When settlers first arrived in the northeast part of the United States they were anxious for a life of freedom. What they didn?t expect was the harsh climate that they had chosen to live in. Finding ways to stay warm quickly became a large part of everyday life and quilt bedding was soon born.
The cold, damp nights were particularly tough to get through with any kind of true rest. The warm quilt material was a welcome protection and security from the drafty old colonial houses and they quickly became popular.
It was a time where supplies were often rare and arrived at odd times. When it did arrive it was often impossible to purchase by the poor settlers. Making the material was similarly complicated and the cost of the weaving made the constructing of the quilt later less of an asset as it could often take a month to create half of a blanket.
This caused most families to start saving bits and pieces of scrap material. It was not uncommon to see bins of random materials scattered in small piles of the early colonial homes as they hoped to gather enough to eventually construct a quilt.
When enough material collected they were sewn together in larger pieces called sheet or blocks. This was not an act of boredom or an idle hobby. These quilts were much needed and as soon as they were completed they went to member of the family who was most in need of it. This was often the youngest or oldest in the home.
Traditionally quilting was a chore completed by women and they soon made the act a social event. They would gather in small or large groups and exchange materials to produce the most attractive quilts that they could. It was evident very quickly that this was a new form of art and its canvas was one of care and joy, as well as friendship.
When people were married quilts were gathered and packaged to present to the new couple. This helped the new household and took a large burden off the new wife who would be busy adjusting to new duties as the lady of a household.
Other events included births and when people left communities. Clergy men and newly arriving members of the communities were often given as acceptance gifts and to make them feel more comfortable. These new arrivals were grateful for the gifts, as the aided in comfort when coming to a new place.
Quilts are often passed down through generations. Some have been in families for a hundred years with the signatures of the creators and anyone who contributed to the quilt making process.
Quilts take a lot of time and care to create. This coincides with its origins. Quilt bedding is comfortable and every time someone pulls an old one over them on a chilly night they can be instantly comforted with its traditional qualities as well as that of its warmth. Visit AtlanticLinens.com for amazing modern quilted bedding styles.
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