The Evolution of Quilting

Hobbies have served as an activity for many centuries. These hobbies represent the personality of the people involved in them. Quilting is one such activity that has been a growing trend among women throughout the years. A noted author of quilting articles states, "Come with me on this journey as we explore the history of quilts and the lives of the women who made them" (Breneman 1). This paper will seek to inform the reader of this extraordinary activity and how it has served as a necessity through times of hardship in American history and how the aspects of art continue to be displayed in a new way through art quilting.

Pioneer women in America assumed a number of responsibilities as their husbands blazed the trail westward. During the migration to the West, guides were published and sold to families preparing to move. Items that were listed included things such as food for roughly six months, guns and other weapons, and bedding for all members of the family, lasting for a few years. Quilting materials would be few, so the sewing took place before the journey had even begun. These young, adventurous men were all very eager about the upcoming migration. However, they knew not of the many dangers and hardships that lay ahead. The women thought much about the possibilities of loss of friendship and the fear of never seeing their close friends again (Breneman 1,2).

During this mass migration, it did not take long for the women to realize that quilts could be used in a number of ways. Folded quilts comforted the driver on the bumpy ride. They were also useful for covering the tears on the wagon cover as protection from the blowing dust. During the journey, women were expected to gather wood for the fire at night, drive the livestock at times, and even pitch a tent for a semi-comfortable shelter in which to sleep. During what breaks women were given on this pioneer journey, little time was spent quilting. However, women may have made a few blocks for a quilt top, but never an entire quilt. Much of any sewing consisted of mending old clothing or knitting items for the family (Breneman 2).

As time passed, quilts became an absolute necessity. They were used for more serious purposes than just for comfort. They were often hung on the backs of wagons for the protection of penetrating arrows from the angry Indians. Quilts also offered some protection against some hard rains, but eventually the storms were so fierce that the quilts were of no use (Breneman 2,3). As one would assume, death