Handmade Quilts - The Joy and Purpose Of

By Faye Smallwood

The word quilt comes from the Latin word (culcita), which means a tied and padded mattress that is similar to a Japanese futon. Quilting is a needlework technique that uses two or more layers of fabric. A middle layer is usually used for padding and warmth. The middle layer is usually a batting made from either cotton or polyester. In the earlier days some household budgets were very limited and worn out blankets were sometimes used, in handmade quilts, for the middle layer.

Up until modern times the handmade quilt was a very necessary household item. Its' main purpose was to provide warmth. As homes and the way they are heated became more modern, quilting became more of a decorative art form.

Quilting appears to have originated in Asia sometime before the first century C.E. A quilted linen carpet dating from that time was found in a Siberian cave tomb and is believed to be the first ever known quilted object.

When we think of handmade quilts a lot of different images may come to mind. We may imagine the patchwork quilts the pioneer housewives would quilt for their families, the scrap handmade quilts made by the loving housewives during the great Depression era, the quilting bees of the early nineteen hundreds, and the more modern and beautiful pieces of art quilted by some of the best Artisans of our time.

Most of us have a passion for handmade quilts. From the simple to the most elaborate, from the patchwork quilt to the applique, from the old handmade quilts to the new handmade quilts. The art of quilting will never cease.

My name is Faye Smallwood. I was born the seventh of eight children to a Baptist Preacher. My Dad worked hard in a cotton mill. My Mother worked hard at taking care of us all and was a very loving Christian Lady.

We didn't have a lot, but we were brought up well in a loving Christian home. To make ends meet my Dad and Mother opened a small shop at home and sold cloth and quilting supplies. As a teen I helped out some in the shop. I got to meet a lot of the local quilters and some very nice ladies. This was when I developed a love for quilts.

I have been married to a very loving and devoted man for thirty-seven years. Our main occupation is poultry farming. We have two children, three granddaughters, and a set of twin great grandsons. I am following in my parents footsteps. I have an online shop,
http://www.quiltfaze.com/ where I sell quilts and bedding products. I have developed a passion for quilts.

by Faye Smallwood
If you would like to read more articles on quilts, or browse thru our quality quilt sets for sale please visit: http://quiltfaze.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faye_Smallwood