Quilting Tools: A Motivating Section Of Quilting History
Article by Andy Guides Jr
The European and American quilting tradition was started as a way to add warmth and weight to the undergarments for armor. From that beginning the tradition diverged slightly.
Some European, Victorian age, quilters used every scrap of cloth they had left over from other projects in piecing together what was know as a crazy quilt. Many of these were often used as decorative showpieces for their homes.
Of necessity, American quilters created quilts for a more utilitarian purpose. They made use of the material on hand, including feed sacks, in their fabric blocks to save funds. Many made a living at selling their quilts to unattached men, but the main goal was to provide warmth on cold nights for their families.
No single quilt design is more popular than the others. Religion, end purpose of the quilt, and region in which it is produced, often are influences in the choice of pattern. One interesting use to which quilt making was put was at a time when paper and ink were not readily available was the recording of history on a local, family and national level.
Quilts could also be used as an expression of friendship and devotion to a family member or close friend. One type of quilt was even given the name friendship quilt as an acknowledgment of that fact. Pieces of the quilt would be made and contributed by individuals that would eventually come together into a quilting circle or ‘bee’ to finish it. The quilt would then be presented to the special person it was intended for.
Another version of a friendship quilt is called an autograph or signature quilt. The community, family, or friends would asked to sign their names on quilt blocks, or pieces in recognition of an individual. Then the quilt is put together by an individual, or a group, as a remembrance of an event of some importance in the life of the recipient.
Not all autograph quilts were, or are, made for the purpose of friendship. Some were made with fund raising in mind. Signatures of important people would be collected on the quilt blocks, usually one apiece, and then the blocks would be made into a quilt to be raffled or auctioned off. At other times funds were raised by having the community pay a fee for the privilege of signing a block, or piece of fabric for themselves.
The crazy quilt design was another way that quilters could raise money for a good cause. They would write to famous people asking for clothing scraps to sew into their quilt. When they finished their quilt it would be auctioned off.
Practicers of the art of quilting are able to use their skills for more than just the providing of warmth or weight to undergarments. Preserving memories and the raising of funds for charity is also a significant part of the tradition of quilting.
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Lanyards Are Versatile Tools That Enhance Security And Productivity
Lanyards have many uses in the workplace. These versatile productivity tools can make workers’ jobs safer and more efficient. Lanyards also can help improve morale on the job.
Lanyards are versatile enough to play multiple workplace roles. The most common use is for holding I.D. badges and key cards. Increased security requirements at many offices, factories, schools and public buildings mean employees, students and sometimes visitors to those facilities must carry I.D. badges at all times. The easiest, most convenient way to do that is by using lanyards.
Unlike pinback badge holders, lanyards won’t damage clothing. Compared to clip-on I.D. holders, they’re harder to lose. Lanyards eliminate the need for employees to fumble in purses, pockets or briefcases for their I.D. Last but not least, lanyards keep I.D. badges at a convenient level for easy viewing while keeping the wearer’s hands free for job tasks.
The visibility factor is especially significant in terms of security. Lanyards enable security staff to see quickly if someone is authorized to be in the workplace. If someone walks in with no I.D. badge, security staff can respond quickly.
Lanyards are versatile enough to be used for more than just I.D. badges. They’re a great way to hold many small objects that workers might need to do their jobs. Lanyards can be used to hold cell phones, safety glasses, pens, keys or even water bottles close at hand while keeping the wearer’s hands free.
Lanyards can be customized with a company logo, name or message help market the organization to customers. This helps identify staff to customers, and to provide a low-key reinforcement of the organization’s marketing message.
Another benefit of lanyards is that they are inexpensive enough to make great trade show giveaway items. You can distribute lanyards with your logo or company name printed on them, giving recipients something they can use and something that will help them remember your company when they’re ready to order your products or services.
Even schools can benefit from lanyards. Obviously, they help improve security, but beyond that, lanyards in school colors, imprinted with the school mascot and logo, can really increase school spirit.
Lanyards can be either blank or custom printed, and are available in a range of colors and materials. Colors can vary from basic white or black to multi-colored extravaganzas. It all depends on what you want. For a warehouse, basic black or white ones might be just fine, while lanyards for an elementary school could be printed in a riot of colors. You’re limited only by your imagination.
Lanyard material styles range from the economical tubular to the premium quality of nylon. It all depends on the intended purpose and budget.
Tubular lanyards are made of tube-stitched polyester similar to a shoelace. These are ideal for good quality lanyards on a tight budget. Nylon lanyards are the highest quality product available, offering the smoothest finish and greatest brilliance of any available style.
In between are polyester lanyards, the most popular style. These offer an ideal balance between price and performance. These lanyards can be made in either a flat style with logos and text silk screen printed onto them, or with the text or logo woven into the fabric. Because intricate text and logos don’t reproduce legibly on the woven style, the flat polyester style offers the most design flexibility. The woven style is ideal for simple text for which you want a stylish, classic look.
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