Page 24 - JOA August 2020

While bees were a common
way and reason for scattered
families to reunite, some bees
were formed for a more specific
purpose, such as church quilt-
ing bees that used their projects
to raise money for the church,
fund missionaries, support the
troops, and recognize promi-
nent guests and citizens. And
while the intent was the same,
to build community among
women, some quilting bees
became somewhat exclusive
along the lines of social class
and skill level.
Women took pride in the
handiwork shown on their
quilts, even on the mainly
utilitarian (these were usually
less decorative) ones, such as
Handmade Signature Quilt Antique 1919 South Park Church
In Los Angeles, CA with close up (below) friendship quilts. This does not Vintage 1930s Friendship Quilt signature
mean that the lesser skilled blanket patchwork handsewn embroidered
quilters were not invited to with two close ups (below)
some quilting bees; in fact, they
were simply given tasks such as
threading the needles or cooking
a meal

A Signature Legacy

Unlike the vast majority of historic
quilts which feature no makers’ name
or attribution, friendship quilts are a
cultural artifact that can provide
historians with a blueprint of sorts to
trace and tell the story of everyday
women coming together to create a lasting, tangible representation of the love
and affection they had for its intended recipient. Regardless of the quality of
textile and thread used, level of craftsmanship, or penmanship skills, the warmest
thing about these quilts are the people and memories invested in their creation.
Women’s Work

Historically, quilting has been practiced by and associated
with women. This could be because the sewing skills needed
to make a quilt have always been an integral part of women’s
lives. Learning how to sew was such an important skill for
girls to have that it was taught and practiced in the home and
at school starting at an early age.
The fact that women of all classes knew how to sew and
quilt in the 19th century made sewing and quilting bees a
popular and appealing way for women, particularly those
isolated on their farms and ranches, to gather socially with
other women and families. In addition to the project at hand,
these social work parties provided a time for laughing and
gossip; a way to catch up on the goings-on, exchange recipes,
and give and get advice.
Quilting bees were usually all-day events held typically in
the spring or summer, with entire families traveling the
distance to participate. While the women sewed, the children
played, and the men socialized. The quilters arrived early in
the morning and began to quilt. After a morning of quilting
and conversation, an elaborate lunch was served. After lunch,
the quilting resumed. Since there was rarely enough room
inside the house to set up a quilt frame, the quilting was often
done outside, on the porch or under a shade tree, with the
children playing nearby. Diaries and letters written during the
19th century describe day-long bees that included evening
suppers, sing-alongs, and dances in addition to quilting. A big
gathering could include multiple generations of quilters, as
well as their husbands and children!
Original

22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles