Soldier's Cot Quilt ~ A Question

[chellers]

I do really love that pattern, too! Why did the Sanitary Commission recommend particular quilt patterns? Seems like an unusual thing to do. Wouldn't they be grateful for any pattern made? Or would it be easier to keep track of quilts being theirs because of the set patterns?

@LoriAnn the x-ed pattern reminds me of the St. Andrew's Cross, but a much cheerier and colorful version!

I, too, am puzzled by the pattern suggestion. It seems like dimensions would be the only need for specificity. On the other hand, the article may be incorrect; I'd like to see the source for that claim. We can't believe everything we read!

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

You know something, I am kinda watering up over this!! You see, my mom was one of the best quilt makers around. All by hand. Before she passed, she worked desperately to make us 4 boys a quilt before she died and she did. Then she started on the Grand Children and Dementia reared it's ugly head and she slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus.

Sorry........I'll come back later!

You got me. Best, best memories, ladies no longer here were St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City PA- they had quilting bees in those days. Ministers kid. All those ladies, quilting all their lives, taught little girls like it was the religion. 50 years ago, can tell you all their names and every, single quilt. Avoid driving by the old church sometimes. Really miss all of them. Your family story brought them back. Give a lot for another Saturday at the bee.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

I, too, am puzzled by the pattern suggestion. It seems like dimensions would be the only need for specificity. On the other hand, the article may be incorrect; I'd like to see the source for that claim. We can't believe everything we read!

I wonder if one particular woman mentioned her favorite and it became convoluted over time? You know, like the old, whisper game where a phrase ends up nothing like an original, by the time the tenth person hears it? Someone could have said " This pattern is easy to make "- all of a sudden everyone hears a mandate.

Article, 1863 on Ladies Aid Societies and quilts

 

[chellers]

I wonder if one particular woman mentioned her favorite and it became convoluted over time? You know, like the old, whisper game where a phrase ends up nothing like an original, by the time the tenth person hears it? Someone could have said " This pattern is easy to make "- all of a sudden everyone hears a mandate.

Article, 1863 on Ladies Aid Societies and quilts
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Thanks, JPK, for posting this article.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Thanks, JPK, for posting this article.

These articles can really convey a sense of how important the work was, you know? Gosh. Gives you chills and frequently tears. The notes attached meant so much to a soldier- as much as the quilt. It doesn't have to be a Union story- Southern women did the same thing, working fingers bloody because there was simply nothing else they could do for their soldiers.

Hope it is ok to mention more modern times? My sister is a teacher. When my nephew was in Iraq, we were all horribly on edge, you know how it is. She just threw herself into doing things for soldiers, 24/7. This was years ago, when we were all adjusting to our troops being there, pretty violent, we hadn't had them in harm's way for awhile. One of my sister's projects, a massive one, was letters to troops- forget how it worked but hundreds of letters went to our soldiers over there. It didn't matter about what, just conversations and thank you's, photographs of your dog, yourself if you wanted, it was all new so everyone was still figuring it out. Here's the thing- done through the school, it really took off. People were just so desperate to help. My nephew's officers had to cooperate in some way ( can't remember ), but it continued until he came home- not all of them did, who served with him. This article reminded me very much of this need we have- to help however possible, and how much just a simple letter really does.