The third Saturday in March is National Quilting Day. Sometimes the quilts we own but did not make (inherited or gifted or purchased quilts) are the last to receive a label, if at all. The Quilt Alliance encourages us to document our quilts, and display them today.
From their website:
Quilts are historical documents that contain important information about the life and times of the maker, their family and their world. Add those labels you’ve been putting off.
Here are three key steps that every quilt owner should take to keep their quilt’s history from fading away.
1. Label your quilt. Include, at minimum: maker’s name, date completed, location made, maker or owner’s contact information.
2. Take photos of your quilt. Take an overall photo, front and back, a photo with the maker/owner standing alongside the quilt, and several details including the label.
3. Write down your quilt’s story. Include, at minimum, the information you wrote on the label. Add additional physical details (size, fiber content, materials, care…), history of the maker, purpose of the quilt, influence or inspiration.
Better yet, visit their Three Key Steps to Documenting a Quilt guide to get started.
Most quilters have heard the message about quilt labeling. Adding a label to your quilt that includes, at minimum, your name, and when and where the quilt was made, is one way to ensure that its history will remain known and preserved. However, according to the 2016 Handi Quilter Quilters’ Survey only 57% of the 24,185 respondents say they label their quilts consistently, even though 94% of this group said they believe it is important to document and preserve the history of quilts and quiltmakers.
"A good day is a day spent quilting."
Today, I plan to add a label to an un-signed quilt;
complete a quilt top and prep for quilting;
and, create a couple of keepsake pillows with found quilt blocks (from Aunt B) and dress shirts (from Uncle H) to present to their granddaughter.
The rest of my weekend will be filled with writing and art projects - all centered around quilting.
I wish you much progress and satisfaction on whatever type of project you find yourself working on for National Quilting Day. Where will you be displaying a special quilt?
Thank you for stopping by.
XOXOX