The Secret Lives Of My Amish And Mennonite Quilts

[@kristenandscott]

Links referred to in this episode: Hope for Haiti Benefit Auction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3-2eYp9mtSSiLM Learning to Drive a John Deere Tractor kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmrHoYh4irKkpc0 Baking an Amish Apple Pie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2KlkqCFm850q68

[@ronhodges8849]

I also have an heirloom Amish guilt that I purchased from the lady at her farm outside of Lancaster,Pa. The year of 1995. Such a treasure.

[@kristenandscott]

@@ronhodges8849 That is priceless! I would love to see it!

[@trinasudduth8003]

Beautiful work made with love and the grace of God

[@kristenandscott]

Absolutely. Their craftsmanship is un paralleled

[@kdavis1124]

I think your husband Scott was correct about your marriage quilt.!😊 The first thing I thought was that the colors represented the Italian flag. I think it is lovely that you chose those colors for your marriage quilt. The colors represent your heritage and the quilt itself, made by both you and your MIL, represent your husband’s. The quilt is a beautiful representation of the both of you!

[@kristenandscott]

What a fantastic way to look at it. And I agree. It contains part of my husband's culture in that it is a quilt and also represents part of me. Although, if I'm honest, I think the colors were picked at random, and now, as I look back on it, they just sort of look like the Italian flag. 🇮🇹

[@haitiinfocus]

🇮🇹 😂❤

[@ruthorlitta5606]

Oh my heart!! I love that your MIL quilt was colors of Italian flag!! A show of love for all Gods people, truly beautiful!

[@kristenandscott]

I never realized this until my husband pointed it out!

[@desleybartlett322]

Love your quilts and the stories about them. I have been quilting for 10 years and have just finished one that was made of material from my mums dresses. Have made quit a few quilts in between but was never sure what colour border to put on it. Mum passed 2 years ago and have just finished it. She did see it at different stages of making it. Will cherish this quilt always. Desley

[@kristenandscott]

That is so awesome. What a way to keep your mom's memory alive. Do you have any pictures of the quilt that you finished that I can see?

[@lynetteperry3559]

amazing quilts

[@kristenandscott]

They are indeed. For the ones that have been handed down through family, I feel treasured to have them... The others are also special in their own right.

[@maryjojohnson2316]

As a quilter taught by ghrandma I was able to build a business on those skills. I have finished quilts repaired quilts of 100 years of age to current.. I earned not only rent but joy from those endeavors. I am currently handicapped and am restricted in my projects,but hopefully passing the abilities on. Enjoyed your sharing.👌

[@kristenandscott]

It sounds like quoting a served you well over the years. Thanks for watching..

[@marykelley5182]

Love your channel!

[@kristenandscott]

Awe. Ty so much. And thank you so much for watching.

[@TheMrKristens]

I sewed (with a machine) my very first quilt last year. I fell in love with this art form. While I am still dabbling in this, I truly just find myself in love with the process. I didn't know I needed this in my life. And yes, my first quilt was a gift. 😁 For a friend's baby. It was just shy of twin size. But something I hope she cherishes, fully uses and enjoys the memories with it as she ages. I am about to embark on two new quilts. I totally understand how this could be communal and a complete social event. I feel like the solitude I had made it such a healing journey for me. But my life is filled with people and activity all the time. I could understand how welcoming quilt time socialization would be. Especially within such a close community such as the Amish and Mennonite peoples. This history of quilts is a true blessing. Thank you for sharing.

[@haitiinfocus]

And thank you for sharing your story! It is interesting, how the exercise of quilting, as methodical, as that can be, can bring about healing or wellness connected to a sense of community.

[@kristenandscott]

How is your quilting journey going?

[@beckyvillines1613]

I just found your channel and subscribed. Wonerful!! Thank you!!

[@kristenandscott]

Welcome! And thank you for subscribing.

[@bonitaroberts3245]

Hi everybody im from Ravensmead South Africa. Im a happy quilter for over 30yrs some handmade some sewingmade. I call myself a lonely quilter for i dont think here in my village anybody else who do quilting😂( not much a coloured thing😂). I love to make friends from all over the world who is also make quilting ....i am just a amateur who would love to learn from the Guilting Land People Republic.❤ thank you so much for your stories.🎉

[@kristenandscott]

I love that you referred to Lancaster County PA in the Amish Country as the Quilting Land People Republic. I'm sure there have to be people of color that quilt as well. You can't be the only one. But thanks so much for watching. Would love to see some of your quilts sometime.

[@nylanelson8660]

Thank you for sharing your quilts with us

[@kristenandscott]

And thank you for watching 👀 🙏

[@alicestanford8710]

Your Quilts are lovely.

[@kristenandscott]

Thanks so much for watching. I agree. Which one was your favorite?

[@irisuhde7635]

I realy love your quilts.And perhaps you try patchwork again ,with your sister in law , with a small and easy project like a wall hanging or a Baby quilt. 😊

[@kristenandscott]

I really do need to do this....maybe some day! Do you quilt?

[@hnelson5609]

I've made so many quilts that i can't keep any. So ive been making string quilt hospice quilts. This allows me to quilt them with my sewing machine. Making quilts has given me much happiness. Thank you for showing these quilts and their history. Especially liked photos of makers!

[@kristenandscott]

I think it is awesome that you have made so many quilts. And I especially think its cool that you make quilts for Hospice. For me, there is a space in which the quilts I own capture a space in history. Its important not to forget their makers and the era in which they were sown.

[@spnjaredfan]

Your quilts are so beautiful, what a beautiful way to preserve history. I recently decided to give quilting a try, at 65 years old and I love it. I am absolutely hooked I have made six quilts so far and with each one I’m getting better. You’re never too old to try new things. 😎

[@kristenandscott]

I love that you said that. It's never too old to try your next aventure!

[@henrikhaas6980]

Love the quilts, and love that stories, that are behind each of them. Yes, you are right, the quilts with patches from old clothing of our beloved ones may be not the best ones according to technique or elaborate quilting - but they mean so much to us, they are our real treasure of the familiy!

[@kristenandscott]

Agreed. They may not bring the highest price if you sell them, but there's a sentimental value that outweighs any cost.

[@haitiinfocus]

Do you think that the ladies who quilted these could ever imagine living in our world today 100 years after the quilt was created by them?

[@aurora571000]

@@haitiinfocusNo, I don’t think they could have imagined it. I grew up in the 60’s and I am quite taken aback by what is considered normal now.

[@janhatchett7834]

Those quilts are a treasure!

[@kristenandscott]

They are indeed. I feel blessed to be a custodian of them.

[@lavadaroufs]

I am enthralled with your life. You seem like a very self assured person and married to a traditional husband meaning he is the head of the house I assume. I think I could learn from you as I let my husband usually 'win' over our few controversies. Love the quilts. I'm in the midst of a king 'trip around the world' in black, grey and white. Glad I found your channel.

[@kristenandscott]

Glad you joined us. My husband and I have a mutual partnership. It's just the way we always done life.

[@patcavasin5947]

I make quilts but mine are not as elaborate as Amish/Mennonite made quilts. I have bought 4 over the years and they are the only heirlooms I have to pass on. I would caution anyone buying a quilt online....not all are made like the Amish make them. The handquilting on an Amish quilt is amazing. Machine quilting can be beautiful but, in my opinion, nothing compares to handquilting. Thanks for sharing your quilts with us.

[@kristenandscott]

I couldn't agree more. The size of the individual handmade stitches is critical to a quilt. This is one of those items you just can't buy for price and pretty if you are looking to pass it down to the text generation.

[@sandrascarlette7964]

Just found you! pushed the button ! 🤗❤️

[@kristenandscott]

Welcome!! And thanks so much for watching!

[@JamesW7723]

My grandma owned a sewing and knitting shop, and was pretty good at making afghans and my dads sister my aunt got into quilting and has made several blankets and all of my bed quilts growing up and I loved them dearly. I just wish my mom knew how to quilt!

[@kristenandscott]

Yeah, mother, being a Jersy girl, did not grow up sewing. My mother-in-law, when she was younger, sewed religiously.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

Love your channel. So interesting learning your story.

[@kristenandscott]

Thank you so much! So glad you're watching!

[@jaceek2030]

Long time quilter here..learned from my Nanny when I was about 9. I did only hand quilting until I accidentally happened upon a local quilt shop who invited me to their quilt guild meetings. Everyone had their sewing machine, but me. Haha! The ladies were all very welcoming, and actually thought it was terrific I hand-quilted. I ended up taking my sewing machine and learning to machine quilt. I now do both. All of your quilts are stunning! The fact I'm sure they are all hand quilted is just..Wow! Thanks for sharing.

[@kristenandscott]

What a quilting journey. Are you still a part of the quilting guild?

[@jaceek2030]

@@kristenandscott Yes ma'am, they are honorary quilting sisters!

[@dianacopney8977]

Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful quilts and hearing the stories. 2:55

[@kristenandscott]

And thank you so much for watching. Which one was your favorite quilt?

[@dianacopney8977]

@@kristenandscott I loved them all; each for different reasons . The stories made them special😊.

[@colleenwestley1855]

Love all the quilts and your sense of humour, loved the way you told their story thank you.?

[@kristenandscott]

While not all my quilts have stories, many of them do! Thank you so much for watching.

[@LUCINDA2789]

I make my own quilt And that is what I love to do the quilting. I'm still learning .practice practice. practice.

[@kristenandscott]

Will practice will serve you well in the long run. I would love to see you some of your quilts sometime..

[@LindaTyson-zg4mc]

Love this Kristen! I've always been told that a quilt has the tiny stitches attaching the 3 layers(top and bottom with batting between)together. And when you use a knot to hold the 3 layers together, it is called a Comforter. Quilts are more expensive than comforters. Comforters are what MCC sends thousands overseas for Relief.

[@kristenandscott]

Thanks Linda. Have you ever done this sort of sewing before?

[@LindaTyson-zg4mc]

I have never pieced a quilt. I hope to add that to my bucket list of things to do.

[@sandywhite4042]

Love all your quilt. My great grama was my quilt maker. She started making baby quilt for ever family member who got married. Never made a pink or blue until the baby was born but,she made alot of different colors. She would keep them in her quilting room until the baby was born. I still have them my oldest daughter as a baby I used them for Im not getting ready of them. Like you said they made them for clothing. Well she made them also from grain bags . Back then her cow and chicken grain bags were cloth. Beautiful, cloth . Theses all remind me of her. Thank you for sharing

[@kristenandscott]

Wow! I never heard of them making quilts out of grain bags. Most of the grain bags in our area were burlap and I just can't imagine them being a very comfortable quilt :) But there is something precious about all the time and effort that people put into a quilt that makes a gift like that, even for a baby, very impressive, memorable, and a keeps sake.

[@user-ku7kc5jb9u]

it's really unique, family stories, heritage, warm memories. The most valuable blankets are those in which they put their soul.

[@kristenandscott]

I love the way you said it. I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@cindyssss4099]

Beautiful quilts.

[@kristenandscott]

Thank you! 😊 The Amish and the Mennonites are AMAZING quilters. It is a privilege to live among them.

[@rosesbaker]

Thanks for sharing this 👏👏👏❤

[@sandrasaddleman581]

Love your quilts

[@kristenandscott]

Awe thanks so much. Which one was your favorite?

[@TheSewingChannel]

❤💜💙Making quilts is therapy to the soul❣LOVED seeing all your quilts❣I typically make 3 quilts in a month on my KZbin channel❤ GREAT VIDEO!

[@kristenandscott]

Wow, you do 3 and a month? And it took me 26 years to do that 1 quilt. 😆 Do you do the quilts by yourself? Or do you work with other people? And how did you get into quilting?

[@TheSewingChannel]

@@kristenandscott yes! I’m a one woman show on my channel 🤩 Made my first quilt for my daughter graduating from college 10 years ago.♥️♥️♥️

[@kristenandscott]

I think that's awesome. I would love to touch base and find out about how you make the quilts on your channel, perhaps examine how the quilts I own are put together.

[@laurelmiles8575]

I have been following the sewing channel which is excellent. Tracey has lots of great tips, ticks and advice. I was from Australia!! Thank goodness for KZbin and the channel subscribers 👏👏

[@lynnkauffman2616]

Yay! Fear has no place. So proud of you to acknowledge. It is freeing and exciting. Whoopee enjoy the party🎉😊

[@kristenandscott]

Thanks Lynn...I continually am stretched...

[@lynnkauffman2616]

@@kristenandscott Yes, me too 💕🐰🐰

[@vallang4832]

Gorgeous quilts.

[@kristenandscott]

Awe thanks. Which one was your favorite?

[@MsRoslet]

I think your crazy quilt may be much earlier than you think by about 40 or 50 years, crazy quilts became really popular in the mid 1880s. I grew up with a velvet and silk tea cosy wrapped in tissue, which came out for high days and holidays, each piece surrounded by feather stitch embroidery. Can i also say, that in truth, none of your quilts are Amish in design as most of your fabrics have a pattern and for Amish quilts the colours are solid and the patterns are sewn into the fabric, most of yours are fantastic flour sack style fabrics and definitely tend towards the Mennonite in style. Finally, your whole cloth quilt with applique is lovely and such fine stitching. Just one word of advice, as I noticed it on this quilt, when you fold them, do not fold them in haplf but rather go with thirds, as the former creates tremedous stress on the fabric and can make it rip... also remember to get them out every six months or so and move the folds around to lessen this happening. You are lucky to have such a wonderful collection and reserve of memories.

[@kristenandscott]

Wow! Thanks for pointing out that the age of my crazy quilt might be older than we think. That's crazy all by itself. And Thank you for the note of refolding my quilts every few months. I never knew that.

[@aurora571000]

Oh yes, I also wanted to mention that the crazy quilt goes perfectly with the painting on the wall.

[@kristenandscott]

Wow. I never noticed that. Great catch.

[@agnieszkaacka6733]

Beautiful, amazing❤I love Your quilts.

[@kristenandscott]

Thanks so much. Did you have one that was your favorite?

[@agnieszkaacka6733]

@@kristenandscott I am from Poland and my english isn't good. But i love log cabin, aplication, quilts with the stars 😀

[@kristenandscott]

@agnieszkaacka6733 Those are some of my favorites as well. And it is good to meet you.

[@cc83jc85]

PS: and yes, 2 quilts have taken me 10 years each to make..one I disliked so much the colours and love it now. The other is totally hand made Hexies! Cheers again! Marietta , Brisbane Australia

[@kristenandscott]

Now THAT is dedication. What is a Hexie? All I can think of is the hex signs that hang on some Amish and Mennonite barns in our area.

[@cc83jc85]

@@kristenandscott a HEXIE: is a hexagon shaped cardboard bit. You wrap a bit of fabric around it, with a needle..there can be anything from 3/4 of a inch up to 6 inches in size…all hand done..so I joined hundreds of these to make a queen size quilt…lol..that’s why it took me years to make…

[@kristenandscott]

@@cc83jc85 Wow. I never knew that. Thank you for letting me know. I never ever heard of that type of quilt.

[@aurora571000]

I can so relate to you! In our late 30s our family joined the Mennonites (Eastern Pennsylvania). Some stayed members, some did not, so I am fringe, but not official. Your family appears very welcoming to you. Don’t think you look funny learning to sew, we all have to learn. I really enjoy the times women get together around the quilt frame. When my son was engaged to my friend’s daughter, I got to help a little with the quilt (star log cabin) they were making for the wedding. It was so cool to be working at the frame with DIL’s grandmother, mother (my friend), DIL to be and other sisters in and out. My hand quilting stitches are slow and uneven, but who’s really getting that close to worry about it? Now, my daughter-in-law and I have made split the work of wedding quilts for 2 of my married children. I have made 5 baby quilts for my grandchildren. It is only thanks to the help of the local church ladies that the hand quilting has gotten done. I have always thought that the idea of one woman alone in a house in the suburbs just wasn’t really healthy. Currently on my 6th grandchild quilt, far behind schedule so I am planning on how to best enlarge the pattern to a youth size.

[@kristenandscott]

It is a joy to meet another “import” into the Mennonite church. We are definitely far and few between in these here parts. Marrying into my husband’s family has had its own very unique challenges. Some have been much more open to the family import than others.

[@karenboyd6293]

I didn't marry a Mennonite. I became one! I learned how to quilt and have help quilt them at various charity functions. I live in Lancaster!!! So , while you quilt by check book (or plastic), others might learn to quilt machine or hand. Several of your quilts with not actually not quilted but tied. Some of us refer to them as comfoters. That is one of the easiest ways to get a quilt.

[@kristenandscott]

Oh, that is true! Comforters are by far a more economical version of the quilt.

[@hugg724]

​@@kristenandscottThere are 7 different quilting techniques. Hand tying is one of them. It is still a quilt- not a comforter. The top is pieced- a comforter top is a whole cloth. The middle layer is batting- a comforter is made with a variety of filling, not batting. I have quilted for more years than I want to admit lol. I was taught by my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. You have some stunning pieces of art and history!!!

[@janemack8852]

I was under the impression Amish quilts didn't include yellow. Surprised to see the blue and yellow one.

[@kristenandscott]

Yes, I have heard this one before. Actually, I have Amish friends who make quilts of many different colors. Keep in mind that my quilts are mostly made by Mennonites, which have their own set of cultural norms. Thanks for watching!

[@rosemaryrybka6599]

Your stories @ these quilts are so lovable,to think you are lucky enough to have them.Enjoy them with the best of health. They are all beautiful. I am in the progress of making my 1st one for my Best Friend whom I known for over 50 yrs so I wanted to give her something special from me. I am 73yrs old so she will always have something special from me.

[@kristenandscott]

What is fantastic gift you are giving her. I would love to see a picture of it when you are done.

[@NannaLiz]

Do you know the name of the log cabin quilt with burgundy stars? I love it!

[@kristenandscott]

I believe it is called a log cabin quilt! :-) Either that or a pinwheel.

[@debbiedacosta5385]

Beautiful quilts...I would recommend refolding your quilts more often so you don't put a wear and tear seam down the middle.

[@kristenandscott]

That is a fantastic idea. I never thought of it before. Did you notice a crease in mine?

[@mamma8786]

I have a few of those accidental benefit auction quilts as well. Just think of all the people you helped by making a higher bid. That's what I do, then I feel all better about that bid. LOL

[@kristenandscott]

That is a fantastic way of thinking about it. Especially true if you buy them at a benefit auction.

[@teresabaxter798]

They are beautiful, but for this era very few people say, " I'm gonna buy a quilt for my bedroom. " even kids don't like the look.

[@haitiinfocus]

I told my son “tough luck“ he was getting a quilt! I think young kids don’t really appreciate it until they’re older. Although it may not be the most popular choice in bedding, I think he understands the importance of it, given the family history, and he could always use a comforter over it if he doesn’t like the look. Am I too tough?

[@kristenandscott]

I would tend to agree. I've seen the prices of quilts drop in our area due to a lack of interest. But I also think about when I was a teenager, how little I cared about those things.

[@philipbrazis8732]

Ruth here, most amish quilts way to strong of colors, l guess most have german genes, 😊 don't yell at me, my mom and dad grew up amish so ... my mom did make a pretty quilt of much Lavender and green colors with a lot of white

[@kristenandscott]

I think this used to be true of all Amish. I was just talking to my Old Order Mennonite neighbor about this, and she said the Amish in our area are definitely wearing bolder colors and even at time have patterns woven into them, though they are the same color.

[@wendymiller1494]

Love and appreciate the work that goes into these quilts. I have always admired them but I don’t actually own any😢.

[@kristenandscott]

As you can see, I struggle to find the patient's to sit down and do such a beautiful creative piece of start like these quilts are. I do own them, as you can see, but I really do appreciate the craftmanship and the workmanship that goes into them.

[@csgracesew]

So now you need to learn how to make quilts

[@kristenandscott]

Maybe...somehow with where I am at I don't think it will happen anytime soon.