Social gatherings for women were very infrequent in the past. Going to church was usually the only time women had to socialize. However, a quilting bee gave them the chance to get together more frequently.
A quilting frame was the only equipment that the hostess needed to possess for the gathering. Since the event was more for socialization and helping out neighbors, experience wasn't essential. These days, the quilts are made more for decorative purposes.
Today, when women gather to make a quilt, the hostess generally has the supplies needed on hand, as well as the quilt pattern that will be followed. The fabrics that are used can be purchased at any local quilt shop and the finished product is likely more for decoration than for actual use. Technology has provided quilters with quilting machines, negating the need to finish the stitching completely by hand.
When women gathered at a quilting bee, it was because a friend or neighbor needed a quilt, or to provide a young woman with the quilts that she would need to set up her new home. For these gatherings, women would bring the fabric that they had available from their homes, rather than using new fabric purchased at a store.
Now, when these gatherings occur, it is generally to make a quilt that will be used for decorative purposes. There have been many changes in how a quilt is pieced together. Today, you can purchase patterns and you have the use of technologically improved tools, whereas in the past, you had to rely on memories or ideas and do all of the stitching by hand.
A quilting bee is still considered a social event, as it was several generations ago. The need has just changed from providing homes with needed comforters to making decorative works of art. And aside from a few changes in the quilting tools that are used, the tools have not changed overly much.
The quilting frames used to be made of wood and padding and had to be balanced on chairs, whereas now they are made of plastic and have a stand built into them that can be angled for the comfort of the quilters. Wooden frames can still be found and are actually preferred by some.
Another big change in the quilting industry is the way that quilt tops are finished. They used to be stitched by hand, but now there are quilting machines available that can follow intricate details as it finishes the quilt top.
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