Patchwork Heritage Quilt Shows Patriotic Pride through Tradition

Since the days of old when our ancestors were crossing the ocean in order to immigrate to the new world, American quilting tradition has been evolving. Women from every country contributed ideas, patterns and styles that eventually combined into one basic American style of quilting that was totally unique and strikingly attractive. This style came to be known as patchwork.

Before the industrial revolution fabric was prohibitively expensive. Cost was almost always the deciding factor of what style, color, quality of fabrics and pattern would be used in the making of the quilt. All pre industrial revolution homes came equipped with a scrap bag. As fabric was such a precious commodity, every bit was saved. Homes almost never bought fabrics with the sole purpose of quilting in mind. Scraps were always use, hence the creation of the patchwork quilt.

Patchwork quilts reflect our nation's economic and political times. When our country was new and the industrial revolution had yet to take place, quilting patters were haphazard. As our nation grew and prospered, patterns became recognizable. With time patterns grew to become incredibly intricate. Soon, women began making statements through quilting. Red, white and blues appeared in quilts during war time to show patriotic pride.

When westward expansion took place women began creating state quilts. Eventually, quilts began to reflect political preferences, major life events and economic times. When our country unionized and labor laws were enacted, many women showed their support by sewing together red, white and blue patches in incredibly intricate patterns. American flag patterns are popular during times of political strife, low economic times and war.

Today quilting has tapered off as a national pastime for women. While quilting is not as popular as it once was, quilts themselves are more highly valued than ever. Many of us can appreciate the tradition and heritage of the American patchwork quilt. Recently, a new patriotic commemorative quilt was created to help Americans in need. The Patchwork Heritage quilt is part of a buy one, give one program being implemented by the Blanket America charitable organization to provide warm blankets for the needy. To find out more, visit quilt.

The Patchwork Heritage Collection shows patriotic American pride while bringing back old American traditions. Blanket America is implementing a buy one, give one charity, where proceeds from the sale of the Patchwork Heritage quilts buy one new fleece blanket to be donated to charity.  http://www.blanketamerica.com