What do you think of when you hear the term “quilting bees?” Perhaps you visualize chatting over thread and thimbles. You may think of a gathering of friends or a space where makers can break bread and share talents. Depending on who you ask, you might hear all of the above. For centuries, quilting bees have combined form, function and community with a dose of healthy competition. They laid the foundation for many of the guilds and cooperatives that still exist today. Stories of quilting bees are encompassed in a spectrum of varied mythologies, from matchmaking sessions for potential brides to a balm for the hardships of economic strife.
Although the act of quilting dates back well into the medieval period, quilting bees gained popularity in the 19th century, especially in North America. In earlier centuries, elaborate quilting was an activity for the wealthy in Colonial America who could afford European
