Q8647 Emily’s Cotton Crazy Quilt
Dated August 15, 1898
52 x 76 (132.1 x 193 cm)
MA
$1,950

Once in a while Betsey discovers a quilt that touches her heart in an extra special way. One of her rules before acquiring a piece to offer her clients is that she herself could appreciate and enjoy it in her own home. This is a youth bed size treasure she found in Massachusetts and it was love at first sight. It is seldom one will find a quilt made by a young girl. Emily has embroidered the artwork with her first name and finishing date.

A whimsical piece of abstract art, this quilt is filled to overflowing with a sampler of early patterns including Extended 9 Patch, Log Cabin, Diamond in a Square, Bricks, 6 Pointed Star, Triangles, Postage Stamp, and Railroad which she then arranged in her own special Crazy Quilt design. Pieces of all shapes and sizes can be found as well as a multitude of colors in fabrics dating from the 1870’s into the 1890’s. Rich browns, tans and taupes mingle with reds, double pinks, maroon, indigos, and chambray in plaids, stripes, calicoes, florals and solids to create a piece both interesting and unique.

Emily backed her creation in solid red cotton with no batting between and treadle machine quilted in parallel lines every four inches (the quilting is barely noticeable). The finishing touch is a top stitched pillowcase edging on all four sides. Was this a practice first piece, a sampler of patterns for Emily or did she just have a whimsical and lively design sense? Whatever the motivation we now enjoy a wonderful piece of abstract art made by a young girl over 100 years ago. A true collector’s quilt.

We are happy to send this quilt, which has been professionally hand washed by Betsey, on approval.