by Sharon Adams

Flashback: 1957. My grandmother's sisters would come over to her house, pull out all of the material scraps, lay out protective boards over part of the dining table and work for hours cutting patterns, threading needles and finally, sitting down to put quilts together.

They always gathered on Mondays because quilting bees "... are never held on Sunday, dear" and after all, they could share news of family and friends which was fresh on their minds from yesterday's church service and visitations.

Small children can hear volumes of stories while curled up with a quilt and pillow under the dining table during such sessions, pretending to take a nap and trying to escape from chores.
So goes my quilting story. Working with these precious aunts who were trying to teach me how to make small stitches, no, even smaller, working in patterns and swirls of color, brought us close together and has made for some wonderful tender memories.

Those times also taught an appreciation for the handmade artistry of quilt design, construction, materials used and the importance of handing down a legacy.

Lois Hines shows us a quilt made by her mother, which includes pieces from the dresses Lois wore when she was pregnant with her children.
Photo; Jeremy Chesnutt for Sharon Adams
When Jeremy and I would go on location, he would take photographs for me on my camera, so I could "be there" when writing the articles. I am forever grateful :)

Quilts have wonderful traditions and were often made for a reason. Materials used for keepsake quilts were pieces which held memories or special meaning and were made to memorialize significant events in an individual's life, such as a wedding quilt made from remnants of a bride's wedding dress and veil, dresses of her attendants, cravat or vest of the bridegroom, mother's handkerchief, father's silk scarf.

"I grew up with quilts," said Lois Hines, a dear friend whose extensive quilt collection boggles the mind.
"My mother always made quilts. We had to have them to keep warm!"
The Hines' family home was in Emory, Texas from the 1940's until about 20 years ago. It was a working ranch where they bred Santa Getrudis cattle, the same breed developed on the King Ranch. Her mother had quilting frames around the house, making quilts for family, special occasions and church sales. The children and grandchildren who slept under those quilts are all grown today and have been given the quilts as family heirlooms.

The quilts shown here are all 65 years old or older, made by her mother or were given to the Hines family as gifts for special occasions.
Only a couple quilts were purchased, usually at a church sale or hospital benefit.
Hines believes one reason why her quilts have lasted so long is because she uses them gently every day and doesn't keep them in storage.

John Phiffer Marrs, ASID designer and friend of Hines, used her quilts as inspiration for the design of her bedroom. The walls serve as a soft green palette and the quilts provide pattern, making the room a suite of color moments and loving memories.

Made by Hines' mother, this fan quilt and wedding ring quilt now belong to one of her daughters.

Lisa Luby Ryan's At Home with the Past shop in Snider Plaza offers another twist on the quilt experience. She has purchased quilts from England, France and Sweden, dating from the 1870's to 1920's, priced from $395.00 to $1,295.00.
"Colors and patterns are my passion," Ryan replied. "These pieces speak to me." She explained the main reason why these quilts have stood the test of time is due to the richness and quality of the textiles. She doesn't care if the edges are frayed or if the backing doesn't match. Those may be used to upholster furniture by becoming the backing of a chair, cushion for a sofa or bed pillow.
One of her vendors uses tiny pieces of antique quilts cut into shapes and placed on greeting cards, tied with a pretty bow.

Discovering the many types of quilts is fascinating. One book which offers informative reading and a full array of colorful pictures is Beaux Arts Editions America's Glorious Quilts, edited by Dennis Duke and Deborah Harding.

Why not jump in and see what it's all about. Start your own scrap basket with pieces of those special garments and blankets. After all, one day they might inspire you to create your own special quilt.
Like one friend said, "Mine would probably just make a pillow." We all have to start somewhere. Happy quilting!
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Other sources: http://quiltsquilts.com
Log Cabin Antique Quilts offers a selection of quality American antique quilts, tops, blocks, and other textiles for sale.
All are unconditionally guaranteed to meet your approval.