Ocean Wave Quilters

Last month we introduced you to what we, the Ocean Wave Quilters, do for our community. This month, we’ll talk about what quilting is all about.

First, let’s define what a quilt is. The definition of a quilt is traditionally considered to be a bed covering made of three layers: the quilt top (which is the visible side of the quilt when placed on a bed,) the padding or batting which is enclosed between the top and bottom layers of fabric, and the bottom or backing of the quilt. The three layers are kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design, done by machine or by hand — this is the “quilting” on the quilt.

Quilting can be traced back to at least the ancient Egyptians, according to Sharon Malachowski’s book, “Connections: A Brief 3,000 Year History of Quilting.” An Egyptian canopy quilt from 980 B.C. is generally regarded as the oldest surviving example of an antique patchwork.

The word ‘quilt’ — linked to the Latin word “culcita,” meaning a bolster or cushion — seems to have first been used in England in the 13th century, according to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s website (vam. ac.uk). Certainly, the earliest quilting was used for practical purposes such as bedcovers and clothing.

However, quilting today has a much broader definition. Most still define quilts as having three layers, although there are quilts (such as summer quilts) that skip the batting layer entirely. Hawaiian quilts often fit this category, since the warmth of the batting layer is unneeded in a tropical climate. But quilts do not need to be bed quilts; wall hangings and other art pieces are a large part of what is being produced today, including three- dimensional works.

The quilt top and the backing can be made of pieces of fabric sewn together, which is called a “pieced” or “patchwork” quilt, or they can be a single piece of fabric

hen the top is a single piece of fabric, it is called a “whole cloth” quilt; in this case the design of the quilt is entirely made up of the stitching.

Instead of piecing a quilt, some quilters prefer to use a technique called “applique,” where fabric pieces are cut out and sewn onto the quilt top using either a fusible product (which acts like glue) or sewn on by hand or machine.

“Paper-piecing” — where fabric pieces are sewn directly onto a paper guide — allows for precision sewing of quilts with complicated points. Other quilters prefer to take a more modern approach of “improvisational piecing,” where they simply stitch fabric pieces together in a less regimented fashion.

There are machine quilters and hand quilters, and those who combine the two. Some enjoy multimedia quilting where they combine three or more techniques in one piece. Regardless of skills and interests, there is a quilting style that works for everyone who is interested in taking the plunge into quilting

How does one get started in quilting?

Most of us started with a smaller project — a quilt for a doll bed, a table runner, or a baby quilt — although there are quilters whose first project was a king- sized bed quilt! Many of us started with a visit to a local quilt shop, where fabric, patterns, and tools are available, along with the expertise of the shop staff to guide our choices.

Sew ‘n Sew Fabrics, 890 N. Franklin St., in Fort Bragg (707- 9644152) and Rainbow Resource Co. in Albion

(707- 937- 0431) are two local shops. Others of us started by taking a class either at a local shop or a local college or on-line. And others joined groups like the Ocean Wave Quilters, where we welcome those who are new to quilting. Our monthly meetings include having someone teach a quilt block, which members can then practice at home. We bring the finished blocks to our next meeting (or Zoom meeting), where they are raffled off to one lucky winner who gets to take all of the finished blocks home to use in a quilted creation!

If you would like more information about the Ocean Wave Quilters, log onto our website: oceanwavequilters.com or email: info@oceanwavequilters.com. We are also on Facebook: Facebook.com/Mendocinoquilters.