America's Quilting History

Generally people think of quilt making during the Great Depression as something folks did to get by, a way to make bed coverings out of old worn out clothes. As we delve into the book "Soft Covers for Hard Times" we discover the truth is far more complicated and intriguing.

Heightened interest in quilts actually started in the1920s through a revival of Colonial style decorating born from a renewed interest in America's past. Magazines encouraged women to dig into the attic and get out their old family quilts. Those who had none were inspired to make their own. Numerous patterns were developed and sold as new fabrics were used to make traditional quilts. By the time the Great Depression came along the stage was set for quilt making to become a primary way for women to express their creativity in a time when money was scarce.

You would never dream there was a depression going on if you were to read the popular women's magazines of the time. Dwelling on hard times doesn't sell magazines but giving women a way to feel they are creating a beautiful home through their quilt making does. Even the Sears, Roebuck company got into the act by sponsoring the Sears National Quilt Contest with the quilts to be exhibited at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. The contest was not without some controversy which you can read about in this book.

Because some of the women who quilted during the depression are still living the author, Merikay Waldvogel, was able to get some wonderful interviews. As a result we discover interesting bits of information like the fact that in rural Tennessee quilting to get by was nothing new. Instead, as Vacie Thomas shared, "We didn't know there was a depression ^_ I'm not kidding. We were living like we always had". You will enjoy many other such comments from the women as they remember the depression years.

Although times were hard, commercial enterprise was alive and active. Magazines, newspapers and the mail order catalogues all promoted quilt patterns and fabrics. Inspired by their success feed and flour companies discovered they could increase sales by packaging their products in sacks of fabric printed in popular colors and designs. Women with little or no money to spend could make do while still using fashionable prints.

Enjoy going back to a time not so long ago yet a world so very different. You may even find you are inspired to make a quilt with the now plentiful reproduction fabrics of the 30s.

© 2001 Anne Johnson (Do not reproduce any material from this site without permission.)