PATCHWORK QUILTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 26

PATCHWORK QUILTS

ANCIENT CRAFT REVIVED LAST WORD IN SMARTNESS CHARM OF QUAINTNESS To be truly modern you must boast at least one patchwork quilt in your house. "Old-fashioned?" They may be to some people, but to modern interior decorators in countries overseas they are the "last word" in smartness. Many Australian needlewomen, lovers of gay, joyous colours in their homes, are reviving this craft, which is really as old as the bills, for it is mentioned in' the Old Testament, and many years ago it was practised in Greece, India and China, while for centuries it has been known in Europe, especially for making bed coverings. When, two years or so ago, the Institute of Architects'in England put up its new building, the wife of the president, herself an interior, dec.orator, way given the happy task of furnishing it. And it was a startling but highly delighted discovery its admirers made when they found that this inventive woman had chosen curtains and covers of—patchwork. And had used them with the most modern furniture, too! Pioneer Associations A century or two is nothing in the age of an intricately pieced patchwork quilt, which had its origin in a remote part ot Britain or America. These gay patchwork quilts are so often associated with the early pioneering da>s of colonial America, when beds were piled high with layer upon layer of coverings to keep out the intense cold of the New, England winters. The women, for the sake of economy at first, made dozens of quilts from scraps, and gradually this most picturesque craft evolved. Some of the earliest colonial quilts measured as much as 10ft. square, for in those days, and up to 1800, they used enormous beds, in which sometimes the whole family slept in winter for the sake of warmth Family History Told They were always gay these quilts, for the women, living in hardship and often deprived of all but the bare necessities of life, sought to brighten their homes. So they did it with scraps of chintz, calico and print, and of linen, wool or silk, and many a family history is wrapped up in an old patchwork quilt. Many of them are traditional, too. The American settlers lived very simply in those days, and quite a number of the patchwork designs had a strongly religious or political flavour, while another source of inspiration, was found in the various occupations of the time. Old World Names Dove :n the Window, Rolling Stone, Rising Sun, Indian Summer, Autumn Leaf are a few of the names suggested by Jill kinds olc simple and natural objects. Dusty Miller recalls the old roadside water mills. Free Trade Block speaks for itself. There are Spider Web, Flying Bats, Rocky Glen and

others of that nature. World Without End unmistakably proclaims its religious origin; it is an all-over pattern of triangles and squares, which form interlocking circles, little "worlds without end" in light and dark blue calicoes. There are various strikingly religious designs with appropriate names, and the patriotic design known as the Union Quilt, showing four fine American eagles spread across the corners. And so on, almost indefinitely, one could describe these attractive, traditional patterns which reveal so intimately the life of colonial America. These quilts have helped to make history by commemorating famous people and events, and heroines, wives of presidents, famous beauties, and even tho last queen America had—Queen Charlotte—have been immortalised in stitchery. The Bride's Quilt Every girl in those days, whether engaged to be married or not, spent her leisure time in making patchwork quilts, ready for her dower chest. No fewer than 12 of these quilts must she have for everyday use, and one special "bride's quilt," which was a most elaborate affair. The dozen patchwork "tops" were made before her engagement, and put away ready to be finished later on, but the "bride's quilt" must wait until her definite engagement. When this happy event occurred invitations were sent out for tho quilting party, and this was equivalent to an announcement of her engagement. From far and wide guests came to these quilting bees, which were some of the most important social events of the time. Loads of provisions came into the house—turkeys, pies, cheese and other good things', ready for tho big supper in the evening, when the menfolk came, and the affair became a social function. Many of the old songs, especially those of the plantations, that are such popular features of our community singing to-day, were sung at these jovial gatherings. Then followed games and dancing, and many a court<5 hi P\, . Quilting frames were set up, often in the kitchen, because it was the warmest room in the house, or, if there were a fireplace, in a spare room upstairs. The frames rested oji the backs of four chairs, and took up a great amount of space. The qmlters, all skilled needlewomen, worked rapidly in relays, but even with the quickest workers a quilt would take many / hours to finish. No wonder these heirlooms are so often priceless, and take their place in museums for the sake of their association and tradition, while the labour and ingenuity they represent are not to bo measured in hard cash. Materials to Use Any foundation may be used for a patchwork quilt. "Applique" is the strictly correct term to use in this work, because the pieces are appliqued on, though "patchwork" is the timehonoured word for it. One of the best materials for a foundation is an unreached calico of very fine texture; there is a special kind sometimes used for aeroplanes, strong and fine, and 40in. wide. The appliqued pieces must bo in fast colours, otherwise time and labour are wasted. Scraps of ordinary, brightlycoloured prints are the best materials to use, though silk and wool are often chosen, but the kinds of material must never be mixed. And, by the way, patchwork quilts should be dry-cleaned rather than washed, to preserve their brilliant colours. ' Tho design for patchwork may be drawn or worked onia transferred pattern. Some people copy their favourite Howertj or work out a pet scheme as a, design. Quite apart from the set designs there is, of course, the pretty "hit and miss" or crazy patchwork

design., in which pieces of all colours end shapes are put together, with often delightful results. Then tho quilt is padded and lined, and is ready for Juilting. The quilting is better done roin the top, lightly marked in pencil first so that it will not show; it is also possible to buy transfer designs for quilting. With tho very large quilts a quilt,ing frame will make the work much easier and more even. One of the charms of patchwork, whether an quilts or anything else, is that it is a most decorative asset, and may be used equally well with furniture of the latest designs as with the beautiful and often rare antiques with which it was contemporary hundreds of years ago.