Creating Quilts

The quilt being made is an example of a paper piece quilt, which enables the ladies to make very detailed designs and stitches. Using a very crude and old-fashioned wooden frame, the quilters began the project by stretching the bottom layer of fabric for the quilt until it was totally smooth and taut. Not a single thread could be left behind on the material, as it would show through in the finished product. Next the batting, which is to quilts as stuffing is to pillows, is placed on top of the bottom layer and smoothed out as well. During this whole process, communication is key and the three ladies are constantly telling one another to make minor adjustments and tweaks. After all the basics are taken care of, the already sewn top is presented and placed delicately to cover all of the prior pieces. Hundreds of pins later, the three layers are taken off the frame, ready to be sewn together into a finished quilt complete with stitching detail.

A quilt can take anywhere from one day to two years to complete depending on the size and style, but that's not a problem for James, Padden, and Douglass because for them quilting is very much a social activity. It's a time when friends can get together to just relax and chat while crafting works of art either separately or as a group.

"We enjoy the journey," says Douglass, commenting on the time spent quilting.

The finished projects are just as rewarding, however, and many are given as donations or gifts. Douglass also demonstrated hand piecing the quilt blocks together, which is a very old technique.

Although many things about quilting are traditional, the art is definitely timeless and even the professionals continue to discover new technologies to help them on their voyage towards beautiful quilts.

"You never stop learning," says Padden.

Quilting is a delicate art done by simply working one block at a time. Enjoyed by all ages, this undying craft provides fun, relaxation, and companionship while creating something beautiful.