People have always depended on furs, fibers, and fabrics for protection and warmth, but these materials also served as a way to enrich their environment. Until the rail lines opened up routes to the South Carolina backcountry in the middle of the nineteenth century, residents had little access to imported goods. In the mountains and foothills, Scots-Irish immigrants brought a strong tradition of flax harvesting and linen production. In other parts of the rural south, plantations provided another source of homespun textiles. Textiles, especially quilts, can serve several functions. Quilts carry powerful emotional significance and many were made to show off fine fabrics and fancy needlework; others were composed of scraps and remnants. Whether using imported fabrics, domestically produced fibers, or material scraps from the family farm, quilts are intimately connected to the maker’s social and economic environment.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Ruby Richey & Estelle Rineheart
Episode 6

Audio

Ruby and Estelle discuss why they enjoy quilting, including how interesting it is to plan a quilt, to choose colors, and select a pattern, and how relaxing it is to quilt.
Ruby Richey & Estelle Rineheart
Episode 7

Audio

Ruby and Estelle discuss how interesting it is to see that you can create something with your hands. They discuss making the wedding ring quilt from scraps, how colorful they are, and that they last a...
Ruby Richey & Estelle Rineheart
Episode 8

Audio

Ruby and Estelle discuss quilting because they have more time now, and because it's a hobby, and quilting for profit, or to give to family. They also reflect on how quilts used to be made for warmth...