Don’t throw out those leftover bits of fabric; instead, discover all the ways that quilts—even in pieces—can enliven your home.
By Shannon Howard
There’s a Big Brown Goose at your local antiques mall, and maybe a Melon Patch and a Sawtooth Diamond, too. But if you’re like most people, you probably walked right by. After all, who needs a weathered old quilt with a funny name, especially if you don’t know where to use it or how to keep it clean?
No doubt about it, quilts can be intimidating. The Big Brown Goose, for example, is among more than 4,000 documented quilt patterns in recent history. There are also dozens of quilt styles to choose from, including mourning, crazy, friendship and tobacco, and an even wider selection of price ranges, ages and levels of quality. Add in the sometimes touch-and-go care instructions and the anxiety about ruining Aunt Fannie’s masterpiece, and it’s no wonder that so many quilts stay safely (or not so safely) tucked away in a closet or cedar chest.
One of the greatest American art forms, quilting is a magnificent testament to the patience and creativity of countless generations of women. It has grown to represent the cherished values of home and family, and to fill us with longing for a simpler time. If you’ve been lucky enough to inherit a quilt—or even if you’ve purchased one—you should celebrate your treasured textile by displaying, preserving and, yes, decorating with it. Except for the finest and rarest examples, which you can see in any number of museums, quilts are meant to be enjoyed. Newer quilts in particular, like those from the 1960s on up, can tolerate a good deal of wear and tear, and they easily can be washed in a washing machine. Vintage and antique quilts require a little more TLC, and they also carry a higher pricetag. With quilt collecting becoming increasingly popular, many pieces now sell for more than $500—and some reach as much as $100,000!
Fireside Feet-Warmers
As the temperature dips and a chill fills the air, look for refuge ’round the nearest crackling fireplace. If you find your toes are still tinged with cold, cuddle up in a comfy chair and blanket your legs with a toasty old quilt. Keep it handy by draping it over an ottoman, but keep your quilt clean by following a strict no-shoes rule.
Eric Roth
Finishing Touches
Making a quilt is a long, hard process, so it’s not unusual to find dozens of pieces or even large sections that never got past the stitching stage. In fact, many quilters specialize in completing work that someone else couldn’t.
Bradley Olman

Bill Mathews; styling: Gloria Gale


 Table Scraps
The kitchen may seem like an unlikely place for decorating with quilts, but with all of its hard surfaces, it’s probably the one room that could use a little softening up. Table runners, placemats, even small pillows can make a dining table feel more cozy and inviting. And if you’re looking for an easy entrée into the world of quilting, these small-scale soft furnishings can be perfect beginner projects.