Women’s work: social relations of quilting

This qualitative research explores how social relations and intersections of race, class, and gender are evident in the woman-centered space of quilting groups. Methods used are interviews with quilters and participant observation at quilt guild meetings and quilt shows in Northern California. Interviewees include both women and men from a variety of racial/ethnic groups. A cultural studies/popular culture approach is utilized, with concepts including cultural production, consumption, commodification, representation, appropriation, appreciation, hegemony and resistance. Elements from post-colonial and multicultural/multiracial feminist thought as well as critical whiteness studies are also integrated. Results show that quilters expressed shared values about quilting and the place of quilting in their lives as well as the place of quilting in our society. However, differences by race/ethnicity are evident in quilters' choice of quilting-related social activities and membership in quilting groups. Complex dynamics of the interplay of aesthetics and race/ethnicity are also present. Quilters' social location is reflected in their cultural production and choice of social activity around quilting.