The History of Quilting by Rachel Green

Quilting is one of the world’s oldest crafts. Though its exact origins are not known to mankind, it is estimated that quilting originated in China and Egypt. The earliest example of a quilted garment is recorded in at around 3400 B.C when a carved ivory figure of a pharaoh belonging to the first dynasty of Egypt was found wearing a quilt.

In the eleventh century, the Crusaders picked up this art form from the Middle East and introduced it to Europe. Then soldiers started using it to use quilted material for protection rather than using heavy armors. The Romans used quilted bedding to serve as a mattress and the Europeans inspired by this idea and transformed it into a combined mattress and coverlet to help protect them from cold winters.

The first quilts consisted basically of different layers of cloth that were held together by stitches. However they were really inconvenient to use as the pieces of cloth kept falling apart and then quilting frames came into scene and with the help of these Europeans started creating more elaborate and exquisite designs. Quilting was not very common in America and only a few wealthy women would engage in it. The kind of styles that were prevalent in the 1800’s were whole cloth quilts, broderie perse and medallion quilts.

It was in the nineteenth century that because of industrial revolution, textile was available easily and as such quilting became popular. Quilting was no longer done to fulfill any need or requirement but instead became a medium for women to express their creativity. There were a variety of fabric that was being manufactured and as such block quilting on different fabrics became very popular. Quilts in fact were sewn and sold to help support some movements during the Civil War.

Another invention that changed the field of quilting was the invention of the sewing machine. Using a sewing machine, it became much easier for women to make a quilt and hence they could make more quilts in less time. Changes in the field of quilting were taking part in other parts of the world as well. The Spanish started making ecclesiastic quilts, the French introduced appliqué, the Japanese introduced Sashiko quilting, the Italians bought in Trapunto quilting and the Japanese indulged in a new form of quilting called as Yosegire which was used to decorate clothing.

In the United States, a new form of quilting known as “crazy quilting” became very popular. The quilts consisted of abstract shapes and designs all sewn together and this trend really caught on during that period. The most popular types of quilts presently are memory quilting, watercolor quilting, album quilting, echo quilting and free motion quilting to name some. With the advancement of technology, even quilting software such as PC Quilt, QuiltSoft, QuiltPro and QuiltStudio have also been developed to help us. Thus, with so many advancements and so many styles and designs to choose from quilting is definitely going to retain its popularity in the coming future.

ImagineFabric is an online specialty retailer of designer fabric, quilt fabric, home decor fabric, and throw pillows.


Thank you Rachel for a great article on the history of quilts. You need to check out the awesome quilts for sales at www.HandmadeCatalog.com!

Wineslippers Creations - Show Line Up

Wineslippers Creations has been selling crafts online in the HandmadeCatalog.com for years.

Now is your chance to shop all of her wonderful wine-themed creations in person!

Shop now for the holidays and best selection at the following upcoming shows:

Oct 17th - El Toro High Boutique 9-4

Nov 7-8 - Irvine Holiday Faire

Nov 13-15 - Wine Country Boutique, Temecula

Nov 21 - Mission Viejo Community Center

Dec 4-5 - Piecemakers Holiday Boutique, Costa Mesa

Dec 12 - San Juan Capristrano Holiday Boutique

Dec 18 - Torrance Holiday Boutique

Handmade Dog Collar are Top Sellers

We love our pets and these adorable doggie collars are a great way to perk up the spirits of both 2 and 4 legged friends. We sell so many of these collars, all we can say is.....

Way to Go!! Ruff N Stuff

Vintage Rose Necklace by Mystical Wynd

Ready to treat yourself?

You know you deserve it, and how can your resist a pick-me-up like this?

This stunning necklace was just listed and caught my eye immediately!

Inspired by vintage jewelry styles and updated for today's fashion looks and colors, this beautiful necklace combines beautiful deep pink roses with two shades of pink glass pearls for a look that is simply timeless.

Crafts for Wine Lovers

Crafts for Wine Lovers

Apparently drinking and crafting do mix.

Leave it innovative crafters across the country to see the need for wine accessories.

In just a few short years wine related crafts have become so popular; your bottles feel naked without adornment. No longer can you show up with a bottle of red in brown paper sack. Not when it feels like so much more when wrapped in a beautifully handmade wine bag.

Ever have a wine glass drop one drop on you? I find this happens more frequently depending on how many glasses I have consumed, but it does happen even on the first sip. Wine Coasters are the answer! Slip these pretty puppies on the base of your wine glasses and they soak up the little drops leaving you and your table clean.

Maybe your grotto needs some mood lighting. This is where a Wine Bottle Lamp would come in. But don’t think wine is the only bottle lamp, we’ve seen some great tequila bottle lamps too. Do you have a nice collection of Wine Glasses? Bet you don't have any like the new hand painted wine glasses. Now, how to display them for maxi um effect? Simple, just use a under the cabinet, hand crafted wooden glass rack.

Okay, the mood is almost set but first your wine bottle need to look the part! Wine bottle jewelry and wine bottle clothing bring fun and cheer to the party!

Don’t forget about the corks, these guys are a craft project just waiting to happen. Wineslippers Creations just designed this new Hearts for Wine Lovers out of corks, too cute!

Now, BYOB and some snacks, let’s party!

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Simply refer a friend to our site at http://www.handmadecatalog.com/


If they place an order, you will receive 3% commission! (excl. s&h)


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What is Quilting Fabric For, Anyway?

What’s Quilting Fabric For, Anyway?

by BARBARA BLACK

Well, for one thing, you can make a quilt with it. Surprised? Maybe not yet, but wait! What is quilting fabric, anyway? What makes a fabric “quilt” fabric and not curtain fabric or dress fabric? It’s perplexing, I know, but here we go.

One difference in fabrics is the composition, or what it’s made from. Fabrics can be made from synthetic or natural materials. There are many synthetic fibers available today, and certainly they have come a long way from the polyester used in suits of the 1970’s! There are also many natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, or even bamboo.

There are many schools of thought in the quilting world as to what type of fabric is suitable for quilting. In the end, it comes down to personal choice. That is, after all what quilting is all about – making something that is unique and personal. However, quilting can be difficult enough without struggling with fabrics that don’t lie well, or slip when stitching. If a fabric has a nice “hand” it feels good to the touch; makes you want to wrap yourself up in it. A quilt should get better with age, and invite you to wrap yourself up in it for years to come.

Another difference is the weight of the fabric. Fabric weight is defined as a weight per unit area. Our fabrics are all 4 – 5 ounce per linear yard quilting weight fabrics. At Seaside, we carry only 100% cotton fabrics, because it is what we prefer to quilt with. We strive to stock fabrics that are not only beautiful, but that will stay soft and comforting through many washings.

But are quilts the only thing you can make with these fabrics? No! Cotton fabrics make beautiful projects of all kinds. Cotton is wonderful to wear because it breathes and is naturally hypoallergenic. Just as it is easy to work with when matching quilt points, it cooperates with little-girl pleats as well as curtain ruffles. We have customers who use our fabrics for all sorts of projects, from quilts to dog beds!

If you are not sure about your particular project, or if you need help with measurements or quantities, send us an email, or give us a call. We’d love to help you figure it out!

Barb Black, owner
Seaside Quilting Supplies,LLC
Great Fabrics and Kits at Great Prices
Outstanding Customer Service
http://www.seasidequiltingsupplies.com

Thank you Barbara, this is great information for anyone interested in using quilting fabrics.