quiltin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "quiltin’" means both the act of making a quilt and, more importantly, the social gathering (or "quiltin’ bee") where folks come together to sew, visit, and share news. It’s a long-standing part of rural Southern life.
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Now 'quiltin’ is a big thing in the south. It's a mix of old timers and young'uns. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- The act of making a quilt (noun/verb)
What’s she doin’ today?She’s quiltin’ another baby blanket.- A social gathering to sew quilts (noun)
You goin’ to the quiltin’ this Saturday?Wouldn’t miss it - best pie you’ll find.Origin
Quilting bees date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, brought to the Southern mountains by European settlers. In Appalachia, quilting became both a household skill and a communal event. The term "quiltin’" as pronounced appears in oral histories and Southern literature from the 1800s onward.
Notes
Still practiced in church basements, community centers, and homes across the South and Appalachia. Outside the region, "quilting" is more a craft than a communal gathering; in the South, "quiltin’" retains its social flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "quiltin’." The "g" is dropped in true Southern style.