When our ancestors crossed the oceans to reach the new land, they brought with them not just their families and a few meager possessions. They brought with them their own unique languages, styles and traditions. Eventually those traditions, patterns and preferences melded together and evolved into a truly American style of quilt called patchwork.
Soon, commemorative patchwork quilts became a new tradition. Major life events were memorialized with quilts. With westward expansion came the advent of the state quilt. Political affiliations, union preferences and even wars were memorialized through statement blankets. Before women's suffrage gave women the right to vote in elections, their preferences were stated through fabric, needle and thread.
Through high times and low times, our nation's history can be tracked through quilts. During the war times, patchwork colors tended to be duller and fabric quality lower. During times of peace and prosperity fabrics were brighter, patterns more intricate, quality of fabrics higher and richer and variety of fabrics greater.
During political strife, strong statements were made. During times of war nearly all women used red, white and blue fabrics when they were available in order to show their patriotic pride, appreciation and support of our troops. Today that tradition is no different.
The Patchwork Heritage quilt is bringing back an old American tradition of commemorative quilting. Blanket America is a new charitable organization that is implementing an innovative new concept of giving.