With all things DIY and craft seeing a resurgence in popularity thanks to websites like Etsy, Pinterest, Kollabora and Wool & The Gang (to name just a few), it was only a matter of time before QUILTING became popular again, and no big surprise that designers have jumped on the bandwagon with their own versions of this traditional Americana craft. If you were lucky enough to see the Workt by Hand: Hidden Labor and Historical Quilts exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum earlier this, you might have a better understanding of where this inspiration is coming.
Historically quilts were made by groups or families of women, combining their efforts to produce a beautifully crafted piece that would be passed from one generation to the next. If this tradition is part of what defines a quilt, then can the new versions, made by individuals such as myself, still be considered part of the craft? Lets disregard the mass produced versions on the market for the sake of this discussion (hopefully it becomes a discussion and you don't all leave me hanging!) and only discuss the one-of-a-kind hand-crafted pieces that designers and home sewers are creating. How will traditional American craft techniques be translated by the new generation of makers?
While you're pondering this question, have a looksy at our new Study Quilt section in the shop! I've had a stash of production and sample fabric scraps building up in my studio for far too long and have been wanting to convert it all into quilts at some point. Or now. Yeah, now.