Creations for a Cause: Commemorative Quiltmaking
Early nineteenth-century quilts were usually created solely for utlitarian purposes. However, many were designed with individual and family principles in mind and often served as objects of remembrance commemorating major life and nationally significant events. As Western industrialization took hold, many women turned to quilting to chronicle the rapidly transforming by-gone era. Women viewed themselves as the keepers of history, and their quilts from this period often reflected the noteable moments in their personal lives and in their country.
The quiltmakers of the 1800s were especially inspired by the recently formed United States, with many quilts displaying patriotic symbols and motifs, such as the Great Seal, images of George Washington and other famous historical figures, American flags, eagles, and stars. The Civil War brought another turning point as women stitched and sewed for the cause. In 1876, the fear and fabric rationing of war transitioned to celebration with the marking of America's Centennial.
Related sections will include:
- "For the Compasses" - A quiltmaker honors her husband's society membership.
- "For the Cause" - The Civil War inspires a Sunday School class to lend their skills to the war effort.
- "For the Celebration" - A family commemorates a national milestone.
[Bibliography: Nurse-Gupta, Jodey. "A Fair-Ribbon Quilt: Crafting Identity and Creating Memory." Agricultural History 92, no. 2 (Spring 2018): 227-243. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3098/ah.2018.092.2.227.]
