Final answer:
Thomas Knauer used embroidery to incorporate words into his quilt, 'Smart is Beautiful.' Quilting has a rich history of evolving designs, including personalized embroidered messages on quilts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Knauer used embroidery to include words in his quilt titled "Smart is Beautiful." The process of quilting has evolved over centuries, from utilitarian coverlets to pieces with intricate designs and messages. While quilts serve as a form of bedding, they can also carry sentimental value or convey messages, as seen in quilts with words or names. In historical contexts, names on quilts have been embroidered, such as those that represent donations in support of causes, indicating the importance of embroidery in adding a personal touch or specific meaning to quilts.
The quilt features 30 quilt blocks with embroidered names, representing donations to the Grand Valley Red Cross society. Donors wrote their names on the squares, and the women embroidered the names.
This combination of techniques allowed Knauer to incorporate words into his quilt.