The allure of old textiles and quilts is manifested in the droves of people who participate in study tours abroad to see where textiles were printed, to view finished quilts in museums, and to soak up information about items made with needle and thread, wherever those things may be found. However, people do not have to go to such extraordinary lengths and expense to enjoy seeing the products of (mostly) woman’s labor.

Across the country, people who love textiles are sometimes their caretakers. Today, there are small groups, and not so small groups of (mostly) women, who get together to discuss “pieces of the past,” in homes or in meeting halls, and that interest is ever-increasing.

From running accounts that pass my way, there seems to be some extraordinary treasures owned by individuals who will give them up, only “over their dead bodies.” These people are a die-hard group, proud of what they own, and happy to show their old quilts and other needlework finds to similarly-minded individuals.

The items shown can be as small as potholders or sets of blocks, or as large as a bed size quilt or a palampore. The common denominator among the goods is that they represent a nod to the past and the ways that women formerly lived, associated, and met, in church and social settings.

Conceptually, quilting has evolved over time. While fund raising quilts have been with us and were particularly important in the nineteenth century, it is not until the late twentieth century and into this new century that quilters have put so much emphasis on personal ownership of designs, their individual rights to certain designs, and copyrights and trademarks. Why this transition from church meeting where everyone “shared,” to a more militaristic viewpoint about the whole situation? In a word, the issue is “money.”

I like to think there was a time when money was not the all important factor in quilting activities. I like to believe the paintings and photos of quilting bees with their inherent suggestion of goodwill, peace, and harmony. The fun of “bees” seems to have been derived from the cooperative spirit, the enjoyment of accomplishment, and the neighborly feeling that comes from helping to create something of lasting beauty.

Today, I am struck by the lack of Christian charity among many quilters, even those who adamantly make a point of claiming the Christian faith as their own. A competitive spirit is the prevalent one, as people try to “one-up” someone else. Surprisingly, for the unknowing, quilting has become a real cut-throat business.

I suppose that those dirty little secrets are supposed to remain that way. It would be better to present a facade that is much different. Yet, I’ve been around the “business” of quilting long enough to know how things more often pan out, and I’ve often seen people at their worst.

That is not to say that there are not some really nice folks in the industry, and in groups one encounters online. I’ve met many fine individuals who are personally warm and who care deeply about quilts and their preservation. I’ve met an equal number of people who seek only their own interests.

Unfortunately, because of their quiet ways, the nicest folks are the least noticed. Yet it is comforting to know they are there and that they care.

I have no answers for anyone else, and that is because I have no control whatsoever over the hearts and minds of those individuals who lessen my enjoyment, and my joy, of being a quilter, a quilt historian, and a professional quilt writer. I can only hope to continue my own enthusiasm for the subject of quilts, both old and new. I can only wish to continue to share my love of quilts and the process of quilting, with you.

Sometimes, I feel like an old horse with blinders on, plodding slowly ahead, while yapping dogs bite at my heels. I amble on, looking neither left nor right, just fixed solely on what lies ahead. I suppose that imagery is what keeps me going. My work is solitary, not a group effort. I walk the path alone, and in the end, I guess being my own individual is what I really prefer.

Old quilts are wonderful. They are special. Of all quilts, I like them the best. They are like a grandmother with a stain on her apron who doesn’t care. They have served a purpose and they make no pretenses. They don’t have to be more than they are. They just are. That to me is just one of the allures of old quilts. Today, I think I’ll work on a future “old” quilt.

Above is a traditional, Biblical quilt block called, “Caesar’s Crown.” I drafted the pattern and had made this block to help illustrate a previous article for buy viagra on line uk magazine. I purchased enough fabric at the time so that I could continue working on a quilt, using this block. This is the project I’ll revisit today!

Patricia Cummings,

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