THE INCREDIBLE CRAZY

Crazy quilts may have been a favorite of the Victorians, but they’re every bit as popular today! Learn about their origins and favorite 19th century techniques and design choices, as well as Crazies today. We will be taking a hands-on look at Crazy quilts, both antique & modern, and related styles.  Lecture on Redwork and its history also available.   

DATING ANTIQUE QUILTS

An in-depth introduction to dating antique quilts, using clues in the fabrics, design and color. Bring samples from your own collection, and come ready to discuss them!

ROMPING THROUGH THE DECADES

Fads are a phenomenon centuries old…and quilting is no exception. View quilts and textiles dating from 1800 through the Bicentennial. Along the way, we'll talk about each period's favorite colors, patterns, fabrics and techniques, using a timeline handout to keep things tidy. We'll also discuss what's in quilting's future.

A hands-on historical look at more than 200 years of patriotic themes, including war, politics and the World's Fair. We'll also view popular patterns, colors and designs in dozens of samples, from quilts to fabric to ephemera. Red, white and blue included!

THERE MUST BE A STORY BEHIND THAT QUILT 

It may be the style, color, or the way they’re made - but now and then you come across a quilt that’s just plain different. What are the stories behind these unusual pieces, and what were their makers attempting to accomplish? We’ll take a hands-on look at some “rule-breaking” antique quilts. 

QUILTS FROM THE BIBLE

Our forebears have often held a deep and abiding faith in the Bible and its power in their lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in their love of naming quilt patterns and designs for favorite Bible characters, verses and maxims. We'll take a trip through Scripture quilting from the past two centuries, visiting favorite patterns, themes and colors, from the Star of Bethlehem to a Bible History embroidered quilt. Along the way, we'll examine dozens of quilts, tops, blocks and ephemera that display the popularity of Bible-based quilt themes. Handout includes patterns for your own Scripture quilt!

QUILTING DURING THE “SILENT YEARS”
WORKSHOP OR LECTURE

In spite of wide reports of its ‘death’ at times during the late 1940sthrough the early 1970s, quilting was still very much alive and kicking. We’ll study some of the interesting quilt-related trends that appeared in quilts, crafts and magazines during this rich, yet often ignored period. Included will be the return to Crazy quilts, Colonial quilting, the resurgence of applique in a bold new form, Log Cabins, as well as earth tones, primary colors and calicoes…and of course, the ‘rebirth’ of quilting during the Bicentennial! We’ll view quilts, fabrics, books and magazines, and begin stitching a wall hanging with patterns from this time period. Free fabric samples for students’ portfolios.  Half-day or all-day sessions.   Patterns provided.  Handout included.

AMERICAN STYLE: THE SCRAP QUILT 
WORKSHOP OR LECTURE 

It may have begun elsewhere, but Americans have put their own unique stamp on that great institution, the scrap quilt. We’ll view quilts, tops and other textiles dating back to the 1830s, and explore patterns and colors that were popular during the 19th and 20th centuries…and today! We’ll also talk about the role of the scrap quilt’s older sister: the sampler quilt. Learn more about scrap quilting’s unique role in American history and take home plenty of ideas to spark your own future projects. Handout included.  (also available as a workshop with pattern – half day or full day session)

THE GOOD STUFF: QUILTS FROM THE 1860's AND BEFORE  LECTURE  

Have you ever seen a Really Old quilt or fabric in the flesh? Brace yourself, because we’ll be viewing (and touching!) many 19th and even 18th century quilts, fabrics, tops and blocks, including an 1839 signed and dated Mosaic quilt top. Learn more about early textiles’ trademark colors, patterns and styles, including fugitive greens, ‘acid’ yellow and the granddaddies of all: turkey and madder reds. We’ll also discuss historic and social events that shaped the fabric world during the 1860s…and long before. Handout included.

TRUE BLUE, TURKEY RED AND OTHER TWO-COLOR QUILTS LECTURE  

Two-color schemes have been popular for centuries, both in fabric and quilts. Why does this simple, elegant combination have such a hold on our collective hearts? Come explore the history of red and white, blue and white and other two-color quilting styles. We’ll learn more about dyes as well as vintage quiltmakers’ favorite patterns and fabric styles, while viewing textiles from the past three centuries. Handouts included.

HANKIE HISTORY

Handkerchiefs did not begin their existence solely for use – fabric was too precious. Instead they served as a signal of culture and wealth that grew to encompass many other uses. We’ll explore the evolution of the handkerchief from political icon to map to wartime spy (really!), souvenir and social historian… and view dozens of examples in the process. We’ll also discuss the use of handkerchiefs and related materials in quilts, clothing and household furnishings -- and love. We’ll also discuss the use of handkerchiefs and related materials in quilts, clothing and household furnishings -- and love. (In the process, we'll learn more about the Language of Flowers, Fan Flirtations and the Hanky Secret Code!) Handout included.

FLOWERS, FANS & OTHER MEANINGS IN CLOTH

Why do certain flowers, animals and motifs appear repeatedly in fabrics, quilts and other textiles – and others do not? We’ll explore the ‘Language of Flowers,’ fan etiquette, national mascots and images the Victorians and others used to send secret messages of love and intrigue. We’ll also discuss popular trends like the Aesthetic and Arts & Crafts Movement…even the rise of interest in bicycles, babies and racetracks! Along the way, we’ll view dozens of quilts, blocks and paper ephemera, including items as varied as Crazy quilts and conversation prints, to explore this fascinating but little-explored world. Handouts included.  1-hour lecture. 

QUILTS OF THE COLONIALS 

How did the earliest settlers keep warm during the blustery winters of the New World? We’ll explore the world of the Colonials, from their first arrival to the American colonies in the early 1600s, through the changes that made the 19th century so different from its earlier counterparts. Along the way, we’ll discuss the Colonials’ favorite textiles (cotton wasn’t usually one of them!), as well as their use of “calimancoes,” “bed rugges,” and even quilted petticoats! We’ll also discuss favorite quilt patterns and styles, including the “Tree of Life” and broderie perse (which they called a different name). Actual samples included for hands-on viewing. You’ll gain a new understanding – and appreciation – for the challenges our creative American forebears overcame. Free handout.

QUILTS OF THE CIVIL WAR 

The Civil War may have technically only covered four years (1861-65), but probably no other time in our American history has contained so many different angles to consider. Quilting and textiles not only affected the South but the North, slave and free, men and women alike. Come explore some of the styles, patterns and colors most favored during the era of the Civil War, including abolitionist favorites, fundraising pieces (like the quilt that purchased a Confederate gunboat during the war!), and the applique and pieced patterns favored. (Yes, the ‘Dear Jane’ quilt will be discussed, too.) We’ll also take a good hard look at the “Underground Railroad” quilt theory, from its various angles. Free handout.

QUILTS WITH SECRETS 

Quilts have their tales to tell! We’ll explore various quilt styles, patterns and fabrics that had their own secret meanings and stories to share, especially about their makers’ taste in politics, affections and family goings-on. Along the way, we’ll explore some of the primary themes in the antique quiltmaker’s lexicon, including grief, love (and hate), and patriotism. Come prepared to be surprised at the many ways old-time quiltmakers invested meaning into their quilted pieces. Free handout.  Also available as a class. 

SUNBONNET SUE AND FRIENDS

Description: Quilters have counted her among their dearest friends ever since the Great Depression…but where did Sunbonnet Sue really come from? We'll explore the centuries-old origins of Sue, from her appearance in Kate Greenaway's illustrations to her defining moment, thanks to Bertha Corbett…through today! Along the way, we'll explore a number of related styles and view dozens of samples, including quilts, blocks…even feedsacks and sheet music. Sue's friends, including Holly Hobbie, Overall Sam and Fishing Boy, are invited too.  (This is also offered as a workshop through the Grandma's Quilt Patterns line)

All lectures 1-2 hours