Hey there! I have been so busy with my life outside of quilting that I too have been mia, lol
So I have a question...How do quilts get their names? And what do those names mean? I see the "turnining 20", "Rag"quilts, and many others but I can't make sense of the names when I see the quilts...Maybe if you would explain the why or how the names were picked I could see the relationship. I understand the quilts when I see them.

I can't really help you there, but I'm sure someone can. I do know that sometimes the same blocks have totally different names, I don't know why on that either.

turning twenty is called that because you use 20 fat quaters to make the top,using a specific way to cut the pieces and then piece them together. it is actually really easy and fast to do, a rag quilt is because you stitich the seams to the outside and when finished you cut the seams so that when washed they fray and look raggedy

I THINK that many names come from the people who come up with new ideas, and the publishing companies that print up the info. Sometimes the same idea shows up with a different name, because two people came up with the ideas in different places and went with it! I suppose some are grass roots stuff developing in an area and when enough people get excited about something, and when there are enough samples to publish, they go with it.
This is just my opinion, and my ramblings! I would suspect there are books written on this subject, but I haven't taken the time to research that. :?

I too enjoy the history of all things:0) Here's a great article on quilt block names and why at: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and...es-324269.html

I always have found it interesting that it was extrem. proper for a woman not to speak of things she might not agree with, etc. It was not proper-period! So many times in history you will read of a creation made to help vent their thoughts or view on something. I believe it was great therapy. Thus the name of some quilt blocks!! Don't you really wish you knew the story behind 'the wandering foot'? And, others? Also,the stories of what 'not' to give the new baby in a quilt such as the wand. foot...for he wouldn't stay home when he grew up....etc:0)
Here's some more here at: http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/ Hope this helps! This info above is for the oldies...new ones are named by their maker, so are individual quilts....Skeat

I have a book called 849 TRADITIONAL PATCHWORK PATTERNS A PICTORIAL HANDBOOK written by Susan Winter Mills
It has the picture of the pattern block and a list of different names that block has been called. Some have as many as two different names and some up too as many as seven or eight different names and variations of that same block. I agree with Shemjo. Different people have come up with that idea in different places and thinking that it is theirs have given it a name!!

(Different people have come up with that idea in different places and thinking that it is theirs have given it a name!! ) I agree and isn't that funny to think about. Why is it important for someone to say it was their name from whatever area in the first place? Funny ownership! Wherever they exactly came from.....(hey there was many miles in wagons!)..I still enjoy making them:)Skeat

Thank you so much for these links! I got so embroiled I almost forgot it's time to vaccuum up all the doggie fur on my floor! I guess I am more interested in history than I ever thought I was!

That is what quilting it about! To save us from what we will have to do again tomorrow!LOL Glad you enjoyed them...much reading! And, there is more if you search it(also, books on the subject)..Skeat