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• 1 2024-05-02T12:12:09-07:00 Quilting Societies in Appalachia 23 plain 1518465 2024-05-09T11:28:04-07:00 Quilting guilds, clubs, and circles are alive and well in East Tennessee.  From small, intimate quilting circles, to more prominent guilds, the web of activity is wide-spread.
  
  To better understand the evolution of quilting bees to groups today, a look into the origin of the quilting bee is helpful.  Quilt is derived from a Latin word, culcita, meaning bolster or cushion.  A honeybee is a social insect that must work together with other bees in order to survive.   With a bit of artistic license, one could say the term quilting bee means a “social support system.”
  
  John Irwin, author of several books about Southern Appalachia, suggests that quilting bees are an innovation of American settlers.  Many years ago, when pioneers were settling the frontier of America, neighbors were many miles apart and visiting required too much time away from the homestead.  There was much hard work to be done and not much time for socializing, therefore, pioneer women formed quilting bees, which became very special affairs.
  
  Quilting bees were usually an all-day event, and provided much needed rest, relaxation, and social interaction.  Ladies would come from all of the surrounding areas, bringing their quilting supplies, and a covered dish.  According to Carrie A. Hall in a book entitled, The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt in America,” it was during these times that women would share community news, medical remedies, recipes, “the state of spring and fall housecleaning,” and quilting patterns.
  
  Many times, after a day of quilting, supper would be prepared, and the men and children would join the women.  After supper, they would have a social dance and festivities.  Hall states: “Everyone, old and young, entered into the spirit of the dance which was the end of a perfect day.”  The Archives of Appalachia has numerous recordings regarding quilting gatherings and the combination of activities such as log rolling, corn shucking, house raising, and games.  While the events were a change in routine and fun for the entire community, they were still coordinated to incorporate efficiency in the Appalachian style of not wasting time.
  
  There are similarities between the earlier quilting bees and the circles, clubs, and guilds today, as well as marked differences.  The main similarities are the psychological, social, and functional aspects.  In the earlier days, women worked very hard and did not have many opportunities to meet socially and relieve stress by means of conversation and companionship with other women.  These meetings provided a much-needed outlet from the daily grind.  Even though the quilts being made were for necessity and functionality, the conversation and companionship were equally important.
  
  Even with the modern technology of cell phones and internet, women still crave face-to-face social interaction.  The quilting groups today help to fulfill this need.  The women who participate in these meetings enjoy getting together with others who share their interest in the art of quilting.  While these meetings definitely have a functional purpose, they also provide a few hours away from daily stresses.  Affirmation, knowledge, and encouragement are all gained from these meetings.
  
  Another similarity between the earlier quilting bees and the groups today is the sharing of patterns and techniques.  Even though new patterns may be found via magazines, quilting books, and the Internet, there is something special about sharing patterns orally.  The modern-day quilting bees provide an opportunity to share patterns and also techniques by way of classes and demonstrations.  This is especially helpful to those who are learning to quilt for the first time.
  
  The differences between the earlier quilting bees and the groups today pertain to formality, technology, and purpose.  Earlier meetings were informal and sporadic.  The quilting guild is more formal and has a set of by laws that must be followed.  A guild has a slate of elected officers, set monthly meetings, and required dues.  A quilting club also has a set of elected officers, set meeting times, and membership dues, but the meeting is less formal, and there are no by laws.  The quilting circle is the most similar to the earlier quilting bees.  While there are set meeting times, they are flexible, and the group usually consists of a small number of women who spend a few hours together and then share a meal.
  
  Technology has made a difference in quilting today.  While quilt tops have been sewn together by machine since its invention, by those who could afford them, the actual quilting of layers was always done by hand.  Today, with the accessibility of technologically advanced, computerized and longarm machines, more quilting is done by sewing machine.  This affects the quilting groups because they are able to make more quilts in less time.  The sewing machine also allows those who can no longer quilt by hand because of arthritis, a common ailment amongst the older quilters, to quilt longer by using the sewing machine.
  
  The Internet and computer programs have also had an impact on quilting groups.  Patterns may be found, created, and shared via the Internet.  Quilting has become much more scientific because of technology, and more options and variations are available than ever before.  With the use of computer programs, new and more complex patterns are being created every day and old techniques are improved and faster.  Mainstream quilting books and magazines are also more readily available through libraries, eBooks, or physical and online subscriptions. 
  
  Another difference between earlier quilting bees and those of today is the goal of supporting the community.  All the circles, clubs, and guilds donate quilts for charity.  While women in earlier days quilted for weddings, births, and the occasional charitable need, material was sometimes hard to acquire not only physically, but also monetarily.  Women today have more access to materials; and, because they do not quilt out of necessity, they can concentrate their efforts on more purposeful and specific goals to support charities on a continual basis. 
  
  Quilting has always been an art form, a way of bringing utility, style and beauty into everyday life.   Heirloom quilts bring comfort and beautiful memories to those who recognize the pattern pieces made from an old dress, a baby garment, or treasured scraps of material.  Modern quilts bring a sense of expression and accomplishment to the artists who create them.  Quilts tell a story both then and now.  They are a tie to the people and places of the past, and a connection to community now.