The Observation of Quilts and Other Trifles: Materials and Methods

Abstract

Folklorists typically study quilts by interviewing living makers, asking questions about the patterns and processes, the most visible aspects. But quilts exist in multiple contexts and hold numerous meanings for the makers, recipients, and viewers. Instead of asking for answers, a more useful question would be "What can you tell me about this quilt?" KEYWORDS: quilts, women, method, history, research