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Call for questions: QUILTS (Patreon)

Published:
2025-09-05 22:13:46
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Whether they're folded in a linen closet, stretched across a park lawn or hanging on a museum wall, you know a quilt when you see one. It's a distinctive textile, often with significant meaning. Next week I'm interviewing a professional quilter who's written historical, instructional, and biographical books on quilts and quiltmakers. His own pieces, including "Crazy City: San Francisco" (pictured) are in several museums. I've been wanting to do this episode for a long time so I'm excited to read your questions on quilts!

Deadline: Tuesday, September 9 at noon PST

Comments

Dr. Niki

Please talk about the Gee's Bend quilts! ❤️

Taylor Wade

is there an easy way to cut out all the little pieces this is literally my only obstacle to making a quilt

RJ Doidge

Wow, this is sew interesting! 🪡 what is the largest quilt that they made?

Raja

Are there traditions about numbers of squares/shapes? Or cultural connections?

Miranda Garniss

FTQA have quilts ever been used to send secret messages? Like certain patterns mean specific things

Heather Dykes

How difficult is quilting to get into as a hobby? It has always looked a little intimidating to me tbh 😅

Raja

Where did quilts originate from? Is there a "known oldest quilt"?

Kristin

Did different patterns have different meanings/uses in the past? Like is there a healing pattern for illness?

Ruby Oestreich

This may be a little strange of a thought, but I kind of wish the topic of quilts was being covered by a woman as many traditions surrounding quilting were more women held. I could be wrong on this . . . But it feels a bit of a diservice to the craft and artform

Marisa Asher

how long have quilts been around and what makes something a quilt vs just a bunch of fabric sewn together vs a blanket/throw/comforter

Kristen Butler

Questions: barn quilts! When did they start?

Ara Victor

How does the stitching on quilts differ from other textiles?

Ambular

If I've been sewing for the better part of 30 years, how hard is the transition to quilting? I can sew straight lines pretty okay! 🤣

Christi Sullivan

Thoughts on hand binding vs machine binding? My mom is a traditionalist who hand binds but my dad and I are machine binders (quicker and more sturdy in our eyes)

L. Wink

Ask him about traditions for when a quilter dies. I have seen pews covered with a lifetime full of quilts and it is incredibly moving.

Raja

Is there an official definition for what is and isnt a quilt, or can it be any combination of shapes sewn together into one unit/blanket/throw?

Brittany Briceño

Can we talk about the cultural and historical relevance of quilts in Appalachia?

g0ose0nTheLo0se

Did quilts come before or after color dyes?

Gray Gilmore

Quilts are so cool to me but it feels like they've gone out of fashion. Why aren't we quilting anymore?

Christi Sullivan

Tips for left handed quilters? My dad is a lefty so I have him mirror me when he’s cutting fabric but when it comes to sewing the machines are always set up for right handers. Are there such things as left handed machines??

John Worster

Alie, could you ask your guest if they have visited the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska? It's well worth a visit.

Savannah McGuire

How do we preserve our family quilts? I have one that incorporates fabric from my dad's underwear from when he was 6-7 years old that his great grandmother made. I want to make sure it lasts until the end of my lifetime. We have others she made, but this one stands out because my day (73) can still remember those underwear and memories from that era.

Lauren Mitchell

Do we know how old quilting is? Where did it originate?

Joey Zweig

Will you talk about the AIDS memorial quilt?

L. Wink

Sewing ≠ Quilting…so what is the bare minimum needed to be a quilt? In theory what common items could be considered a quilt?

Tony Vessels

Why does every elementary school have a quilting project?

Tony Vessels

Follow up question: is this even still a thing anymore?

Nicole S

AHHHHHHH as a quilter (since I was a teen), I am beside myself. I would love to hear about quilt traditions outside of North America. I found kantha quilts fascinating when I was in South Asia.

SilksMonkey

Look into jelly roll quilting. You buy the strips already cut and it's super fast

Raja

What's the etymology of the word? Does it have to do with quills?

Nicole S

It’s easy! Quilts aren’t three dimensional, so imho they’re easier than garments. Pick an easy pattern and have at it. But just like garments, using decent quality fabric makes it much more enjoyable.

Nicole S

It’s easy! Tons of great tutorials and patterns online. I am almost entirely self taught.

BolognaShoes

Every?! I’ve never heard of this!

Charlotte Parkinson

Please explain the science behind weighted quilts! Why so soothing?

Lindsay O'Neill

Ftqa: paper piecing. What's that about? And do they just leave the paper inside the finished quilt?

Spicy Native

Where do you get started? I'm familiar with knitting and crocheting; how different of a skill set/thinking process is it in comparison to other fiber crafts? Also, do you dream of designs/patterns in your sleep?

Midori Leibovitz

How does the average person get into quilting??

Greg Walloch

Can they speak about the importance of the Names Project Quilt?

BolognaShoes

I’d love to know how they feel about the making clothes from quilts trend. I’ve made a few garments from quilts that were on their way to the bin, but I’d never do it with a new or in good condition quilt.

Charlotte Parkinson

Why are the squares used for quilting called fat quarters??

Ali Vessels

I am scared to try quilting. I have some experience garment sewing and am an avid knitter and crocheter, but for some reason quilting is so intimidating. How do I start?

Kate Burnell

Were they really used to relay messages to help runaway slaves escape? I’ve read it may be disputed, so is it truth or fiction? Are there any other examples of codes and messages being relayed via quilts?

Ali Vessels

Is there any connection between "granny square" blankets in crochet and quilting? Or is it just some parellel thinking?

Aimee Ford

What is the history of quilt patterns painted on barns and private businesses in rural areas? They are pretty of course, but when did they start and why and is there any meaning behind the patterns?

Ali Vessels

There are also groups that organize finishing quilts that couldn't be finished before the quilter passed, which is very sweet

Hannah E

Can you talk about Gee’s Bend? A quilter friend of mine (shout out to Elissa, fellow fan of the podcast!) recommended I ask about it!

Sydonie S.

How old is the first quilt? And how similar is it to modern day quilts?

Kieran C.

How do T-shirt quilts work? I’ve been meaning to make one, but a lot of TShirt fabrics these days (especially jersey knits) are so stretchy/have some polyester, is there some kind of process of tacking the tshirt design onto a backing fabric to keep it stable??

Hannah E

Would love to hear about the political history of quilts! I’ve heard that they were a powerful medium for resistance and community engagement, but I don’t actually know any details.

Matt Ceccato

What makes a quilt so durable?

Katy

Self-healing mat, cutting square, and rotary cutter!

Jeffrey Bradshaw

A good quilt nowadays is very expensive. Which makes total sense! But how did people afford them in the past? Were people just not adequately compensated in the past?

Karin Dicker

Quilts as communication devices for the Underground Railroad? The impact of the AIDS quilt? (The AIDS quilt had a huge impression on me. ) Quilts as an indicator of social or financial status?

Mouse Paxton

Please talk about the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Chandler Witherington

Amateur quilter here!! Any tips for making cutting fabric less annoying? I find that I can't really fold the fabric to cut because they come out a little wonky. Any tips for more accurate cuts? like should we err on the side of a little larger than the pattern says (i.e. 4 1/8 in by 4 1/8 in rather than 4in x 4in). Also what is the most difficult quilt you've ever made? Have you ever not finished one?

Liv Lundh

Quilting is associated with American pioneers. But what about other cultures and countries? Who makes the most amazing quilts?

Liv Lundh

People didn't buy quilts, they made them of their own scrap fabric. Buying quilts is a relatively modern idea

Pseudonym Jones IV

I heard quilts were used as coded messages in the Underground Railroad with different patterns for different messages. Is that correct?

Between Dumplings

So interesting you are interviewing a man. I think of quilting as such the province of women! Except of course Harvey Fierstein. Have you seen his works? For a long time women's art was not elevated to the level of respect it should be, especially something like quilting just thought of as functional. Now we're learning about their signals to the underground railroad, stories and even the patterns chosen tell stories. Are we in a quilting renaissance?

Hailee Kirby

How do you get started? I really want to learn to quilt but I got overwhelmed looking in to it.

Popita

How do you cut the fabric so straight and line it up nicely to sew? The fabric always looks nicely lined up until I get it on the machine, then it shifts. I’m straight line cutting challenged.

Popita

I find quilting patterns fascinating. How long have some of them been around for and what meanings to they hold? I’m also interested in how they were used on the Underground Railroad.

Alli B

Ooh, good one!

Susan K.

Can we have an honorary mention for Barn Quilts? They are very popular in Wisconsin that when I go to other parts of the country it's weird not seeing them.

Sirspence

Quilts vs. Comforters: which will keep you warmer/why use quilts on your bed over comforters or vis versa? (This has been a debate between me and my roommate for years. I use quilts, she uses a comforter)

Lauren Ahrenholz

There's a quilting group in my area that donates quilts to the families of deceased organ donors. The quilts are placed over the donor while they are in the hospital and then the family takes it home as a memorial of their loved one. What other groups have you heard about that donate their time to quilt for good causes?

Leila

What is the historical/cultural connection between Anabaptist religious communities like the Mennonites and Amish and quilting? I’ve been to quilt auctions with quilts being sold for charity that were made in Mennonite and Amish quilting rooms around the US, can you share about the cultural heritage, what those rooms are, and why it seems distinctly connected to those groups?

Joanne V

Has he seen the documentary on Netflix about inmates making quilts? Thoughts? I loved it.

Nina Giacobbe

Oh my goodnessssssssssss my mom and I are both quilters!! Okay my mom would like to hear recommendations on the best way to store a quilt. And what you're favorite thread to use? She's also curious to know more about Civil War Quilts. How did they get named and what is the significance of the pattern? I'd like to know - what's the most interesting or unique material you've used for a quilt? (Last name pronounced juh-KOH-bee)

Leila

What is the history of quilting in Hawaii? What has been the impact of missionaries/colonizers on the art form?

Blair C

What are your thoughts on old quilts being repurposed into clothing?

mish the fish

my grandmother quilted but was unable to teach me before passing away. what tips do you have for beginners? any resources you like?

audrey perkins

Quilter here! I had heard that hand quilting hand “digests” the fabric so it turns out softer than machine quilts. While anecdotally true, is this technically true?

Amy

Driving through the midwest I see barns with big quilt squares. What's the story there?

Empress of Smallwood

What is the earliest known example of a quilt? Do all cultures have their own quilts? If so, how do they compare across cultures?

glittertornado

Hello there!! There is an amazing musical called Quilters that my mom has been in before. It's an amazing musical, does your guest know about it? If they do, do they have a favorite song?

Mini Minnie

Is the size of a piece of fabric you can buy to use as part of your quilt; it’s not the quilt block, is a fabric purchasing measurement. A “fat” quarter of a yard

Mini Minnie

Roll, don’t fold, and acid free tissue

Mini Minnie

Rolling cutter, like a pizza cutter, and cutting mat

Mini Minnie

My mother, who passed away suddenly and way too young, was a fantastic quilter. Several quilt show prizes including best in show at the Michigan state fair one year. I do not have the patience for it myself but still learned a decent amount about them and truly appreciate the art involved. Actual question: I am aware people come up with new patterns all the time, but in general, how many quilt patterns are there? If it helps to narrow it down, about how many “traditional” patterns are there?

Nicky G

How have quilts been used at points in history? Documentation and communication, art and culture...?

RoadLesTravelled

My love wondered how the value of a quilt is determined. For instance, would a hand-sewn quilt fetch more than machine-sewn … even though the two could be considered ‘hand made’ because a single person designed and built the finished piece.

Sally Warren

How do you organize and store your fabric?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

OH MY GOD YES I CANT BELIEVE UR DOING A QUILT EPISODE I AM TOO EXCTIED TO THINK OF ANY COHERENT QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW

killian senpai

Also wanted to know about the signs in their patterns!

Kurt Swanson

Have quilts ever been used as a form of espionage/sending secret information? It seems like quilts would be a good medium for that.

Shannon Patterson

Why is it so hard to make corners longer up? And why can't I seem to throw them out once they're used up?

Aimee Ford

Yes! I've never heard of quilts from Asia or Russia, but they have to have them!

Empress of Smallwood

Quilting seems to be such a generational talent that is passed on in families and I am so jealous of that! How does one learn to quilt well without someone there to guide them through all of the steps and nuances?

Casey Daigle

In the drunken sailor quilt, how do you sew the curved line?

Liz Cleveland

Are there quilt makers that put mistakes in their quilts because they say: only God is perfect

Ben Pollock

I’m from Lancaster, PA, and have been to a few Amish quilt auctions, which is a fascinating cultural experience. Are there other groups/cultures that sell their quilts through auctions or other non-traditional methods?

Jani Rounds

What ways has quilting changed since the advent of the art form? Quilting seems like it must have changed a lot with sewing machines and the internet?

Aimee Ford

Which came first? Quilts as a blanket or quilted clothing? And why is wearing quilted clothing so limited now? Quilting is usually limited to clothes like coats and vests that are stuffed with down or thick polyfill. There is no reason we can't have low loft quilted clothes. I would wear the heck out of a warm quilted skirt to cuddle up in during cold months.

Amy Arugula

Is it true that quilts played a role in directing slaves on the underground railroad?

Aimee Ford

Can you talk about different fillers? Down vs batting. Fleece vs flannel. Cotton, wool, polyester. What are the pros and cons and history of each in quilting? I know up until recently, people used whatever they had to fill a quilt. What is the most unusual material found filling a historical quilt?

Aimee Ford

What fabric will last the longest if the goal is to make an heirloom piece? I normally stick with woven cotton, but my first big project was a T-shirt memory quilt with knit T-shirts and less than 10 years later some of the (admittedly already old) shirt materials are getting holes and need to be mended. I will probably have to completely replace one section. Is a particular fiber and weave best for longevity?

Anastasia Press

Any cool lore about quilters using their craft to influence history?

Anastasia Press

What do you think about that documentary about the quilters in prison?

Aimee Ford

There are a few different methods! I made a king size memory quilt with T-shirts from when my husband and I were kids and teens, before we even knew each other. It's WONDERFUL and SO soft. But yes, the material is a nightmare to sew if you don't stabilize it. You can iron on fusing that stiffens it, but it takes a lot and it stays stiff. (The reason I wanted a T-shirt quilt was for how soft the material is.) There are liquids you can buy now and soak the fabric in that stiffens the fabric and washes out later that I hear work great. I went the cheap, old school way and starched mine. I soaked my shirts in water with cornstarch dissolved in and hung each piece to completely dry and then ironed them crisp. It worked great and washed out perfectly.

Aimee Ford

If you ask for a quarter yard of fabric at a fabric counter, they will cut a piece from the bolt that is 10 inches wide and 44 inches long (a long quarter). A fat quarter is a pre cut shape and is 20 inches wide and 22 inches long. It's the same amount of inches square, but you have much more flexibility with the sizes and shapes you can cut out of it.

Ellen Orleans

Hi! First time question asker…Can you please talk about Gee’s Bend quiltmakers and their place both in the fabric arts and abstract expressionist movements. Thanks!

Sara Crocker

Actually a fat quarter is 18” x 21-22” depending on WOF (width of fabric, usually 42” from a standard bolt). A 1/4 yard is 9” x WOF

Sara Crocker

I’ve been a quilter for many decades and, for a time owned a longarm quilting machine and had a side business quilting quilts made by customers. Because you can go online or to a department store and buy a bed quilt for under$50, people do not understand that commissioning a quilt to be made and quilted by a professional can cost $1000 or more depending on the complexity of design and amount of quilting required. Can you have your guest discuss why this is?

Sara Crocker

Also, making a quilt and quilting a quilt are different, although obviously complimentary, skills. Sometimes you want the quilt to shine. Sometimes it’s the quilting that makes the quilt. Does your guest think about the quilting when designing/piecing the quilt?

Jeanette-o-saur

Not that weird, but I have one my grandma made that's all polyester fabric and filled with old nylons. It is the HEAVIEST quilt I've ever met in my life. And I've spent my whole life sleeping under homemade quilts. Who knew hosiery was so dense

Annalise De Young

We had my grandmother's quilts all around the space where her funeral was held, I found it very comforting to be surrounded by them 💜

Guido

Are you a fan of MonoNeon and his quilted clothes?

Jeanette-o-saur

I prefer quilts because I like the heavier blanket feel. Comforters are too light and fluffy compared to the thinner batting in a quilt. I also find quilts are a more consistent warmth whereas comforters vary widely with how much batting is in them. For me, quilts are the best. I can sleep with a comforter. Duvets are weird fluffy sweat factories that I cannot stand 😅

Jeanette-o-saur

Are you using a cutter? Or cutting by hand? My mom always uses a rotary cutter on a mat with a straight edge to guide it

Annalise De Young

People have mentioned a few different quilting methods from around the world, is he familiar with Hawaiian quilts? Are there other Pacific Islander styles? My grandmother was a quilter, and spent time in Hawaii. She got me a Hawaiian style quilt and a picture book about it called Luca's Quilt. I think their style is beautiful, and so different than traditional North American quilts.

Matt Hirschl

Parks and Recreation’s unity quilt changed the recognition for quilt making, no?

Jennifer Grogan

I wanted to ask this, too—I had heard many times that the quilts showed route information north, but then I heard once somewhere (can't remember where, alas!) that this was maybe not actually true. Can the expert clarify?

Laura Roser

What are some examples of quilts made with unusual materials? I’m thinking of an ongoing art project in my town where a group has been making a quilt out of kombucha fabric! Also when is a quilt a quilt vs piecing fabric scraps together

Christine, Banana Split Lady

Not a question but I used to live in Paducah, KY (pah-duke-ka) home of the quilt museum. I worked in the mall & it would get wild when it was craft week and the quilters came to town. We affectionately called them the blue-haired locust 💙 I've since moved but I regret never going to the museum or trying my hand a quilting. It would be super sweet to call myself a blue-haired locus. I would even make a sweet jean jacket that called it out.

Chrysalis Ashton

Can you ask about the “barn quilts” that you see in rural areas on traditional barns? Obviously not fabric quilts but maybe influenced by/connected to traditional fabric quilting somehow?

Erin White

I've made exactly one of these fuckers and it took me a year. I often find, though, that while I love and respect the craftsmanship that goes into them, I don't like quilts because so often the themes are so cutesy or almost feel like a craft-store parody of pastoral/ farm culture. Why don't they evolve? Why do they so often seem to center on geese with bows or little red barns or kittens?

Megan

What makes a crazy quilt a crazy quilt? I know in theory, but a lot of examples I've seen still have patterns, like fans. I've been working on a quilt where I pull random pieces out of a basket and stitch them to a backing. I've been calling it a crazy quilt... But is it?

Dionne Needham

The underground railroad quilt, fact or fiction?

Andrew McVay

So many traditions with quilts/quilting… What’s the most non-traditional evolution in quilts? Wool quilts? Leather quilts? Rope quilts? 8th-time-question-asker

Liz Smith

Can you talk about the quilts with messages r/t the Underground Railroad

Celeste

I am so excited about this topic. My mom is a very gifted quilter, so this is close to my heart. 1. Can you explain how long-arm quilting came to be? 2. I feel like quilting has become an expensive hobby - how do you feel people can get involved without substantial financial investment?

Alisha Harris

How do quilting traditions differ between regions, for example Europe compared to Africa etc. How did quilting change during times of hardship (such as the Great Depression etc.)

Alli B

When did quilts originate?

Kyhlykat

Are there different kinds of sewing machines just for making quilts? How does a quilt arm work?

adam mancuso

my grandma started teaching me to quilt recently (im almost done with my first one!), i mentioned this episode was coming up and she was wondering if, when cutting binding, is it better to cut on the bias or straight (and why one would be better than the other)?

adam mancuso

i was also wondering if quilting techniques first emerged for clothing (like quilted jackets and such) or for blankets/tapestries, or if they started being used for both at about the same time (or if we even know)?

protect_trans_lives

i have a quilt idea for my childhood science t shirts and i’ve been saving them for years but i can barely sew what do i do? as in how does one start i feel like quilts must take 12 million years each (low end estimate)

Magda Kossowska

Did quilting originate in one culture and spread? Or was it like convergent evolution? If so, what niche do you think quilting fills?

ThymeOnMyHands

Were quilts invented with a specific purpose in mind, such as tell a story or binding people together? First time question asker BTW!

Jacob Morvay

When did quilts become a tool for activism? Growing up people talked about the AIDS quilt, was that the first one?

Olga Kolesnikova

Quilting is such an interesting artform! I feel like it has some parallels with collage, in a way? Are there any other related/similar artforms, or did any evolve from quilting? What kind of influence does quilting have on other creative pursuits, or vice versa?

Arami Farias

From my partner Eli: Are there any differences in the design of quilts visible when the historical context of it being regarded moreso or less so as art changes? As in quilting has been regarded with different ideas throughout history and depending on the period, it might have been seen as feminine or important or art. I wonder if that view changed the way people made their quilting design.

Iris

How do you arrange the different patterns to make sure you like the end result? Do you lay it all out first or do you go with your gut feeling? Have you ever undone the stitchings and changed the quilt when you didn't like it? Greetings from a first time question asker from Belgium!

linas rain

What’s your favorite method for piecing?

linas rain

What’s your inspiration for a quilt? Do you free motion quilt on a machine or quilt by hand? Basting spray or safety pins?

Alli B

Can you talk about the patterns in the quilts of Gee’s Bend? Have the artists of those quilts changed their methods or patterns since they began receiving appreciation and attention?

Sophia

Why do I feel that a qulit (at least when it comes to the traditional patterns) has to be perfect? All edges fitting perfectly together, following all the Rules concerning choosing the right colours etc? What is the Background of this perfectionism? I'm a quite experienced sewist, but dislike quilting after trying it the first times because i'm not managing to meet the level of perfectionism. (Sorry for my mediocre english) First time question asker ;)

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Interesting questions! I was always told to cut binding on a bias, regardless of a project. I guess it's generally better to have some flexibility (stretching capability) than not 🤔

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Whoa! Before anyone answers your question, I'm going to need a lot of explanation about what you mean 😅 Apparently I didn't realize quilt and quilting can be separate things?! 🤔

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

I have an idea why this might be! Machine stitches are likely pulled a lot more tighter than handstitches. As such, they create a sturdier line. You could think about it like ropes - the tighter the strands in the rope are wound, the stiffer the rope is.

ilikeplantsmorethanpeople

how long have quilts been around? What materials do folks usually use in the modern age vs now? How has quilting technique changed or not changed with technology? Are there symbols commonly used in quilts?

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Very valid point! Thinking about this issue now, I'm trying to come up with alternative reasoning... You could maybe try looking at it from a different perspective: Since quilting is widely regarded as a woman's job/hobby, inviting a man to talk about it can be considered breaking the stereotype & showing more inclusivity.

Tracy Woodard

We are surrounded by fabric when we sleep (sheets, blankets, curtains, rugs, pillows), do quilt artists feel that fabric or lack of it affects their dreams? Check out this quilt exhibit: "Pillow Talk" by Coulter Fussell, March 2024 Fussell’s exhibition features quilts fashioned after the shape of headboards to play off the act of dreaming. Using nostalgia as the main tool for her collaged piecework, Fussell maps out both desires and nightmares within scenes that bleed into both past personal history and collective remembering. In the work, popular iconography combines with psychedelic imagery and traditional craft to celebrate decoration as a sign of life.

Morgan

Can you talk about the NAMES Project AIDs Memorial quilt? 🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍⚧️

Kaylee Moye

Came here to mention Gee’s Bend! They did an exhibition in Birmingham when I was in college, it was so deeply moving.

JamieBee

What’s the deal with the crazy quilts from the late 1800s and early 1900s? Was it just women expressing themselves because they had free time or is there a larger significance to them?

SoManyQuestions

Yes, how does a new quilter start!?! I too have the box of tee shirts and also a how to quilt book… and no start to a quilt

MadiCakes

Why are they the best thing in the world to sleep with? And why do they feel different from one quilt to the next? Not all quilts are created equal it seems.

Nicole S

Modern quilting is huge these days - there is so much more than the cutesy stuff out there. Quilting is often used as a form of protest too. Check out Seam Ripper Society on IG for their quilt about gun deaths.

cheesemonger

is it possible to wash them?

cheesemonger

was anything ever hidden in them? physically or visually, like a secret code to other people familiar with quilting. I guess Im thinking of how enslaved people were known to have arranged braided hair to be a map or how lesbians would identify each other with lavender colored things.

cheesemonger

Ive never known a quilter but they all seem to be extremely connected to their craft. can you talk about what makes it special and meaningful?

cheesemonger

these questions are sick please ask them!

cheesemonger

is quilting at risk of being a lost craft in the coming generation or two?

Jonathan Cummings

Question from my at historian mother, A quiltologist is going to be on? Cool! I have always been fascinated by the fabrics that quilts have been made of across their history, and if there have been art historiographies about the materials, origins, prints, colors, etc. that make them so identifiable as to provenance, period, and socio-economic significance. Is that too academically art historian nerdy?

A Laura Borealis

Is there a culture or people group that we know of that started quilting? Did it pop up in multiple places?

Zandra Lea

That sounds great! As a longtime quilter, I have to say t-shirts are the worst starting point, because stretch fabric is very hard to work with. I would suggest thrifting bedsheets & cotton shirts and making a practice quilt out of those first, to learn the basics on non-precious materials. Then you’ll can move on to your saved shirts (tip: they need to be ironed to fusible interfacing to stabilize them!) Good luck: I believe anyone can make a quilt!

Zandra Lea

A tapestry is woven in one piece and is one layer; a quilt is two layers of fabric and a layer of batting joined by stitching through all the layers. One or both layers of fabric may be pieced or appliquéd.

Zandra Lea

Yes — especially the tension between white quilt historians ‘debunking’ the stories and POC with oral histories.

Zandra Lea

Oh hi, I guess I’m a turquoise-haired locust! Though I’ve never been to Paducah.

Zandra Lea

“Quilting a quilt” means sewing the 3 layers together (top fabric, batting, backing fabric.) Often the top layer is pieced (many small pieces of fabric sewn into one big piece); lots of quilt-makers only do that part, and pay longarm quilters to do the actual quilting. (We call it “quilting by cheque”)

Zandra Lea

Classes at local quilt shops or quilt guilds; online classes from designers (scroll Instagram to find people whose style appeals to you); YouTube videos.

Zandra Lea

I do sometimes: then I have to get up & draw it out!

Zandra Lea

Yes please, I love talk about material culture!

Zandra Lea

FTQA: Please talk about the environmental impact of conventional cotton & dyes, and alternatives to buying new fabric (eg the store-finder that Radha of Sewing Through Fog has online) Zandra like Sandra, Lea like Lee

Meaghan Ratcliffe

how were quilts used as a means of communication throughout history? and in what contexts, regions, time periods etc?

Bennett Vanderbosch

I'm familiar with the AIDS quilt as a form of speech and protest. What other quilts in history have had meaning in that way?

Heather Woodford

I'm asking this question from underneath a quilt my spouse's aunt made! I'm wondering what are some of the most unique/odd things that a quilt has been made from? Or stories about the particular pieces of fabric one was made from? Thanks! - A fellow fiber crafter (though not yet a quilter myself!)

Mark Reid

I'm asking this question for my friend Tess: What's the weirdest thing found to be used as stuffing in a historic quilt?

Mark Reid

Asking this for Tess too: They say some quilt patterns were codes to help slaves escape through the Underground Railroad, and some quilt patterns were inspired by code symbols used by travellers around the 30s "hobo codes" that would help guide their travels. Any truth to these "quilt codes"?

Heather Woodford

Love all of these questions. WHAT IS KOMBUCHA FABRIC?! Is it patterned out of Scoby-Doo?! 🤣 Far be it from me to call your quilt...Raggy! (I'll see myself out.)

daniel schmaniel

my mom's a quilter and a first time question asker: what traditional quilts have influenced you, and what's the most exciting development in quilting in your lifetime?

romanpigeon

How much did people actually quilt in the past? Was it a common way of using up 'cabbage' (fabric scraps)?

daniel schmaniel

what artist in any . medium has influenced or inspired you the most?

Dan Cristelli

FTQA: Are there growing numbers of quilters from "younger" (Millennial, Gen Z, etc.) generations, and if so has there been a noticeable shift towards modern quilting as opposed to traditional quilting?

Jenna U

Yes! Before synthetic fiberfill, what did people use for batting?

Trista Algar

How do quilt patterns differ between regions and over time?

Magda Kossowska

Please talk about the underground railroad quilts and AIDS quilts! Also any other cool political uses of quilts?

Magda Kossowska

Not quite quilting but knitting, maybe the ologist is into mutliple textile crafts. We heard that some of the first computer scientists were knitters and based coding logic on knitting patterns. Is there any truth to this?

Addie Cappello she her

So fun!! When did quilts start being made more for craft than necessity? What’s the oldest quilt still around that we know about? This is a question/shout out: My mom (Jenni -she/her) is an amazing gardener. At our previous family home, my mom cultivated such a wonderfully beautiful garden that a stranger who happened to pass by was so inspired, she made a quilt based on our home. It even included our magically purple front door. The quilter let my mom know the story because she left a note in our mailbox- with a photo of the finished quilt. My mom appreciated it even more than she could express, because my mom is also a quilter herself. My first question is, if the ologist could share a personal story of a quilt or similar experience that positively affected him and his life. My second question is if you might give a little shout to my mom, Jenni, who is incredibly humble and does not talk about herself. (Also a shout to the mystery quilter who made the quilt!!) I know how happy that random act of kindness made my mom - and I hope the quilter knows it too. My mom creates beautiful art both through gardening and quilting - I am proud of her and would just like to recognize that since she does not do so herself. I also think that highlighting the importance of random acts of kindness is incredibly important, especially in these current times. You never know how much positivity you can bestow upon someone else just by doing what you love. Thank you so much Ali! 🧡 Ologies is wonderful. (Case in point 🤭)

Lauren Hurlburt

I've read that the oldest quilt pattern is a log cabin found in Egypt. Is that correct? What is the oldest surviving quilt and its pattern?

Ruby Oestreich

I quilt with thrfted fabric and it is much more budget friendly. If you aren't precious about your fabric type and specific color ways it can be a great way to get into the craft and sometimes the limitations cause you to make more creative choices than you would with endless options.

Jack Walker

I would love to know more about “freedom quilts” that were basically maps to freedom for enslaved people in the southern US

Zandra Lea

And paying other people to do the quilting is not new! Amish hand-quilters for hire used to be quite common (and I heard a talk last month from a quilter who still pays a group of Amish quilters to hand-quilt his tops), there were professional Welsh quilters, and of course enslaved women.

Zandra Lea

Oh yes, talk about the quilting police! (ACAB including them)

Zandra Lea

Also: the history of quilted garments & armour (eg Vikings’ quilted hauberks)

Ashton McCall

My great grandmother grew up during the depression and traveled to the White Mountains of Arizona (by foot mostly). She was a quilter and quilted for everyone in the town that I'm from - Springerville, AZ. They are so nostalgic for me, but I've noticed not everyone has quilts in their life! How have quilts been influenced by history? Are there ethnic groups that have more of a history there? Other random thoughts: What are the various types of "stuffing" used in quilts? What is ideal? Do you think quilting will become more relevant as greener lifestyles become more common?

Angel

How long does it take for them to loosen up and get comfortable?

Ranger France

AHHHHH My grandmother (rest her beautiful soul) was a world renowned quilter. All 13 grandkids got quilts to fit their personality for Christmas 2008 because she finally retired from competitions. This isn't a question, but I am always looking for an excuse to brag about her.

Ranger France

Does quilting help with cognitive function like Alzheimer's the same way puzzles do? My grandma stayed fairly well with her dementia until she was no longer able to quilt. She declined to not knowing anything within 2-3 years after stopping quilting when she had lived pretty well for 20 years with it.

Ranger France

How can we get more young generations involved in quilting? I grew up with quilting magazines and competitions galore with my grandmother but haven't seen any real quilt art in the mainstream since then.

Ranger France

Why is there the association of love and basic "feel good" warmth with quilts rather than any old blanket? When I went to a residential childcare facility, every new resident was gifted a donated, handmade quilt and a bible. Most of us over the decades remember the unique quilt more than anything, even though we were never told about who the quilter was. side note, I didn't know that my great-grandmother sewed quilts to donate to that same place by the dozens until after I graduated. I was able to look back and find that the quilt that I received- which is at random- was made by a student of hers!

Ranger France

How can you properly care for quilted clothing items like blankets, jackets and dresses that are decades old? I inherited some quilted clothing that was entered into competitions by my grandma. They are too pretty to not wear but I am terrified of washing them since it is all that I have from her.

Ranger France

Do different regions have very distinct quilting styles that can be identified easily? My grandma was heavily influenced by native alaskan tribes with her work but it seemed to blend in with other competition entries to the untrained eye.

HazHydro

I grew up in rural middle Tennessee and am old enough to remember being given quilts at an auction to use as packing blankets for furniture. Twenty years later, those same quilts would have been precious auction lots themselves. As for my question, I was taught by elderly quilters that women would traditionally include a "wrong" piece as a nod to God that they knew their work could never reach his perfection. Was this a common practice historically?

Ranger France

Is quilting considered “folk art” or “fine art” or something else entirely. Bonus- who decides that?

Ranger France

How do curators decide what modern quilts get preserved in museums and such?

Ranger France

Were quilts ever used to hold codes and secrets? Almost like how cornrows in hair showed routes for the underground railroad? With the intricate artisanal patchwork I think it would be easy to hide hints in plain sight

Ranger France

When did quilting transition from necessity to a hobby and art form?

Morgan

Second question: is the ologist familiar with the quilt patterns placed on buildings out in Tillamook, OR and surrounding areas?

Whereisapark

How do quilts look different across different cultures and countries? Do they go by different names? How did the American tradition of quilts evolve? Also, why are they so cozy? Everytime I see a quilt it brings a smile to my face thinking of the time and effort and love put into them.

Marta Barnez

Why are they so cozy? Is it just that I feel the hundreds of hours my Omi spent stitching them together or does the nostalgia of all those fabric scraps from my childhood play a role? Store-bought just never looks or feels as good.

James Orsatti

As a Mexican, the first image that comes to mind when I hear ‘quilt’ is the Cobija del Tigre—that plush, growling blanket icon of warmth and spending the night with the grandparents . In the world of American quilting, how would a tiger blanket be received: folk hero, outsider art, or misunderstood tradition?

Helen Langille

Growing up I had a hand-knotted quilt my great grandmother made. It was stuffed with wool that wasn’t of high enough quality to be spun into yarn. My grandparents were not sheep farmers, but many in the region (northern Nova Scotia) had small holdings of various livestock at the time. I like to imagine them bartering milk from their dairy for wool to make batts for quilts and blankets (I don’t know if this is what happened, I just like to think about it)

Helen Langille

What is the oldest known example of quilting?

Lisa M Rich

Is there any truth to the Underground Railroad using quilts as signals? Also, is there any truth to the "Curse Quilt" where a women would curse their husband using articles of his clothing in the quilt, or stitching in curses?

saladbroth

Does quilting originate from one culture or did it get "invented" in multiple places at different times?

Reese Perini

What’s the biggest quilt you’ve ever made? Do you make quilts by yourself or with a team?

bizanthymum

As someone who barely knows how to sew a button, I am fascinated by quilts / quilters, but without a grandma to learn from, it feels so intimidating! Sewing machines feel as foreign to me as an iPad does to my mom (sorry mom, love you). Is it advisable that I learn to sew first, or is quilting a good way to learn to sew? Any other tips on how and where to get started?

bizanthymum

“Cottage Core” incorporates quilting into accessories and garments and I love the look of it. Is this a more recent trend — of incorporating quilting into clothing and accessories — or has this been around as long as quilting has? Was it a trend somewhere else in the world before it came to the US?

Kate Gav

I have a very old quilt that was started by my husband's great-grandmother. For a while, I had it hanging on a wall, but I was concerned about UV exposure. Now it's just in a box in a closet. Seems like a sad fate for this textile, but I don't know quite what to do with it.

Eleanor Mulshine

Hi! Not sure if it’s kosher around here to answer each other’s questions, but since I’m a fairly new quilter (~3 years under my belt), this was my same experience! IMHO, finding a community online or in person, if possible, is a great place to start. I joined a queer quilting community that has been super supportive, as well as an online community called The Quilty Nook. It’s been super helpful to find places where people have varying levels of experience and everyone learns from each other. Re: quilting vs. sewing first, when you learn how to quilt, the first step is creating patchwork (which is sewing two pieces of fabric together), and then later on, you get to the step where you quilt (sewing all 2-3 layers of fabric together). YouTube has been a great resource too!

Emma de Carvalho

What are some of the new materials and techniques coming up in quilting? I've used beads in my own quilts and have seen others use LED lights alongside different materials! Would love to hear what direction the craft is going next

Mikaela

fun topic!! 1.) which culture did quilts originate in? 2.) how do quilting techniques differ globally?

Lillian Rolfe

As a quilter, how guilty should I feel about throwing away small scraps? I’d love to hear more about the environmental impact of modern quilting fabrics (those marketed to quilters) and other supplies. Quilting was often a necessity of thrift, and now I spend quite a bit of money on fabric from favorite designers and own very expensive machines. (Though I do a lot of English paper piecing as well).

Lillian Rolfe

I should add: I am a very traditional quilter, not a textile artist who uses quilting as a medium. I save my artistic expression for my job as a ballet costumer. :P

Lillian Rolfe

My question too! (As I sit at my machine piecing a quilt with Tula Pink fabrics…..gorgeous colors….and a heck of a lot of synthetic dyes).

Lillian Rolfe

And oh yeah. First time question asker. Or however that goes.

D.J. Brenner

Have quilts ever been used to hide messages or meanings? Anything from safety signs on the underground rail road, to veiled insults at the nobility.

Yolanda

How do I go about getting an old quilt repaired. It was rather abused in its day (late 19th century). I took it to a quilt shop(?) and the owner said to give it up. My great grandmother was one of the quilters - or the only quilter- so that doesn’t sit well with me. Is there a point of no return? Should I simply gather material and start patching and repairing? I’m not foreign to sewing but admittedly it’s been a while. Thank you.

Rose Paretti

Some questions from my mom who is an avid quilter :). -how do quilt blocks get their names? -is there such a thing as too many quilts?

Gordee

How were quilts used as messages during the Underground Railroad? How are quilts used today in different cultures?

Audrey

What's your favorite part of creating a quilt? Design, piecing, quilting, or binding?

Ariel Speck

Hate math, love fiber arts. How can I make quilting less reliant on math? There’s trace paper for garment making, would that work for quilting?

Hannah nolen

Please talk about barn quilts! Their origins, how they’re chosen, and what’s your favorite design you’ve seen?

Pamela Dudzik

What is the current climate for people actually using quilts that are handmade? It seems that people are less interested.

Pamela Dudzik

Also, what are the best organizations that collect quilts to be given away to those in need? (First time Q asker btw)

SVGD

First-time question asker: This might open a can of figurative worms, but why are quilts not recognized as a fine art (i.e. painting, sculpture, etc) and instead fall in the "craft" category? (My hunch is misogyny)

SVGD

I have the same question, although I think it's technically called a "craft" like embroidery and weaving. My hunch is that misogyny is responsible...with a sprinkle of classism.

SVGD

Can a quilt be of a material other than fabric, or does that eliminate it by definition?

bizanthymum

I am so grateful to you for this response, thank you so much Eleanor! <3

Honeydew

What makes quilts so efficient at providing fantastic temperature regulation? They are warm yet not too warm. What kinds of fabrics/ materials can quilts be constructed with?

The Other Maya

Do poor folks still make quilts, do quilting circles exist anymore, and is there room for quilting outside of the introverted middle-aged woman alone in a room with a 20thousand dollar goose neck baby lock? Can hand quilting make a comeback? What's the scene? Honestly, I'd try a quilting circle.

The Other Maya

Dadward, can we get a quilting circle together between some lefts and some rights (not to far out) like that tolleyology quiz gig? I would bet any amount of donuts that if a group can make it past the first hour, they can finish a quilt. And then they would have done something together, and learned about each other, and shared the joy of gossip and if that's possible than anything is possible. Can American Craft save America?? Sign me up, I'll bring homemade jam.

Sarah Chaney

How soon after the invention of the sewing machine was it used for quilting (both piecing and for quilting)? If those old machines had settings and components for darning socks (darning plate/foot to lower the feed dogs for free-motion sewing), were those components also used for quilting?

jamestown

How do quilt design, construction, and usage differ across countries and cultures? Is there a central location of origination where quilt making spread from or does the practice simultaneously across the world?

Melanie Metzger

I literally just sat down with my mother-in-law to learn how to quilt from her this weekend. I thought I had bought enough fabric for my quilt, but after cutting the pieces, I realized there was a lot of waste, and I was actually short. We adjusted the pattern a bit to use the scraps, but in the future, how do I account for cuts/scraps when calculating how much fabric to buy?

Dave Langlinais

What is the best way to secure one really thick piece of fabric to a considerably thinner one? And is there any reason this might not be a good idea?

Curlyhaired_G

How do you repair a quilt? I have one from my great grandma and it means a lot to my mother but she’s not doing too good. ( The quilt I mean, my mother is fine)

Courtney Stogsdill

How does one decide whether a quilt should be preserved as-is, repaired with modern materials, or upcycled? I've inherited a lot of antique family quilts and love the idea of these textiles still getting use and love, but I also respect their status as historical artifacts.

I was made in Canada

What information does he believe is most important to include on a quilt label, from a historian’s perspective?

I was made in Canada

What/who are his inspirations in terms of design and/or technique?

Rachel Guthrie

What’s the biggest mistake beginners make when quilting?

Rachel Guthrie

Are there any projects that beginners could do to work on quilting skills, before diving in to doing a whole quilt?

Meg Michelle

Can we talk about the layers of quilts? How do they come together? Is there a blanket type material you sew everything to? Is it just the front pattern and a fabric backing? My Nan made quilts and they started to fall apart on the inside almost like there was a material as an inner layer, so I’m curious how many layers are there to a quilt?

Rachel Guthrie

Any tips on how to prolong the life of my family’s quilts?

Linda Guimond

Help! What do I do with the dozen or more very old quilts that I have inherited? How can I get them to someone who might appreciate them? Some may be as old as the 1930s. They are made with old dress fabrics, old flour sacks, & one is even stuffed with wool from the sheep raised by my grandparents. They are too precious and delicate to use but not my taste for display. I have no one to pass them on to when I pass. How

Han the Bee

I think there is such an interesting movement in "folk arts" currently as young people return to "traditional" skills as a form of resistance and resilience. How can we use traditional crafts, skills and arts to resist oppression? Is there a history of this in quilting?

Yaya Richman

What does he think of the trend of quilted clothing, like jackets?! Would it be a terrible crime to have one of my grandma's quilts turned into a jacket? Also, for people struggling with how to display quilts in a non old lady way, I saw a very cute idea on pinterest that I copied which is to install a towel bar in a bedroom and then fold the quilt over it!

James Craine Powell

I mean, maybe this is too niche but it is language related— the fact that quilting just refers to the the portion of sewing the three pieces together (i.e., quilting is the stitching that adheres the quilt top to the batting and backing) always seems so strange— is it the case that “quilt” only refers to something that has had that done? I think when people think quilting, they are actually thinking about piecing— the creation of the designed quilt top? Has the concept of quilting language changed over time?

James Craine Powell

Would love to hear about this too! You see them all around Appalachia! When did this tradition start? Are designs family related or just art?

Gomez

Is Ken Burns a collector or dragon hoarder?

Sandra Mendenhall

First time question asker: How common has it been historically for secret messages to be conveyed via quilts, if at all?

Bella Holtz

Hello Dadward! If there’s time, please ask your guest about the quilt makers of Gee’s Bend. Thank you in advance for doing this episode ❤️

Michael Crosa

Why do some toilet papers claim to be quilted? What does that even mean??

Marian Doane

Hello Alie, I wanted to recognize a wonderful woman named Betty Mathews who has created quilts for every veteran on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Both Arapaho and Shoshone veterans have benefited from her quilts, along with many charities, including The Sunflower Kids, a charity for a daycare in Arusha, Tanzania that my sister has started. Ladies like Betty need recognition in these days. She's a gem.

Sara Rocero

What is it about quilts that can make them so sentimental? I had a quilt as a child and still have a piece of it that I can’t seem to part with.

maya katherine

Have you seen the Queen Liliʻuokalani Quilt? can you share some fun facts about the visual language of quilts? or different types of techniques that people have integrated?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) What makes a quilt versus a blanket? Were quilts invented more than once across history or was there one person somewhere who defined them? Are there any controversies about what makes a real quilt, or a traditional quilt? 2) How old are traditional patterns? 3) Are quilts originally mostly a way to use up scraps? 4) How hard is it to start learning quilting? How hard is it to sew together all the shapes and make the lines come out in the right shape?? Are there particular patterns that are super tricky to assemble right? How much time goes into one quilt? 5) I just heard about quilt pattern patches being used for signals on the underground railroad. Who came up with this system? Were these patterns already existing or were they invented for the underground railroad? How was the code spread along the network without tipping off the authorities? Are there other examples of quilting being used for covert operations or spycraft? 6) What sewing techniques are specific to quilting? 7) Know any interesting facts or stories about the AIDS memorial quilt? Was this the first massive memorial quilt? How else have people used quilts as memorials? 8) Any recommendations for laundering them? 9) Are there unofficial or official quilting competitions or showcases? Who are the pro athletes of quilting?

also_ally

How do you best upkeep the quality of a quilt? What are the best cleaning methods and can you restore old quilts if they’ve gotten dusty/splotchy over time?

Ani Gee

What is the best beginner quilt pattern, stitch, etc? I've been wanting to make my first quilt but definitely do not want to nor can I make one of the intricate patterns (thank you ADHD) .

RE

From my 10 year old Violet for Smologies. Are there cultures or locations in the world that make quilts or have a richer history in it more than others and why?

Abi R.

seconding this! I've seen a lot of barn quilts in Iowa, Wisconsin and southern Minnesota and am interested in this history and how local preservation organizations have been bringing back/disseminating pamphlets about driving barn quilt tours across a county

Liv Cazzola

3 Qs from my amazing textile-artist-sister: - How do you feel about people repurposing antique and vintage quilts for fashion? There's been a lot of discourse about this and I'm curious to get your opinion. - What is the oldest example we have of a quilt? - I'm sure this will be covered in the episode but also wanting to make sure there is a clear explanation of the difference between "patchwork" and "quilting". They are different!

Hanna

What does your ologist think of quilts making their way into the higher art world and being added to museum collections? It's amazing and important that quilting is getting the recognition it deserves as being a fine art. But given quilting's long and really personal history, is there something being lost in their display?

Zandra Lea

Yes to all your questions! A Modern Quilt Guild near you is a good starting point.

Zandra Lea

Misogyny for sure; some is also originality vs following a pattern; and the other part of it is the function vs decoration split of craft vs art. My personal take is that objects made to be used, or made from someone else’s design, are craft; and objects of original design & made to be looked at are art. So I see most of my quilts as useable craft, a few as decorative craft, and one as beginner art.

Zandra Lea

Quilts for survivors gives quilts to people who attended, or whose parents or grandparents attended, Indian residential schools in the US and Canada. Those schools were designed to beat the culture and language out of the children, and have left a legacy of trauma. That’s where my donations go. Other organizations include: Quilts of Valour, who give quilts to members of the Armed Forces in the US & Canada; The Linus Project, who give quilt to kids; Victoria quilts, who give quilts to people doing cancer treatment in Canada ( I’m not sure about the US ); And most quilt guilds will have a charity program, giving quilts to foster kids, people who have lost their houses because of fire or displaced because of natural disasters, premature infants in the NICU, etc.

Zandra Lea

Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) is almost exactly that! The design is printed or drawn on the paper, and then you sew the fabric to that, so there’s no measuring and you get very precise points.

Zandra Lea

I believe in you — join us! If you’re on BlueSky, check out the QuiltSky feed!

Zandra Lea

Oh, I’d love to hear about this tradition!

Zandra Lea

Maaannnn, I sure hope so! I developed a neurological issue recently that means I can’t tolerate crosswords or jigsaw puzzles anymore, but I’m still able to quilt.

Zandra Lea

That’s amazing to have that connection!

Zandra Lea

I’ve heard that it was weaving: because weaving patterns are binary (under or over the warp threads), and the jacquard looms were the first use of punch cards to encode a pattern.

James Orsatti

I the 70’s a Mexican company started to sell polyester quilts with prints of exotic animals ( the tiger print became the most famous). Since they were cheap, warm and trendy, a lot of Mexican families ended up with (at least) one in their household.

Zandra Lea

Yes! If it’s new & made to be used, you can wash it cool & tumble dry low. You might need to go to a laundromat for the big dryer if it’s bigger than say 3x4’. Vintage quilts should be washed in the bathtub with a small amount of gentle/unscented dish soap, rinsed several times, then dried flat with towels underneath. NEVER pick up a wet vintage quilt by its edge, though: always bundle it up and lift the whole thing at once.

Zandra Lea

The difference is probably in the batting or filling. Polyester is puffy but doesn’t breathe, cotton breathes but is often flat, wool is warm and has a beautiful puff but is quite expensive and needs special washing, and a bamboo/silk blend is the coolest but hard to work with.

Zandra Lea

Definitely before synthetic dyes, but probably after people first started using plant-based dyes.

Kathleen Sachs

What is the favorite quilt you made? And the most challenging?

Kathleen Sachs

I’m a knitter and a crocheter. Do you have a website (like Ravelry for fiber artists) where you can find patterns and reviews on patterns and fabrics?

Kathleen Sachs

Do you create your own patterns? Do you also use patterns created by other quilters? Any other well-known quilters that you are in awe of?

Kathleen Sachs

As a knitter and crocheter, I have a list of patterns and projects I would like to make. What would you like to work on in the future? Any cool patterns you are eyeing?

Vicky Stein

Rats, I just missed the deadline. But I'm also very interested in how your ologist feels about upcycling/repurposing quilts, especially those found in thrift stores or vintage stores. Hope you have the chance to ask!

Jordan

I missed the deadline, but if you have a chance: I’m curious about the social role of quilts. I’ve read about quilting bees, for example. Was the process of making quilts communal?

Colby Evans

From my SIL - Aloha, Kim! Joe Cunningham is a guitar musician. Wonder which of his quilts were inspired by a song he plays...and if there are hidden musical phrases/ notes/choreography/theory interpreted in the layers. Something like that. Chatgpt might phrase it better. What songs does he listen to when designing/ fabric closing, constructing or binding.

cheesemonger

and what to do when there’s a small damaged spot?

Ani Gee

What are your thoughts on quilt as you go?

Daphne Hyde

I see this a lot on Tiktok - but thoughts about people cutting up quilts (whether they’re family quilts or from the thrift store) to make jackets/bags/etc?

Shelby Harrison

I missed the deadline because I just signed up as a patron but would like to add to the discussion and ask about the quilts as political tools and the role women and minorities played in making them.

Laurence

Missed the deadline, but can't wait to hear the episode!! :D