Friendship quilts; the story of pre-social media era

When I begin collecting and curating quilts, I immerse myself in research about the stories behind different quilt patterns. Delving into the origins of the designs, the popular types of prints, colors, and fabrics during specific eras captivates me to no end. Among the numerous patterns that I explore, the "Friendship" quilts hold a special place in my heart due to their uniqueness.

Long before the social media era or smartphones, friendship quilts were created for a family member or friends who moving away as a tangible reminder of those left behind and times shared together. They are also known as “Signature” and “Album” quilts. They are made up of a patchwork design of individual squares or blocks, often from available fabric scraps or a piece of fabric from an item of special significance. Participants in the gift would sign a square, and sometimes include a date or sentimental message such as “remember me.” Later on, this personalized form of expressing love, appreciation, and friendship made the quilts a popular gift in the late-19th and early 20th century for a range of purposes such as bridal quilts given as a gift to brides upon marriage from family members, presentation quilts given to honor a member of the community, fundraising quilts were made to raise money for an organization or charity endeavor, most often a church, freedom quilts given to a young man on his 21st birthday. Wow! they are made for special occasions.

In my world of repurposing, I've come across 3 to 4 friendship quilts thus far, each rich with sentimental value and history. With careful craftsmanship and creativity, I've transformed these cherished quilts into unique and wearable pieces that now carry their own stories, continuing the legacy of friendship in a new and fashionable way.

Watch me making a jacket from the 1970s friendship quilt, head this way!