A superb red floral 'Boutis' quilt from Chanteduc, home of Patricia Wells in Provence. Patricia recalls that "there was a period when we had a ton of them - we used them as décor or on the bed - they are so Provençal. My sister was a quiltmaker - she made unbelievable quilts - I was attracted to boutis because growing up we had a lot of quilts. The history of quilts is amazing - there are history books about them, even friends of ours in North Carolina hang their quilts on the wall like artwork. Sometimes they even include secret messages and codes in the design - there's a lot going on with quilts and - still even today it's a big deal."

Boutis quilts, a traditional form of French textile art, originate from the Provençal region of France and date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The technique involves a style of quilting known as "trapunto" in Italian, characterized by its intricate method of stitching two layers of fabric together with a stuffing in between, typically using yarn or cording, to create a raised, embossed effect.

This form of quilting became particularly popular in Marseille, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "Marseilles quilting." Boutis quilts were traditionally made using fine, white cotton or linen, making them highly valued for their detailed craftsmanship and elegant designs. The patterns often feature floral, geometric, or pastoral scenes, meticulously stitched to produce a textured, dimensional look.

Boutis was primarily a domestic craft, passed down through generations, typically from mother to daughter. It saw a decline in the 19th century with the advent of industrial manufacturing methods but has experienced a revival in recent decades due to renewed interest in handmade and artisanal crafts. Today, boutis remains a cherished link to French cultural heritage, celebrated for its beauty and the skill required to create it.