Getting it Right: From Student Papers to Original Research

Whether you are a 5th grader writing a short assignment or a university student composing a major paper you need to be sure your sources are credible.

Don't assume information is correct just because it's in a book. Some of the early 20th century books indicate that quilting was common in Colonial America. This doesn't mean these books are no good. The myth that colonial women did a lot of quilting was believed by almost everyone during the time these books were written.. More recent study has uncovered more accurate information.

You can't assume a webpage is accurate just because it's on a university or government site. Today the myth that certain quilt patterns were used as symbols by the Underground Railroad is so pervasive many educated people assume it is fact. Meanwhile some excellent sources of quilt history information can be found on smaller personal websites.

This leaves you with a responsibility to check other resources. Quilt Historians have made an effort to correct misconceptions about quilt history so often a thorough search on the Internet will help you find common myths. Checking several sources both online and in paper is always wise.

If you are an advanced student writing an extended paper you will be using many resources including books, journals and websites. A good resource for research papers about quilt history is "Uncoverings", the journal for the "American Quilt Study Group". You can order the journals from the Uncoverings Publication list on that site. You can also have your library get reprints of these papers.

This new e-report by quilt historian, Kimberly Wulfert, should be your starting point.

Threading Your Research Needle at antiquequiltdating.com
Written by Kimberly Wulfert, PhD and presented as a Study Center
for the American Quilt Study Group Annual Seminar October 2005

This 20 page, single-spaced e-report is packed with information for the novice or experienced researcher in the field of quilt history. The report includes: research methods for quilt and textile Researchers; 9 Steps for Getting Started to Finishing; and online & print resources for researching.

The references and examples given are specific to this field, but the descriptions of doing scholarly research and critical thinking apply to many of the social sciences, and would be very helpful to researchers researching other textile, women and social history topics. This report will benefit college students too.

The American Quilt Study Group support & follow research on quilts through this national organization