SWEET DREAMS WITH BEAUTIFUL BEDDING

The word ‘quilt’ conjures up a myriad different memories and associations.

Someone may have a childhood memory of a faded quilt at their grandma’s house which was the setting for many happy adventures or of an exquisite handsewn one which they bought at an antique market in Provence.  A quilt may be an old-fashioned bedding option, but true beauty never goes out of fashion.

In fact, the art of making quilts and quilt covers is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.  Millions of people all over the world are turning their creative talents into stunning quilts and bedspreads, with quilting conferences, quilting magazines, online forums, exhibitions…you name it…all springing up to support this burgeoning craft.

But where did it all begin?

The origins of stitching together layers of padding and fabric to make a quilt cover is said by some to date back to ancient Egypt, whilst in Europe, quilting is said to have been introduced by the Crusaders in the twelfth century.  Russia holds the oldest example in the form of a quilted linen carpet found in a Mongolian cave, according to Wikipedia, whilst one of the earliest existing decorative works, the ‘Tristan Quilt’, which was made in Sicily around 1360 is on display in the V&A Museum and in the Bargello in Florence.   

In America, quilt making was common in the 18^th century and the early years of the 19^th century, with the oldest surviving intact quilt dating back to 1708.  A number of traditions hallmark the art of quilting, such as making a bedspread to commemorate a major life event such as a marriage, or girls and women getting together to quilt communally in a ‘quilting bee’.

The most dramatic changes came about with the onset of the industrial revolution and mass-produced fabrics.  Women didn’t have to spend time weaving or spinning their own textiles, they could rather focus on making a beautiful quilt cover or bedspread using commercially made fabrics which were widely available.

But if you’re not one of the crafty quilters, but desire one of these beautiful pieces of linen for yourself…don’t despair.  All you need to do is find enough time to go shopping to choose one of the many beautiful quilted bedspreads and other types of bed linen that are commercially available.