ABOUT THE PROJECT
Signature quilts, also called friendship quilts, gained popularity in the mid-1800s, partially because they could be made easily from scraps. These quilts were often a collaborative endeavor, with individual squares constructed by different community members and then sewn together into a single quilt. The quilt could then be given to a loved one as a keep sake or, in some cases, sold to aid in fundraising efforts.
Quilts have also played a role in expressing social consciousness and have historically been used as tools to reflect issues of social justice such as women's suffrage, child labor, and civil rights. Perhaps the most famous application of a community quilt for awareness is the AIDS quilt. Originally unveiled in 1987, and composed of individual memorial panels made by family members and friends in memory of loved ones who had died of AIDS, the quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS crisis.
In order to continue in the spirit of collectivity and to forge a sense of community in a time of distance, we invite you to join us in creating a collaborative quilt. Instructions for creation and submission are posted below- we encourage you to exercise creativity and have fun!
Quilts have also played a role in expressing social consciousness and have historically been used as tools to reflect issues of social justice such as women's suffrage, child labor, and civil rights. Perhaps the most famous application of a community quilt for awareness is the AIDS quilt. Originally unveiled in 1987, and composed of individual memorial panels made by family members and friends in memory of loved ones who had died of AIDS, the quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS crisis.
In order to continue in the spirit of collectivity and to forge a sense of community in a time of distance, we invite you to join us in creating a collaborative quilt. Instructions for creation and submission are posted below- we encourage you to exercise creativity and have fun!
HOW TO MAKE A QUILT
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HISTORY
These images show the "Love Quilt" (left) and the "Freedom Quilt" (right). These quilts were made by Thai survivors of trafficking and were exhibited on the 20th anniversary of the Thai El Monte Garment Case at the Museum of Tolerance.