Going back thousands of years ago in the ancient Egyptian,
Greek and Roman civilizations, patchwork fabrics have developed into more than
an art today. Patchwork simply means patching or piecing together bits and
pieces of cloths to come up with a large material good enough for bedspreads or
curtains. Others also use it as the accent of the room by simply hanging it on
the wall.
Patchwork and quilting have a converging history but are
very distinct from each other. It was used for added protection and comfort
under the metal armor in the earlier days. In the 14th century, records show
that patchwork fabrics have been used for beddings and clothing. In the 18th
century, quilting has been applied to coats and bonnets. Patchworks, on the
other hand, can be said to be products of necessity. They say necessity is the
mother of invention and patchwork is the product of trying times since it
simply means piecing together of smaller scraps of cloth to make a larger
material good enough for practical needs. You can make use of smaller scraps of
fabrics as well as cut up those which are damaged or torn beyond their original
use.
However, it was not until the twentieth century that
patchwork and quilting become a hobby and a form of art in America. The techniques have also evolved using more modern methods and a more extensive
selection of prints and colors to choose from.
The main category one chooses is the color and everything
else follows, like the prints and the shape of the cut outs. Moreover, you are
in for some tough time since there are so many colors and prints to choose
from. Hence, coming up with the final decision will be very hard indeed. You
can choose from floral, batik, Christmas or a classic theme.
But then again, if you have leftover linen or any other
fabric from the last pattern you made, you can certainly make use of those odds
and bits. You can then make use of your creativity and come up with a design
that is so uniquely you. And you're going to be practical too. By using
leftover materials, you won't need to buy a new kit for your patchwork fabric.
As for the pattern, let your imagination and creativity flow
freely. There are so many patterns you can do, such as chessboard, diamond,
triangles, and squares of different sizes, the choice is yours. Anything is
possible, if you can imagine it then all you have to do is put that abstract
idea into something more tangible. Make something that you would like to see
and a project you would like to start and, more importantly, complete.
Patchwork and quilting are activities you can do on your
own, or if would like to spend time with others with the same interests. There
are even clubs and groups solely for people who love quilting. With the power
of the internet, individuals who love making patchwork fabrics can get together
and enjoy making a quilt as a group or doing each separately.
Patch-working and quilting have gone a long way from what it
was centuries ago. It has become one of the most popular past times because it
brings together practicality and creativity, one combination which works for a
lot of people.
It has been an exciting time for growth and development in
patchwork which has now captivated the interest and imaginations of many. They
range from hobbyist who loves creativity for its own sake to the artists who
make use of all the artistic potentials of patchwork and quilting in creating
masterpiece of art.
About the Author
Jo is a writer for 'Lara Grace Collections' (http://www.laragrace.co.uk),
an online curtain fabric dealer in UK that concentrates in the supply of
fabrics for curtains and upholstery. If you are looking for and would want to
obtain an exclusively designed patchwork
fabrics which can create an exquisite and fashionable look to your abode
then check out Lara Grace Collections.
