Treasures From A Trunk: California Quilts and Textiles July 25, 2008

For centuries, women were discouraged from becoming traditional artists but expressed their creativity through textiles, an art form both beautiful and useful. For women in the 1800s a quilt could be like a diary. Much of what women packed for their journey to California consisted of their own handiwork, treasured quilts, best dresses, baby gowns, and other needlecraft. The meticulous stitches and the fabrics used give visitors a glimpse into the long-ago lives of California women.