I know quilting goes back before my maternal and actually paternal great grandmother. I've seen and inquired about them in older photos. My grandmothers both came from families who were self sufficient. Many said they were poor but they never had hungry children and clothing that could no longer be handed down was used to make other garments or quilts. Both sides also had needle workers; such as crochet, knit and tatting. I know my one paternal grandmother worked in a garment factory. I am so very thankful that I was able to spend so much time with them.