Appendix H: Interview Quadrant Questions

1. Discussion of the Informant's Quilt.

-Tell me about the quilt you brought in today. Who made it? Origin? Age? Describe it. Particular pattern? Materials?
-What special meaning does this quilt have for you?
-Why did you choose this quilt to bring to the interview?
-How do you use this quilt?
-What are your plans for this quilt?

2. Informant's Involvement in Quiltmaking.

-Tell me about your interest in quiltmaking.
-At what age did you start quiltmaking?
-From whom did you learn to quilt?
-How many hours a week do you quilt?
-What is your first quilt memory?
-Are there other quiltmakers among your family or friends? Please tell me about them.
-How does quiltmaking impact your family?
-Tell me if you have ever used quilts to get through a difficult time?
-What do you find pleasing about quiltmaking?
-What aspects of quiltmaking do you not enjoy?

3. The Aesthetics, Craftsmanship, and Design Aspects of Quiltmaking.

-What do you think makes a great quilt?
-What makes a quilt artistically powerful?
-What makes a quilt appropriate for a museum or special collection?
-What makes a great quilter?
-How do great quiltmakers learn the art of quilting, especially how to design a pattern or choose fabrics and colors?
-How do you feel about machine quilting vs. hand quilting? What about long-arm quilting?

4. The Function and Meaning of Quilts in American Life.

-Why is quiltmaking important to your life?
-In what ways do your quilts reflect your community or region?
-What do you think about the importance of quilts in American life?
-In what ways do you think quilts have special meaning for women's history in America?
-How do you think quilts can be used?
-How do you think quilts can be preserved for the future?
-What has happened to the quilts that you have made or those of friends and family?

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