![]() |
Amish Quilts - A Dying American ArtAmish quilting has been a tradition for more than a century here in rural Pennsylvania. Amish women create quilts, often in groups called quilting bees. This "bee" affords them the opportunity to gather in a social setting as well as give a rare opportunity to be creative and expressive in a community that frowns on pride and fanciful possessions. Because the quilts are a functional creation for use in the home, the women are permitted to create these amazing pieces of art. They boldly experiment with contrasting colors, exquisite designs, and a variety of geometric shapes to create wonders that please the eye and bring delight to those who appreciate the complexity of the construction. Since the Amish do not have electricity much of the stitching is done by hand or with the aid of a treadle machine. The designs of the quilt are pieced together from pieces of fabric cut into various shapes and then sewn into what will become the top of the quilt. When the top of the quilt is complete, the bottom fabric and batting are added and then quilted together with intricate stitching that form infinite numbers are patterns themselves. The quilt is then bound at the edges. This process can take weeks or even months depending on how many quilters are working on the quilt and how much time is afforded to the project, depending on the season in which it is being created. During harvest time, in addition to their busy household schedules of cooking three large meals, cleaning, raising the children, making the family's clothing, these women are often involved in working along the men to help in the harvest. Today, however, I fear this wonderful tradition is becoming slowly a thing of the past. The young Amish women I have spoken with are becoming more involved in other areas of Amish life. In what I perceive as a type of women's movement in the community, many are learning the trades previously only taught to their young male counterparts. Many are learning carpentry and help their families crafting furniture and cabinetry. Some can be seen driving team of draft horses along with their fathers in the fields. Many are working in their family's stores, keeping books, ringing registers, selling the goods that they have to offer. They do not seem to have the interest in the "bees" as their mothers and grandmothers did since it seems to be increasingly accepted that they take a more active role in the family businesses. There is also the ever present "English" world outside their community which offers constant shortcuts to the traditional Amish life. Recently, the big news in our little corner of the world was that a Wal-Mart was being constructed about 10 miles from our little community. When the store opened, I must say I was saddened, but not surprised to see in addition to the vast parking lot, there was a hitching post. What this meant to me was that the retail world was sending a special invitation to these simple folks to come and let us replace your century old traditions with a $69 mass produced factory bedspread. It makes sense for these women to accept this invitation. They have long days filled with countless tasks and here is an opportunity to send less money than they do on fabric and get a completed item and countless hours back! To further my concern about this, I recently met an Amish gentleman at a local quilt sale. We began speaking as we both sell Amish quilts. I was surprised to learn he had traveled here to Lancaster from Ohio to buy quilts. When I inquired about this, as I know Ohio has a substantial Amish community, he replied that they aren't making many quilts there and he had better luck coming all the way to my neck of the woods to find them!! How long will it be until this happens in my community! Well, that is all on this subject for now. I will close in saying that if you, the reader, own an Amish quilt, cherish it! You have a treasure that may someday soon become a rare commodity. If you do not, and you love art, find one! Support this artform before it is lost! Maggie Prichard
How do you develop a new hobby that you actually want to maintain? The Globe and Mail Head to a letterboxing trail for some fun Norwich Bulletin Take care of your Self | News, Sports, Jobs Morning Journal News Save money and relax by rediscovering hobbies | Community Richmond Register At the Library: Let the library be your hobby incubator The Westerly Sun Embrace The Winter With Audubon's Snowflake Daze From Feb. 6-7 Jamestown Post Journal Beyond the Trivia-Popular Hobbies krcgtv.com Manitoba Artists To Share Inspiration By Exchanging Crafts - Steinbachonline.com SteinbachOnline.com Hobby Lobby to move into former Eastpointe Kroger location, Clarksburg, West Virginia, officials say WV News Webs yarn store owners say sale brings online expertise, customer-research focus to 47-year-old family busine MassLive.com What's Wrong with the Way We Work The New Yorker Meet State College's Regina Brannen, The Queen of Cheese WJAC Johnstown Wanda M. Bilovecky | Obituaries | swoknews.com The Lawton Constitution Rubama: What did you do during the COVID lockdown? This former Western Branch coach wrote a book. - The Virginian-Pilot Virginian-Pilot News - Local News: The website for Neston News, Features, Events, Information, Business & Comment (Neston) AboutMyArea 7 Quarantine-Friendly Hobbies to Try Right Now Real Simple Adult Winter Reading begins next week | News | rapidcityjournal.com Rapid City Journal Got the lockdown blues? Check out #YRStayConnected NewmarketToday.ca Google trials ability to shop from YouTube videos on mobile InternetRetailing Manufactured Homes Have Features to Serve Your Changing Needs, Says Michigan Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA) Yahoo Finance 11 unique at-home craft ideas to see you through quarantine, creatively goodhousekeeping.com 50 Hobbies for Men You Can Start at Home The Trend Spotter Local hobby and craft specialists seeing uptick in consumer interest Charleston Gazette-Mail Widen Your Horizons: Hobby & Craft Books 2020 Publishers Weekly Best hobbies to do at home while self-isolating Stylist Magazine 30 Best Hobbies for Women - Creative Activities to Fill Your Free Time - GoodHousekeeping.com GoodHousekeeping.com Planet Fitness Offering Free Classes On Facebook To Help People Get Back Into Shape In 2021 CBS Baltimore Crafting new hobbies to get through 2020 INQUIRER.net 16 Best Gifts for Crafters 2021 - Gift Ideas for Craft Lovers GoodHousekeeping.com 'Trying to find positivity': UNC athletes find hobbies during COVID-19 The Daily Tar Heel People Have Gone Full 1800s The New York Times The Best New Hobbies to Try During Quarantine (That We’ve Written About) New York Magazine 'I kind of needed something to do': Picking up new hobbies during social distancing The Daily Tar Heel A pandemic winter is a great time to start a new hobby Minnesota Public Radio News Easy hobbies to try that could help make you feel less anxious, from yoga to gardening - Insider INSIDER Not a crafter? Here’s why you should consider becoming one during the pandemic. The Washington Post This Crafting Machine Sparks so Much Joy, Especially if You Love Sending Cards (and Immaculate Organization) Real Simple Endangered Crafts and the Destinations Keeping Them Alive The New York Times Hobby Lobby scheduled to open to the public mid-September Sault Ste. Marie Evening News The local store that will help keep your kids entertained all summer long WDIV ClickOnDetroit I like crafting Newsday Toronto millennials embrace old-timey hobbies Toronto Star Hobbies That Make You Money U.S News & World Report Money 8 New Hobbies To Discover During Quarantine StyleBlueprint 14 relaxing and nostalgic crafts you can do at home that will remind you of childhood - Insider INSIDER The Best Deals to Perfect Your Winter-Proof Hobbies The New York Times 4 Beginner Kits For Creative Hobbies That Relieve Stress HuffPost Canada 15 Best Craft Kits for Adults in 2020 GLAMOUR UK
|