By Annabel Baker For centuries, the making of quilts and quilting has been a living craft, a necessity of the times, where people living in poverty could still provide something useful for their families. All early quilts were made from any scraps of fabric that came to hand. Subsequently, over the years, basic designs for quilts and quilting evolved and were passed down from generation to generation. Now, with such a range of designs, the skill in choosing fabrics, matching patterns and colours is exciting whether the quilt to be made is patchwork, appliqu or whole cloth. (The difference between these will be explained). The word quilt is English in origin, meaning a padded bed covering, but this definition hardly does justice to the quilts made in America by the early settlers. Given such wonderful names as Grandmothers Fan, Drunkards Path, Storm at Sea, Wedding Ring, Ohio Star, Log Cabin and Flock of Geese, our imagination is captured even before we see the quilt for real. We can also imagine the circumstances in which the early quilters worked, with groups of women seated around the quilting frame, working together to create the finished quilt. Such groups had a great social significance and would often have a party-like atmosphere. Special quilts would be made for occasions like engagements and weddings, and freedom quilts would be made and given to every young man on his twentieth birthday. Even today, the social significance of quilting remains, through the sharing of ideas and the spreading of designs to groups in all countries round the world. When you start to make your own quilts you will find that the satisfaction of seeing your finished quilt is such a wonderful experience. You will feel a great sense of achievement as your skill and creativity begin to grow. I would recommend that you always sign and date your quilt and also give it a name, after all it is yours and it is unique. I must warn you though, that after finishing your first quilt you may be so captivated by the possibilities of all the other techniques that this will be the first of many you make over the years to come! Quilt maker and designer for 30 years. Annabel Quilts and Quilting Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annabel_Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?Quilts-and-Quilting&id=177706 tripping on ambien
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