There are many good books on the history of quilting. At a recent retreat I won a nice one as a door prize. It features the fabrics available during different eras, and how they were used in quilting. The history of our current quilting evolved through good times and bad, as fabric prices and availability changed. If fabric prices continue to climb, perhaps our methods, designs and fabric choices will once again evolve, exposing new trends in quilting. That won't be so bad, will it? Polyester quilts may come back, along with textures such as corduroys and linen. We'll find delightful ways of quilting thrift store clothing. I can't think of a better way to empty my closets of the now vintage clothing they contain.