By Tonie Day

Quilts can be seen as a reflection of people, places, life and times. Although it is a little unclear as to when 'Quilting' began. It may have been as farback as the Egyptian Civilization. Be that as it may, we believe that some of the first European immigrants to America brought with them from their mother countries the wholecloth quilt and the craft of 'Applique.' Then those brave pioneer women who migrated West with their families, may have been the first to coin the word 'patchwork' since they had to make do with whatever materials were available. Anyway, they stocked their little wagons full of bedcovers and those who did not survive the journeys hardships were wrapped in quilts and buried. Once settled in the 'new land', and mostly thru the months of May to November, when the light was good, a formal social get together called a"Quilting Bee" became very popular. With the developement of the textile industry, the art of Quilting really took off. Today, the 'International Quilting Center' in Lincoln, Nebraska researches and documents the origins of quilts thru out time and around the world. Among famous quilts in history is the ' AIDS Memorial Quilt' which was begun in San Francisco in 1987, and is cared for by the NAMES Project Foundation. This 'quilt' is not only a memorial it is also a tool for education and a work of art. It is periodically displayed in various arranged locations. It's headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia; for more information call (404)688-5500. Below, I have listed a few Quilt Museums for you 'Quilt Affeccionados' out there! The Virginia Quilt Museum-301 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, Va. 22801 The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum-1111 Washington Ave. Golden Co. 80401 The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles-520 S. First St. San Jose, Ca. 95113 The New England Quilt Museum-18 Shattuck St. Lowell, Ma. 01852 The Peoples Place Quilt Museum-3510 Old Phildelphia Pike Intercourse Phildelphia, Pa. 17534

We are Carolyn and Tonie of http://www.odetoaquilt.com. This is our first on-line store and we hope to sell lots of luxurious bedding,from beautiful quilts to sexy sheets and lots more!! So, come visit and look around because you might find something you just can't live without! Thank You C and T