America's Quilting History
Kansas Quilts
by Brackman, Chin, |
You don't have to be from Kansas to thoroughly enjoy the book "Kansas Quilts and Quilters". This book offers not only a history of quilting in Kansas but also a history of women's lives. Because it concentrates on one state it is possible to focus on individual women as well as local trends in quilting. As a result we discover what life was like for women over several generations through letters, diaries and interviews. Following are just a few glimpses into some of these women through their own words:
In 1832 a woman wrote this in her diary, "Lydia Sims … assisted me in putting in my first quilt. Cry shame! to think that I have been married and a housekeeper for more than fourteen years and never before was thus occupied." A diary entry written in 1876 by Mary Schenck gives a taste of a typical day. "Washed 10 bed covers & churned & finished piecing the quilt. & set out some tomatoe plants. It has been a pretty day." Later, about 1930, a Carrie Hackett Hall talks of how "the whole community was 'quilt conscious'…The making of quilts in the home has become astonishingly popular, even to the extent of interfering with bridge schedules and attendance at the matinee." |
"Kansas Quilts and Quilters" contains several chapters written by different women. These chapters cover such diverse topics as applique' quilts, conversation prints, Mennonite quilting and African American quilt making. In the chapter about the community of Emporia two of the quilts that Ruth Adams Lee designed, appliqued and quilted are displayed. Ruth Lee was a part of a unique group of women in Emporia during the 1930s who designed their own quilts instead of following the popular patterns of the times. You have a unique opportunity to learn a bit more about Ruth Lee as a person and see some of her quilts here on this site in the "Heritage Quilts" section.
A quilting book is never complete without some intriguing photographs of quilts. In "Kansas Quilts and Quilters" you will also find delightful photos of quilters as well. Somehow the pictures of these women help us appreciate the fine work and creative enthusiasm that went into the making of their quilts.
© 2001 Anne Johnson (Do not reproduce any material from this site without permission.)
