quilting bee

noun

1. a social gathering at which the participants make quilts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quilting bee¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

It reminds me of my mother, grandmother, aunts and friends who gathered in each other’s homes so many times for “quilting bees”!

From Seattle Times

“These sewing circles and knitting clubs and quilting bees were forums to talk about women’s rights, to propel the abolition of slavery, to create garments and blankets sold to provide income,” Rapaport said.

From New York Times

“This flag is not about college football games or quilting bees or fried chicken on Sunday,” he will finally say, by way of educating her.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a bunch of community members coming together in what we call a new-fashion quilting bee,” Ms. Cochran said.

From New York Times

In a sense, it’s a quilting bee writ large.

From New York Times