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| Quilts from the 1850's |
The patterns are bold and bright, and the quilting in the background subtle and at times mischievous, especially on wedding quilts.
Usually one woman did the design or "pieced" the top, and then the quilting was hand-sewn by a group of women, though occasionally there was a signed quilt done by the artist herself. There were friendship quilts, several wedding quilts, and a scrapbook quilt. It was interesting to imagine the sizes of the beds by the size of the quilts. One quilt was only bordered on one side, presumably because the bed was placed against a wall. One was quilted on "the first sewing machine in Colorado." At the time there was no green dye, so fabric had to be dyed once in yellow and again in blue. A"cheddar" color was fashionable in quilts, but too gaudy for clothes.
There is a quilt database of over 14,000 quilts in Colorado. The patterns are bold and bright, and the quilting in the background subtle and at times mischievous, especially on wedding quilts.
Besides the quilts, the program was perfect for the season. As there were no stage or risers, the men stepped onto little footstools behind the women. The singing was uplifting--hard to beat Bach and Handel. The violin, cello and harpsichord trio were moving, nearly heartbreaking on the finale of "Ave Maria." The cost was $7 and the Senior Center was packed. Many thanks to the Longmont Arts Council for this holiday treat.