Susan McCord was a 19th century quilter, a caucasion woman from Indiana. Thus her quilts reflect the particular culture in which she lived. Many other regions and cultures also have quilting traditions. Hawaiian quilts, for example, use different fabrics and patterns, and quilting has a different history. How do Susan McCord's quilts differ from quilts from other cultures? (To view quilts from other cultures, we recommend using the Quilt Gateway)

Whether or not you own any quilts, many of us create or keep decorative objects which have special meaning to us. What decorative objects do you know of that contain special meaning to you? Why do they have that sentimental value? Have you made any crafts which have special value to you or to someone else?

Quilting is a very old tradition. By studying quilts, we can see them as a form of cultural expression. The quilts tell us about the life and values of Susan McCord. What other kinds of traditions can we study as forms of cultural expression? And how do we learn from that tradition? (For example, singing: the lyrics tell us about what was important to the people. The music tells us about the musical instruments, style and mood of music for a culture. How (and if) the music was recorded tells us something about technology in that culture.)

In the 19th century, people didn't have to make quilts. You could purchase blankets and other bed covers instead. But still many women did make quilts. Why did they spend that time and energy to make them?

Today, many people still make quilts and other decorative items. Perhaps you know someone who quilts, sews clothes, knits, or makes other items which could be purchased. Why does that person choose to quilt, sew or knit? Do you think Susan McCord quilted for the same reasons?

Susan McCord's love of gardening probably inspired all the vines and flowers in her quilts. What part of your life would you want to include in your own quilt pattern? What would you name the pattern?