Quilt Historian Polly Mello

One neat thing about being in a quilt guild is the program offered to its membership. Tonight's meeting was quilt historian and noted antique quilt collector Polly Mello who presented quilts from her extensive collection that were made from the late 1800's to about 1930. Polly helped us to understand that women of that time period found quilting as one of the only methods to artistic expression, and certainly a far cry on how quilting and other creative outlets are today.

But interestingly enough, some of the best quilts made from that time period were made of fabrics especially purchased for a particular quilt or pattern. And that is the one common thread through the years as most quilters today buy fabric for a special quilt or project. Those leftovers are then used for the much beloved scrap quilts! Polly's quilts from her collection were not only beautiful but in excellent shape. I'm glad she shared her knowledge and expertise on the "revival" of quilt making in the early part of the 20th century.

BSoleille,
Terri

Photo of Polly and a The Orchid Quilt