Saturday, June 2, 2018

Quilt Museums Bring Gratitude And Honor To The Heroes Of The Past

By Margaret Price


Tourist would likely visit place that showcase recreational activity were invented during the digital area. Museums that do not showcase the works of Leonardo Da Vinci or other famous painters are less likely to have visitors. Tourists lack interest going to quilt museums since this kind of museum would only display huge pieces of colorful fabrics. Not knowing that these fabrics serve as a reminder of the horrid past that was left behind, and the heroes that made the past a thing in the past.

During the colonial times, the cost of living might be losing the life of a family member. Times were tough, houses were built with cheap materials which made its residents prone to the harshness of the elements, and the food is scarce. This resulted in sickness as being ever present in the household, and death waiting on the doorstep.

Men during those times were the only ones allowed to work for money. Women were left in the houses, they were to take care of their respective houses, food preparation and preservation, and taking care of the other family members. However, the salaries of their husbands are too meager to make all ends meet.

Food is the number one priority of the household, their need of clothes, and other garments that will bring them warmth during the lowest temperatures are being put in the bottom of the list. This resulted to quilting. Housewives would then gather every available fabric there is just to keep their family warm, including used clothing. These fabrics are made into bedcovers, or place to cover the window, to stop the cold from coming in, or to use as blankets for children.

Throughout the years, making quilts has become a necessity to being a custom. During the 1800s, before an engagement, young girls will be required to show off their quilting skills by making 12 pieced utility quilts and 1 masterpiece quilt, that is either pieced or applique, for her bridal bed. After the engagement, all pieced quilts, and applique patches are woven together to make one finished quilt.

A quilt has become an heirloom, too. A mother would give the offspring a quilt to remind the child of how the family has lived in the past. The offspring will then pass it on to the next generations that will bring honor to the ancestry.

There is also called a gathering called the quilting bee. This is where every female, who knows how to quilt, will be gathered in a venue where there would be a feast, and sharing of stories and ideas. The young will sing, dance, and court each other, bringing the community close.

Other than protection from the harsh elements, they were also used as a decorative piece to showcase in their homes. These quilts are more elaborate than those bedcovers. This will showcase, also, the skills of the housewife, and the creativity that result in a beautiful masterpiece.

The next time you visit a city with tons of museums available. Try going to quilt museum. There might a chance that the piece of cloth being used in a quilt might from be a uniform of a civil war hero. For people to enjoy the present, sacrifices were made in the past, which resulted to a better future.




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