When we think of American Quilters, most of us think of a bunch of happy women setting around a circle taking turns quilting, cooking and serving the men and children. We have these images because of all the stories and songs that somehow romanticized it all. Well, in all probability that was not the case, especially in colonial days. Most often, in the days of the early settlers, the women didn't have time for any kind of hobby because they were responsible for the cooking, cleaning, spinning, childcare and much more, and they were typically responsible for large families. So, that left little time for social gatherings and to enjoy being a quilter.

By the time the women had all of their chores and rearing duties finished, it was probably well after dark and the only light source would have been from a candle or the fireplace, which would have been much too dim for stitching. So, this debunks the myth that the beautiful quilting style we see today was started by quilters in the colonial days. Besides, in those days there was very little fabric available. It is a myth that quilting was a pastime in colonial days. If there were quilts made, then they were likely very simple quilts and were made out of necessity, not enjoyment.

Since fabric was so scarce in the colonial days, it's all but impossible to believe that the women were able to gather for bees. They just didn't have the means available to make quilts. However, it is more believable in later years. Although still not likely to have been the "romanticized myth" of American Quilters at that time either. The quilting frame made quilting much easier but frames were often too big and heavy for the quilters to move. The women of the day would often squeeze their quilting frames between furniture and leave it to work on at their convenience.

Although more and more women are not learning techniques for quilting like their mother's did before them, it is still a huge part of our heritage. Our ancestors who quilted before us have at the very least passed on their love of quilts and the quilting craft. Most of us have some sort of quilt in our home. Whether a family heirloom or for decoration, the American Quilters are still influencing our lives today.

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