Quilts of the Blue Ridge A Sample of the collection Of traditional quilts from The Library of Congress American Memory Collection

Quilts are a unique form of our American memory. They are evidence of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations. In quilting, the needs of warmth and comfort are met. Yet, it is their beauty and the stories of love and history that are stitched into each quilt that make them a lasting symbol of our heritage.

The Blue Ridge Collection is an attempt to capture the images and memories of a generation of traditional Southern quilters before they disappear into time and their unique form of expression is forgotten.

Quit patterns and their unique names were drawn from the lives of the quilters. Names such as “Road to Kansas” and “Wagons West” were ways of preserving the experiences of pioneer womens, keeping their families together as the traveled west.

To the eatly settlers of the Blue Ridge, fabric was a precious commodity. First cotton had to be grown and processed, then spuninto thread and woven into cloth. Every scrap had to be used. Pieced quilts used even the smallest, leftover pieces of cloth. Nothing was wasted.

Now let us enjoy the images of the quilts of the Blue Ridge

Quilter: Ila Patton Nine Block Quilt Block Cathedral Window

Quilter: Lura Stanley Pattern: Wishing Star Quilter: Unknown Pattern: Bear Paw

Quilter: Elizabeth Smith Double Wedding Ring Pattern: Flower Basket Quilter: Maggie Shockley

Pattern: Around the World Pattern: Schoolhouse Quilter: Josie Goad Quilter: Donna Choate

Photo Credits Block quilt, Around the World photos of quilters at work - bin/query/b?ammem/qlt:br013:collection= 9 patch quilt, bed with quilt - bin/query/b?ammem/qlt:br025:collection= Cathedrall window quilt, bear paw quilt - bin/query/b?ammem/qlt:br037:collection= wedding ring quilt, Photo of Elizabeth Smith - bin/query/b?ammem/qlt:br049:collection= Flower basket quilt - bin/query/b?ammem/qlt:br073:collection= 16 patch quilt -