More than a Blanket: Quilts are Art!

The Sunbeam quilt by from Annabel Wrigley for MODBLOCK.

Many have wondered, “Are quilts art or craft?” Well, the answer can be yes to either. Confused yet? Let’s start with the definition of art. In the Oxford dictionary art is said to be, “The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

In that sense, quilts can be considered an artform. Although quilts are created to serve a purpose, most often to keep us warm, they are also made to be nice to look at. It takes skill and imagination to create a quilt. In addition to this, many quilts are created to celebrate a special occasion, mourn a loss, mark time passing, and so on. They are literal representations of love. Emotion is stitched into every square inch.

Contrary to this definition, are some quilts made without great skill or imagination? Sure. Are some simply utilitarian, without much thought given to the design? Yes. But these early attempts are a first step in learning how to make quilts that could be considered art. The first time we create anything is a trial period. There should be no high expectations. It’s a time to build skill and learn from experience. As we grow, we become more creative in our approach to quilting, gaining confidence in our design choices, and more skilled in quilting techniques. No matter where we begin, we can always improve.

The Oberlin quilt by Heather Jones for MODBLOCK.

Quilts can also be considered a craft. The definition of craft is, “An activity involving skill in making things by hand.” Simple enough. Quilting is a skill that can be learned by anyone and it can be fun to do even if we don’t view it as an artform. Regardless of what our intent is when we make quilts, they can be both incredibly beautiful and useful. Let’s hear what our customers had to say about quilts being art or craft:

“They are both. When I was in school, many many years ago we could make a quilt in our home economics class as a sewing craft and make another in art class as art.” -Denise Vasel

“In my 3-dimensional design art class in college, we were given the assignment of turning linocut prints we made into quilts. I would say there isn’t much distinction in my mind between craft and art. It’s all art.” -Denise Fox Eskridge

“Both. Craft because you are making something and art because the material, pattern and colors you use makes it unique.” -Paula Herbst

“A quilt is art that you craft.” -Sharon Crouch

“Both, art and craft. You create your own concept, pattern, and color, and craft because it is handmade.” -Pat Trueblood

“They can be both. I think some people are confused because a quilt is used. It’s functional art. It’s consider myself an artist.” -Julie Tierney

“Craft, art, and love.” -Debbie Torrey

“Both but also much more. They are art in the selection of color, fabric, and design. They are craft in the construction and quality of quilting. On top of all that, they are heart, and love, and passion.” -Victoria Hubbard

“Both. Quilting is a work of art and it’s like putting a puzzle together. I never knew I could be so artsy and crafty. Love love love it!” -Alice Hayden

“I was disappointed to have an art teacher tell me that quilting was a craft not art. I believe she is wrong. I have seen so many works of art made from fabric.” -Leslie Savitsky

“Quilting is an art. When you thoughtfully and methodically pick out a pattern and figure out an eye-catching layout and fabric placement for a quilt, that’s art.” -Suzanne K. Einspahr

We completely agree! You are all wonderfully skilled, artistic quilters and we love seeing what you make. Share your beautiful creations with us at #msqcshowandtell and keep on creating your beautifully crafted works of art!

Call for Stories – National Quilting Month 2017

March is National Quilting Month and we’re using it as an opportunity to celebrate the giving nature of quilters everywhere! Here’s how you can join the fun (and win lots of Quilter’s Cash!) :

Quilt From The Heart #GiveaStitch

Quilt from the Heart: This month (and every month) we challenge you to #giveastitch by making a quilt and donating it to a person or organization in need. Listen to a special message from Jenny and check out the information we’ve gathered to help you out HERE including easy to make patterns and a list of organizations accepting quilt donations. Be sure to share your charity quilts and the story behind them with us on social media using #giveastitch!!

Share:  We’re continuing the Missouri Star Quilt Co. tradition of holding a “Stitched Together” story contest, and we want YOU to enter!  Share your story with us: Has quilting made your life better?  Has it changed you or touched your heart? Have you used your quilting skills to make someone else’s life better?  Email us at stories@missouriquiltco.com and tell us how in 500 words or less for the chance to be one of three grand prize winners to win Quilter’s Cash and be featured on our Daily Deal page and Daily Deal email!

  • 1st place will be featured on National Quilting Day (Saturday, March 18th) and will receive $250 in Quilter’s Cash

  • 2nd Place will receive $100 in Quilter’s Cash and will be featured Sunday, March 19th.

  • 3rd Place will receive $50 in Quilter’s Cash and will be featured Monday, March 20th.

stitched together

A few details to remember:

  • Entries must be emailed to stories@missouriquiltco.com by noon (CST)on Saturday, March 11th.

  • If you would like to remain anonymous, please let us know. (Or, come up with a fabulous pen name!)

  • Even if your story isn’t chosen as one of the three winners, we might still share it in future Daily Deal stories, blog posts, or magazine articles. By submitting your story, you acknowledge that Missouri Star may use it at some future date for commercial purposes.

We are so excited to read your stories! We want to be inspired! We want to laugh! We want to cry! Just be sure to send your entry to stories@missouriquiltco.com by noon (CST) on Saturday, March 11th, 2017!

Haven’t read the touching stories in Stitched Together Volumes 1, 2 & 3 yet? Get them HERE! You’ll love them!