One of the great aspects about working for an educational institution is the constant exposure to intellectual discussions on every topic imaginable. At University level not only are the theory of issues debated and examined but also the processes of how and why any particular subject is studied. And in this wonderful array of deep and meaningful subject matter to life, quilting is also included.
Our campus library is a wonderful place with a fantastic section on textiles. In my search for all things quilty, I discovered the most interesting book entitled ‘Quilting, the fabric of everyday life’ by Marybeth Stalp. Here is what the dust cover says:
- Title: Quilting : the fabric of everyday life / Marybeth C. Stalp.
- Author/Creator: Marybeth C. Stalp
- Subjects: Quilting — Anecdotes ; Quilting — Psychological aspects
- Description:
“Quilting, once regarded as a traditional craft, has broken through the barriers of history, art and commerce to become a global phenomenon, international multi-billion dollar industry and means of gendered cultural production. In Quilting, sociologist and quilter Marybeth C. Stalp explores how and why women quilt.” “This close ethnographic study illustrates that women’s lives can be transformed in often surprising ways by the activity and art of quilting. Some women who quilt as a leisure pastime are too afraid to admit to being a quilter for fear of ridicule; others boldly identify themselves as quilters and regard it as part of their everyday lives.”
“The place of quilting in women’s lives affects core family and personal identity issues such as marriage, childcare, friendship and aging. The book’s accessible and intimate portrayal of real quilters’ lives provides a fabric for the sociology, anthropology and textile student to understand more about wider issues of cultural production and identity that stem from this very personal pastime.”–BOOK JACKET.
I checked out the book and read it cover to cover in a few short days. It was so insightful into the dynamics of the core of what I believe quilting is about. I’ve always viewed quilting and quilt groups as not only a means to creating something that can be art as well as function, but as also a very important aspect of women’s social engagements. I can create a quilt in solitude. But the magic happens when I create a quilt amongst women of like minds engaging in the most important of all human needs, social interaction.
And that’s the absolutely wonderful aspect of quilting – there are no age barriers. It has been my experience, my privilege, to be a quilter amongst women off all ages from 20 to 90. According to demographics on women’s social groups and quilt groups more specifically, the majority of today’s quilters are married and college educated with an average age of 59*. This age average is rapidly declining as the next generation of women are wholeheartedly embracing the quilting social lifestyle. Our guild can attest to this trend as we have members from the ages of 20 to 70 amongst our group.
Now with the inception of the Modern Quilt Movement, I have found guilds – with our organization The Perth Modern Quilt Guild in particular, exploring the art of quilting with a fresh eye utilizing and including quilters of all ages in exploring new techniques to compliment the traditional basis of quilt making. One of our most prolific and innovative guild members is one of our oldest in chronological age yet truly modern and innovative in her creative pursuits. I find her an inspiring mentor in my own journey in quilting. I love this. I love that the modern quilt movement is inclusive, not exclusive. Age is no barrier to creativity as our guild members can attest.
So here’s to the quilt group, the guild, the quilting bee, and the sewing circle. Without whose support, laughter, encouragement, and occasionally tears, I would be a lesser quilter – and certainly a lesser woman.
*Statistic from Gaebler.com, Resources for Entrepreneurs
– by McKenna