Craft Conversations: February 26

Bryan Knicely

Executive Director

Quilting is more than just a craft—it’s a connection to the past, a form of artistic expression, and a way to build community. It’s a tradition that has stitched generations together, preserving techniques, creativity, and shared moments of storytelling. 

My ex-step-grandmother Una (I could write a whole blog about my family dynamics alone) was a master—no, a mistress—of many crafts. From creating hundreds of pounds of homemade candy each holiday season to weaving warp-loomed rugs and hand-sewing clothing, her hands were always busy making something beautiful. But of all her talents, quilting stands out the most in my memory. 

Quilting as a Tradition: Passing Down a Legacy 

Every year, as soon as the holiday candy-making season ended, Grandma Una would set up her quilt frame in the center of the living room. While some people passed the long winter months with a card table and a puzzle, she quilted. She was known for her immaculate stitches—so precise they could easily be mistaken for machine work. 

But quilting wasn’t just a solitary activity for her. It was a social tradition. She would gather a group of friends—likely the same women who herded us through Vacation Bible School in the summer—and they’d work together, stitch by stitch, on a new masterpiece. Their quilting sessions were filled with whispered conversations, the kind of stories that never got written down or repeated outside that sacred circle. 

These quilts weren’t just blankets; they were a testament to craftsmanship—a skill passed down for generations, one stitch at a time. But more than that, they were gifts of love, often created for weddings or milestone events. Sometimes the recipient got to choose a pattern or color palette. Other times, it was a complete surprise.  

The Social Fabric of Quilting: More Than Just a Hobby 

Quilting wasn’t just about creating something useful; it was about connection. In today’s world of fast fashion and mass production, we sometimes forget the value of handmade work. The time, precision, and artistry poured into each piece weren’t just about function; they were about leaving behind something meaningful. 

I remember watching Grandma Una work, her hands steady, her focus absolute. She once told me about a Cathedral Window quilt she worked on, carefully ensuring that no fabric pattern repeated across its 480-plus pieces. But near the end, she discovered a duplicate. True to form, she nearly unraveled the quilt just to replace that single piece. That was her level of perfection. 

One summer, while picnicking by a lake, a storm rolled in suddenly—a tornado. As the wind howled, we used some of her quilts to barricade the tiny shelter, the adults gripping them against the poles while the kids huddled under the wooden picnic tables. That day, those quilts weren’t just works of art; they became shields. Oh, the stories they could tell. 

Craft as a Bridge Between Past and Present 

One day, Grandma Una asked me what my favorite quilt pattern was. “Dresden Plate,” I told her. She let me pick colors from her collection of fabrics in the basement. Not long after, I noticed she had begun piecing together the plates for me. But she passed away before the quilt was finished, and I never found out what happened to the pieces she had so carefully sewn. 

Years later, in an antique store in my hometown in rural Ohio, I came across a Cathedral Window quilt. I mentioned it to two dear friends, and to my surprise, they gifted it to me. It had won several blue ribbons at the county fair over the years. While it reminds me of where I grew up—and of Grandma Una—it will always be second place to hers. I can’t help but smile knowing that if she saw it, she’d shake her head and say, “Too many repeating fabrics.” Still, it holds a special place in my heart, a tangible thread connecting me to her legacy. 

Why Quilting (and Crafting) Still Matters Today 

So, why should we care about quilting and other handmade crafts? 

Because craft—whether quilting, painting, woodworking, or pottery—isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s about unleashing the artist within us. It’s about learning a skill, practicing patience, and finding joy in the creative process. It’s about passing knowledge from one generation to the next, ensuring that these techniques and traditions aren’t lost. It reminds us that in a world moving at the speed of light, there is something deeply human about working with our hands, about slowing down to create something lasting. 

Most importantly, crafting connects us—to our past, to our own creativity, and to others who share the same love for the work. When Grandma Una quilted, she wasn’t just making blankets. She was building community. She was creating a space for shared stories, laughter, and quiet companionship.  

Craft is more than just a hobby. It’s how we weave our stories into something real. 

Do you have a special quilting memory or a craft that connects you to family traditions? Share your story in the comments below! 

If you love stories about handmade artistry, check out our interview with Moraa Nyaribo, a textile artist who teaches in Craft Alliance’s fiber studio.   

Learn the history of the Dresden Plate quilt and see different versions.