back to the underground railroad. The direction of the fabrics in the blocks, or the direction the block patterns pointed in the quilt could be an indication of the route to take towards safety, or the time to begin their travel. Colors had meanings if they knew what to look for. The blocks were symbols. These traditional patterns are very old, and there are many variations of the same name, but readily recognized. In my Baptism Quilt, these blocks become symbols of a gospel message.
In days past, Sabbath days were strictly kept in many families, but the hands of women were seldom at rest. Needles were usually busy even then as they sat quietly in their Sunday best. Handwork was an acceptable way to pass the time, often as one person read from the Bible. Many families spent the evenings together in this same way. Creating these keepsakes together binds relationships as they visit and sew.
Sometimes women would place one heirloom quilt on top of another on the guest bed till they were piled high. Then, as they prepared the bed for their guest, they removed one quilt after another so that the quest could admire the fine work. Often the fabrics used to make quilts were scraps left over from making clothing, from flour sacks, or old clothing cut into pieces so the good fabric could be used again. Neighbors would exchange pieces of fabrics to be used in quilts so they could share pieces of themselves with friends and always be remembered in a kind thought. Women in quilting groups often stitched close friendships, supporting each other in times of need and joy.
Quilts represent tradition—something that lasts beyond the years. Creating something together, teaching a craft that can be shared, becomes a tangible reminder of time spent together.

The Baptism Quilt—It’s tradition!

Quilting is a family tradition I learned from my mother and my grandmother. I always believed quilts give warmth to the body and comfort to the soul. A quilt given is a creative gift of love, thoughts, and time. I treasure prized, aging quilts made by my grandmother, and by my great-grandmother which turn my thoughts toward those dear women.
I created this Baptism Quilt for my grandson, and wanting it to mean more to him than just a blanket, I created Family Home Evening scripture study lessons to go with the quilt. I encouraged him to know the name of each block, and to be able to tell someone the significance of the block in a gospel light. In this way, I hoped it would bring the gospel principle readily to mind and to help him remember all the good things our Father in Heaven has done for us. We are part of Heavenly Father’s family. Jesus is our oldest brother. We lived as a family before we came to earth, and we promised to help each other return to our Father in Heaven. The Baptism Quilt turns our thoughts and hearts to our Eternal Family