Blanket America Continues Tradition of Patriotic Symbolism

Showing patriotic pride has been a part of American tradition since our country was founded. American pride has been expressed through music, quilting, style of dress and even through food. Our national monuments, like Lady Liberty, the Washington Monument and dozens of war memorials all express pride and support for our nation. During war time Americans express an especially fervent national pride. Tough economic times also garner much support and patriotism by the people. When Martha Washington created our first flag in red, white and blue with 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies, she began a tradition that is still going strong today. Before women were given the right to vote, sewing was their political platform.

Before the industrial revolution, fabrics were considered precious and no scraps were wasted. From women’s scrap bins, patchwork quilts were born. During war times, red, white and blue scraps were sewn together in order to show national pride. For wealthy families who could afford to buy fabric in bulk, their quilts were sometimes exact replicas of the American flag. It is incredibly symbolic that, during times of war, people wrapped themselves in American flags for warmth and comfort.

When pioneers began westward expansion and states were added to the union, women began designing and creating a quilt for each state. Much like state flags, state quilts became a part of the national conversation. Colors of the state flag were used and an appliqué of the state could be sewn onto the face of the quilt. Sometimes appliqués of state birds and state flowers, monuments and animals, such as horses and buffalo, have been added to blocks for added flair.

Political movements were also reflected through needle and thread. Quilts with national maps showing red and blue states were created. Political polarization can be tracked through some quilts. When labor laws were finally enacted in America, union members wives sewed hundreds of red, white and blue quilts in celebration of such an important event.

The Patchwork Heritage quilt commemorates our national unity. Barak Obama’s presidential inaugural address is printed on the backing while lady liberty stands proudly in the background. The words “we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness” are highlighted. The face of the quilt is comprised of 13 different fabrics which represent our 13 original colonies. In true American wartime tradition, the quilt colors feature hues of red, white and blue. The quilt is being sold as part of a buy one, give one charitable project whose goal is to donate one million warm blankets to charity. To learn more, visit charity.

About the Author

Blanket America is about more than blankets. It is about changing the way charity and business works. For every quilt sold, Blanket America will donate a blanket to an American in need.

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