In the 1930s the art of quilting enjoyed a revival. Quilts made of scraps of worn out clothes or leftover materials traveled west with American families in the 19th century. When ready-made blankets and covers became available and less expensive in the late 1800s, many women decided to buy warm bedding for their families rather than spending the hours of labor required to make a quilt. During the 1930s the lack of ready cash and the spirit of thrift and economy sent many women back to their quilting frames. Many found comfort during these hard times in piecing and sewing their creations out of scraps of cloth. Even the Work Relief Program of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) encouraged quilting and other home crafts for employment opportunities and to preserve American handicrafts.
This quilt was made in the 1930s by members of the Gardner family living in the Durango area.
Learn more about quilts in our online exhibit.