The concept of ‘community’ has been central to quilters—traditional and modern alike—for centuries. Women from as far back as colonial times noted that they shared the task of textile work, including making quilts. The cooperative roots of quilt making were born from necessity, so it made sense to work together in groups or ‘bees’ on large projects. Quilts kept their families warm, and many hands made light work. There are plenty of examples of the quilting bee as a communal gathering of women who come together to stitch, work, talk, and support one another. From the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to our own mothers and sisters, these bees are staples in American culture, both past and present. Interestingly, according to research from the International Quilt Museum, these gatherings may…
