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
MORE RESOURCES updated Wed. April / 24 / 2024 The Benefits of Gentler Hobbies Next Avenue The nostalgic crafts that are making a comeback Yahoo Movies UK New restaurant and new crafts store planned for Bradenton shopping center development Bradenton Herald 6 Craft Hobbies Everyone's Talking About In 2024 Country Living UK Crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as consumers cut back on pandemic-era hobbies The Macomb Daily Lancaster Countians win PA Farm Show ribbons for crafts, hobbies, plants, square dancing LNP | LancasterOnline Craft and hobby classes in St. Louis St. Louis Magazine Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being Harvard Health One Tank Trips | AdhDiy Craft Cafe KSHB 41 Kansas City News The Latest Craze in Hobby Crafting: Becoming a 21st-Century Blacksmith The New York Times 8 Craft Hobbies Set To Be Popular This Autumn And Winter Country Living UK Joann fabric and hobby stores enter bankruptcy; post-pandemic craft decline cited - The Mercury News The 20 Most Relaxing Hobbies to Try This Year Country Living UK Joann craft retailer files for bankruptcy St. Louis Post-Dispatch The Alphabetical Guide To Craft Hobbies | A-Z List Of Crafts Country Living UK 4 Craft Hobbies To Try Out This Summer | Best Summer Crafts 2023 Country Living UK Hobby Supplies: How to Organize Your Hobby Room with ADHD ADDitude magazine Rug Tufting: An Old Craft That's New Again Next Avenue Second Saturday event at Factory attracts shoppers, crafts: in photos Columbia Daily Herald Best new hobby deals for 2024: Lego kits, DIY jewelry making, ClassPass subscriptions, and more Mashable Union Township man nets 34 ribbons at Bloom Fair; locals get 156 ribbons Shenandoah Sentinel National Craft Month - March National Day Calendar 8 new hobbies to try in the St. Louis area Ladue News Six Independent Craft Stores to Visit in Around Boston Boston magazine Meet Mike Larisey, owner of Maritime Hobbies & Crafts Ltd Downtown Halifax Looking to pick up a new hobby? Indigo Studio is here to help. inputfortwayne.com Craft fairs, Hobby Con in Williams Lake this weekend Williams Lake Tribune New Year New Skills: 31 Hobbies To Pick Up In 2024 Outlook India Cobblestone Crafts listed for sale after four decades for $679K HollandSentinel.com London Named UK's Craftiest City | The Most Creative Areas Country Living UK The Heritage Crafts On The Brink Of Extinction Country Living UK OPINION: A love letter to arts and crafts Indiana Daily Student The Best Craft for Each Zodiac Sign Best Life Katie McAllister has a multitude of hobbies that all correlate to crafts The Central Trend Best craft classes for adults in Los Angeles Los Angeles Times Bored at home? Now’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby CNN Underscored West Virginia Hobbies & Crafts: A 25-year success story Huntington Herald Dispatch As It Turns Out, You Don't Actually Need to Be Good at Your Hobbies Apartment Therapy Leny Handy Crafts: How a hobby became a business Manila Bulletin Business Intel: Crossroads Hobbies and Crafts Roanoke Times Handicrafts and hobby store giant Milbby to open its first branch in the province on the Costa del Sol Surinenglish.com Endangered Crafts and the Destinations Keeping Them Alive (Published 2019) The New York Times Yo! Easter offers skills, sports and hobbies for everyone | City Of Wolverhampton Council Wolverhampton City Council Best craft kits for kids that could inspire a new hobby Evening Standard Hobbies and Crafts Theme Cruises Cruise Critic Hobby Lobby vs. Michaels: Which craft store is better? Business Insider 20 Summer Hobbies You Can Start Today The Everygirl 30 Best Hobbies for Women - Creative Activities to Fill Your Free Time Good Housekeeping The 16 biggest controversies in Hobby Lobby's five decade history Business Insider Business Intel: Salem Hobby Shop Roanoke Times Lost trades: The industrial origins of crafts and hobbies National Science and Media Museum Druid City Makerspace offers room for people who create arts, crafts Tuscaloosa Magazine Crafts & Hobbies City of Aurora Arts and Crafts Are Experiencing Surge in Popularity Amid COVID-19 Smithsonian Magazine After 40 years, Herb's Hobbies & Crafts closing The Intelligencer Nobel prizes most often go to researchers who defy specialization – winners are creative thinkers who synthesize ... The Conversation Pitman craft store closing after 48 years Courier Post Hobby Lobby To Discontinue 40% Off Coupon Curtis Tucker Best creative hobbies you can do at home in lockdown Stylist Magazine Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Joann: Which Is the Best Craft Store? Business Insider
|