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Quilting is a fabulous way to learn some of the basic skills in sewing. Although there are some very intricate and complicated quilts, there are also a huge amount of very simple patterns. Not only are they full of straight lines, the finished products are magnificent, and plentiful.

What we love the most is, despite the simplicity of some patterns, the finished products look quite difficult. When my daughter started sewing, at the age of 3, she completed several quilting projects. They truly are easy! Yes, straight lines are important for quilting, BUT they are NOT critical at this point. If you look closely at the projects my daughter completed, you will see many imperfections. However, we do not call them that - we call it character!

We have used quilting to make pillows, purses, bags, blankets, and are venturing into clothes. Today we saw book covers, wallets, and hats that were quilted. The possibilities are unlimited.

The other great thing about quilting is that the history is fascinating and rich with stories of the past. To get you and your children even more excited about the world of quilting I highly recommend reading stories to your kids about them.

We own all of the books that are listed at the bottom of the page, and we have continued to enjoy them over the years during our reading time. My oldest daughter has included a brief summary under each one. They have all inspired my girls, and me, to want to learn the art of quilting in order to continue the quilting legacy.

I encourage you and your child to try at least one quilting project; but be careful - it is addicting!

Again, I highly recommend each of these books to spark imagination and excitement! They will make great gifts for your kids.

The Quilt Maker's Gift
by Jeff Brumbeau
This is an excellent book. It is about an old lady that makes quilts for all the poor people in the town. Everyone loves the lady, even the animals. One day a greedy king comes to town and sees the beautiful quilts. He wants one very badly, so he goes and demands that she make him a quilt. The old lady tells the king that before she makes him a quilt he must learn to give to others.

Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt
by Lisa Campbell Ernst
This book is about a man named Sam Johnson. Sam's sister goes once a week to a quilting club for all the women in town. While his sister was in town quilting, Sam found her fabric scrap basket, a needle, and some thread and he starting sewing a quilt. When Sam wasn't allowed to join the women's quilting club he asked some of the men in town if they would like to start their own. They said yes.

The Josefina Story Quilt
by Eleanor Coerr
This book is about a little girl named Faith and her chicken, Josephina. Faith's family is going west, in a covered wagon. Faith wanted to bring Josephina, but her father said no because Josephina could not lay eggs. Faith goes around asking all of her neighbors if they would take her hen, but nobody wanted a hen that couldn't lay eggs. Faith's father decided that Faith could take her chicken, but if she caused any trouble she would be let out no matter where they were. Along the way Faith sews quilt squares to remember their journey.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
by Deborah Hopkinson
This book is about a girl named Clara that wants to run away from the plantation that she works at, so that she can be free. She needs a map to get there, so she asks some people around the plantation for directions. With scrap fabrics Clara makes a quilt with the map on it, to help others after she is gone. She then heads for freedom. Based on a true story.