The first recorded use of the word “quilt” was in the year 1290. Since then, quilting has blossomed from its humble cottage industry beginnings into the billion dollar industry it is today.
Throughout its long history, quilt-makers made their wares out of necessity to keep their families warm and cozy on bitter, cold winter nights. Today, quilt-making has expanded as an outlet for artistic expression, creativity, and even home décor. With over 21.3 million quilters nationwide, 14 percent of households in the U.S. contain at least one dedicated quilter.
Utah holds a strong presence within the quilting industry, and has hosted events such as the Home Machine Quilting Show and the International Quilt Market.
Alissa Weller, member of the Patchwork Friends Quilt Guild in Mendon, first began quilting seven years ago around the time her first grandchild was born.
She said she first joined primarily for the social aspect. But as she became more skilled, she said the monthly meetings benefited her in a more practical way.
“Well sometimes it can be motivating to get something done. Because quilters can be really famous for what are called ‘UFOs’ - unfinished objects," Weller said. "It’s like I have lots of things that I’ve started because I get excited about the fabric, or the pattern, or whatever and then before it’s done I get excited about another one [laughs].”
She said that quilting developed into a passion in a way she didn’t initially expect.
“I have a need to be creative somehow. I love color, I love design, I love fabric. With quilting I can be an artist," Weller said.
She said she prefers to give her quilts to family and close friends as gifts, finding it much more gratifying than spending a few minutes picking something out at the store or on the internet.
“There’s a lot of money, thought, time, love, invested. If somebody gives you a handmade quilt that they pieced – they love you,” Weller said.