Every Quilt Has a Story.
Sometimes it’s the story of the maker and the recipient, the trip that inspired the color scheme, the loss it’s intended to comfort, or the countless design decisions that contributed to the finished quilt. But too often, these stories fade away with time. Unless we document them, the stories of our quilts will be lost.
Documentation is the heart of what the Quilt Alliance does. With this work, we can honor and remember the diverse voices and perspectives in quiltmaking. Quilters write in thread and sing in color. It’s time to make sure our stories are heard.
Documenting Personal and Family Stories
Our oral history projects don’t just document quilts — they document the people behind them. We capture stories from the quiltmaker who made the dozens of design decisions that created a stunning artwork, the museum curator that’s studied every inch of a historic quilt, or the great-grandchild who’s often wondered about who made the quilt that’s always been on their bed.
When we talk about quilts, we tell universal stories about joy, resourcefulness, grief, family, comfort, and creativity.
Celebrating the depth and breadth of the quiltmaking community
We document quiltmakers of all kinds, from brand-new stichers to seasoned pros. Whether you’re a hand quilter or long-armer, lifelong maker or brand new quilter, you’re invited to bring your story to the circle. We pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusivity and work to grow awareness of the diversity of quiltmakers and quiltmaking across the quilt world.
Preserving quilt history
Quilts are historical documents that contain important information about the life and times of the maker, their family and their world.
Without documentation, these stories would be lost. Join us in our mission to ensure a future where quilt stories won’t just fade away.
Be Part of Quilt History.
The Quilt Alliance has documented the stories of more than 2,000 quiltmakers over the past three decades with the support of our donors. Every dollar helps us capture another meaningful quilt, another quiltmaking moment, and another member of our community. Donate today to help us achieve our mission of No More Anonymous Quiltmakers.
— Janet Finley, in her 2002 QSOS interview