Q8179 African American Cotton Crazy Quilt – Memorial Quilt
c.1890
70 x 75
Tennessee
$2900

In the south, it was customary to remember loved ones by making a memorial quilt. Clothing worn by both the deceased and the family members would be pieced together and quilted, providing comfort to relatives and friends during and after the quilting process. In excellent condition, this quilt contains fabrics mostly from the 1880’s, all carefully hand pieced. Dark navy thread was used to hand quilt the entire piece in an overlapping fan pattern. The backing is a light tan cotton, and the 3/8 inch binding was formed by turning the backing over to the front and topstitching into place. Betsey was able to authenticate this quilt’s origin by family provenance. Professionally hand washed by Betsey.