(Field of Diamonds, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston via Wikimedia Commons)

Q is for Quilt.

For as long as I can remember, quilts have been a part of my life. When I was little, we had the special “sick” quilt that my grandmother had made. It was a 1930’s green and lavender quilt in the Carpenter’s Wheel pattern that Mother brought out for those sick days to make us feel better. We also had a magnificent satin quilt from the 1940’s–maroon on one side, pink on the other–with intricate hand stitching. This quilt was also for special occasions. The only problem was that it was so slippery it would slip off the bed in the middle of the night.

My mother and I began quilting together in 1976, and we have made many quilts. She tends towards applique, and I prefer to do patchwork; we both hand quilt the finished tops. I love the amount of time and attention to detail and love that quilts require. They are the very best gifts! Autumn through Spring is my favorite time of year when I can snuggle with more than one quilt. For the record, last night I reposed under a Grandmother’s Flower Garden, a Tree of Life, and a Double Wedding Ring. Was I ever cozy!

All of this makes me very aware of quilts in fiction. I always hate it when a character lies under a blanket (unless it’s a handwoven blanket, of course). My characters use quilts, and I describe the patterns. As you already know, I love names, so it should be no surprise that I love quilt names as well. World Without End, Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, Storm at Sea, Drunkard’s Path…If you’re an author looking for a resources book on quilt blocks and dates (because it would be terrible to mention a quilt named Secret Drawer in your historical novel set in 1910 when it wasn’t even designed until 1930), check out The Quilter’s Album of Blocks and Borders by Jinny Beyer.

(image “Lattice Basket” LACMA via Wikimedia Commons)

Here are some stories and movies I love that feature quilts.

“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. Pulitzer winner Alice Walker is a fantastic writer.

How to Make an American Quilt. I really liked this movie (although my mother was appalled that Winona wore a white quilt in a corn field). Apparently the movie is better than the book.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Also, These Happy Golden Years which is where I first heard of the pattern Dove in the Window. I adore that pattern name!).

Terms of Endearment. Another movie. I loved how Debra Winger brought her quilt to the hospital.

And for the younger set: Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky by quilt artist Faith Ringgold.

How about you? Do you notice quilts in stories and movies? What are your favorite stories and movies that include quilts?