Ivy League Pastel Quilt Bedding Set

The Origin of Quilt Block Names
By Penny Halgren

Have you ever wondered how quilt blocks are named?

As you look through a book with hundreds of quilt blocks, several interesting things pop up. You will probably discover quilt blocks with a different design while having the same name. Likewise, you will find quilt blocks that look the same yet have different names.

How did this happen? And what is the inspiration for naming quilt blocks in the first place?

A look at history and understanding life in the early years of America are particularly useful to answer these questions.

Since early Americans were driven from England to gain religious freedom, they continued to be very religiously minded in the New World.

All day Sunday was spent at church for both religion and social time. The morning and afternoon sermons were divided by an hour-long lunch break where families would share the events of the week while enjoying the peaceful meal.

Many quilts and quilt blocks reflected that religious devotion.

"World Without End," a quilt made during the Revolutionary time period, is a name lifted from the Book of Common Prayer. It was, and still is, a phrase familiar in every church, regardless of creed.

It's also interesting to see the range in complexity of making quilt blocks and quilts. The "Star of Bethlehem," "Jacobs Ladder" and "Job's Tears" represent quilts and blocks and were more studied designs. While the "Star and Cross" and "King David's Crown" were simpler and very popular for bed quilts.

In addition, early Americans were also very politically minded. Even though women couldn't vote, they were acutely aware of the importance of the politics of the day.

While originally the political efforts were directed toward economic freedom and relief from onerous taxes, later the politics shifted toward political freedom as well. After a century of local government, Americans were politically astute, and were dedicated to developing the machinery of a republic that would survive.

And the political conversations extended into the quilt blocks created during that time, enabling quilters to express opinions developed as they listened to the arguments of the day.

Even naming a quilt block stirred controversy. A block named "Whig Rose" and "Democrat Rose" created a debate as to which was the correct name - a debate not settled, maybe even today.

Politics and quilts continue to intertwine with "The Little Giant" being named after Stephen A. Douglas (from the Civil War era), the "Free Trade Block" (which has relevance today), "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" (from the early 1800s fight between the US and Canada over territory in the northwest territory) and "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" (a campaign slogan during the Harrison presidential election in 1840).

The trades and occupations of the time also offered inspiration for quilt names. "The Anvil," "The Carpenter's Wheel," "The Churn Dash," and "The Water Mill" all came from women's familiarity with old-time callings.

"The Reel" was a block that represented the once universal occupation of women - spinning. The Reel was used to wind thread onto skeins.

Outdoor life provided more inspiration for quilt block names. Take, for example, "Flying Bats." Bats were once very common, and without screens in open windows, bats would be attracted to the light inside houses. Once inside, blinded by the light of the lamps, the bats flapped and banged against walls and the ceiling while women ducked and screamed while small boys made a game of chasing them.

Since the sun, candles and oil lamps were the only source of light, the pioneers relied on the natural light of day for most of their activities. Industrious folk rose early and were able to witness the glory of every sunrise. It wasn't too unusual that "Rising Sun" quilts would be created.

There are two different methods of making this intricate pattern, both reserved for expert quilt makers.

In sharp contrast, quilt blocks representing the setting sun are much simpler. A Block like "Setting Sun," also known as "Indian Summer" took some skill, since it includes triangles on a curve, yet was not as complex as the Rising Sun.

Maybe the contrast represented the difference in the level of energy of a quilter between the early morning rising and the end of the day, having completed a full day's work.

Many designs were specific to their community of origin. And as they migrated away from the community, their form changed. Since there were no printed patterns at the time, duplication of the design depended on copying the pattern by looking at an existing quilt, remembering the design having seen it previously, or understanding a verbal description of the quilt block.

Any of these methods could result in the proportions of the shapes within the block changing, therefore changing the overall look of the quilt; and a new block design with the same name was born, even though the quilter thought she was duplicating the quilt block exactly.

What will be the inspiration for the quilt block you design?

Penny Halgren

http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 26 years and enjoys sharing her quilting knowledge with beginner quilters so they can avoid the mistakes she made as she was learning to quilt.

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Quilt vs. Comforter: A Bedding Dilemma
By Melissa Sands

When faced with the multitude of bedding options in today's marketplace, how do we know what is the best choice? Comforters, quilts, duvets, blankets, bedspreads, deep pockets- what's a shopper to do? It's enough to give you an anxiety attack at the local bedding superstore. It may sound like a trivial matter, but when you consider the amount of time spent in bed and the price of bedding these days, it is an issue which deserves consideration. Clearly the topic is large and deep, so for the purpose of this article we will focus on the top layer only. The question in question is, "What is better, a comforter or a quilt?"

In my personal experience, most people these days are using comforters on their beds. They are widely available in every price range and color, along with matching accessories as well. They are fluffy and warm and darn it, people like them. There is nothing wrong with a good comforter, and I have personally been sold on them for years. In fact, my linen closet is filled with old models, wadded up and crammed into the tiny space. However, I have made a new bedding discovery which has jazzed up my decor and even inspired me to write this article. This discovery is the modern quilt, which offers some pretty unique features.

Unlike comforters, a quality quilt is filled with cotton. This results in a much more substantial bedcovering. When you compare a comforter and a cotton-filled quilt of the same size, you will find that the quilt weighs quite a bit more. The quilt is heavier, but it takes up less space. Therefore, you get all of the warmth of a comforter, without the bulk. And because the batting is cotton and not polyester, you won't wake up sweaty in the morning. Quilts are also much easier to store when not in use, and they can double as a picnic blanket! When was the last time you took your comforter to the park?

Comfort and ease of use is not the only reason to choose a quilt. For beauty and style quilts are simply the best choice. Modern quilts use thousands of pieces of fabric intricately sewn together in detailed patterns. Many of these quilts are artwork as well as bedding. Plaid, floral, stripe, check and solid fabrics are combined into rich patchwork designs, using today's popular colors and patterns. So don't be fooled by the word quilt-it's is no longer synonymous with country decor. Styles offered these days include every decor from sophisticated to rustic. Most high-end quilt manufacturers also make all of the necessary accessories, such as bedskirts, toss pillows, pillow shams, Euro pillows and window treatments. The result will be an eclectic decorator look which is a snap to achieve.

Quilts are a classic bedding choice that is here to stay. Choose wisely and your quilt will be around for generations. Avoid the cheaper versions that are filled with polyester, they are quite thin and best for decorative uses only. You should expect to pay at least $200 to $300 for a good cotton-filled, king-sized quilt. Shop around because prices vary quite a bit for the same products. We sell quality quilts because we love them and the instant beauty they provide to our home. If you would like to see some examples of quality cotton quilts, visit our website. I would be happy to help you find the right quilt for your home. You won't go wrong with a quality quilt!

Melissa Sands is a shopkeeper and new author of country decorating information.

Visit us for beautiful quilts, baby bedding, and country decor.

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