Women were given the materials and tools to make patch work quilts en route to
their Australian destination so that they could sell them and be able to support
themselves when they landed.
Sadly, only one of these appears to have survived, but it is clear that the British
women brought with them the skills and traditions of quilting.
Quilting was thought to be a ‘suitable’ occupation for a lady, and the quilters
soon began to put their work together at exhibitions, and a market in quilts was
quickly established. The British traditions were retained, and quilting in Australia
continues to respect and reflect the styles and patterns of the mother country.
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