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  Keeping Us in Stitches:Quilts & Quilters
 
Cast of Characters
Depression Era Art
Double Exposure
Heartfelt/Handmade
Keeping Us in Stitches
Pieced Quilts
Applique Quilts
Whole Cloth
Techniques
Activities & Resources
Glossary
Matter of Style
Making Connections
Credits
     
 

Quilt collage


The Decorative Arts Collection at the Illinois State Museum has almost 300 quilts dating from the 1830s to the 1990s. Quilting has always been a popular folk art.

Eighteenth century British immigrants brought quilting to the United States. People who moved into Illinois brought their quilts with them and made more after they arrived. Their descendants made more quilts. 

In our collection you may see a quilt similar to one in your family, or simply one that you love to look at. You may find a design you want to make into a quilt of your own. Maybe you will take inspiration from a quilt to create your own designs with geometric shapes. 

Here you can also learn about the patterns, the techniques, the symbolism, the fabrics, and the makers of Illinois quilts. 

 


 
 
 

 

   
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