Click here for Lesson Two
Goal: What is a quilt, and why do people still make them?
Activities:
1. Discuss the relevance and history of quilting and read the children's story The Quilt.
History of Quilting
Quilting is a tradition in many cultures. Quilting has a long history in the United States. Did you ever see a quilt? Maybe some relative made one for you when you were born, and it's now on your bed. Perhaps your Grandma made and gave a quilt as a wedding gift to a cousin of yours. In many parts of the U.S., neighbors and relatives would gather at "quilting bees" to sew pieces of fabric together to make blankets. The fabric often had a special history, such as pieces from a favorite old shirt or cloth left over from making a dress. The old scraps were turned into something beautiful, useful and new. Don't forget people in the olden days never wasted anything. They recycled, just like we should always be doing. This is a very good and entertaining way to use left over material and old outdated clothes.
These quilts were works of art (some homes and museums hang them on walls-just like paintings), but they were also very practical, that is the main reason why people made quilts. They were practical because they provided warmth.
Quilting bees or parties made people feel like part of a community. They gave people a chance to get together, chat, exchange news, tell stories, trade gossip, sing songs, and enjoy each other's company. This was entertainment! Remember long ago there was no TV or CD-ROMS.
Today, as people gather together to make panels for the AIDS Memorial Quilt, this tradition of quilting helps give people companionship, comfort, warmth and a chance to express their feelings in a time of great sorrow.
2. Discuss what AIDS and quilt making have in common and pass around the AIDS Quilt Book. Demonstrate how the two are linked.
3. Make a paper quilt. The class will be creating their own stories via quilt panels. First they will create a mock up or blue print panel. Then the actual fabric will be used. Students will think about what they would like to leave behind on their panel that will tell the world about each of them
4. Pass out large construction paper panels, glue, magazines, scissors. Tell students to cut out and assemble pictures that tell about themselves or someone they know. Stress that these peole can be alive or passed on.
5. Add poems, art work, writing, anything that the student would like to add to the panel. Search around the house for buttons, photographs that might be included on the panel.
6.Everyone's panel will be assembled and stitched together with orange yarn, similar to a real quilt.
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