Q9236 Optical Illusion Pinwheel Quilt

c.1865
72 x 82 inches
New York, or Pennsylvania, or New England
$2,400

Whimsical and showing motion are the best ways to describe this wonderful optical illusion pinwheel quilt. Comprised of only turkey red and white fabrics; finished using a different red for the binding and created around 1865. The backing fabric appears to be the same as used for the front construction...purchased yardage indicating the socioeconomic status of the family.
This quilt is comprised of hundreds of 6 inch four patch blocks. Each block is a Rob Peter to Pay Paul pattern placed in just such a position that the design ends up showing constant motion from dozens of pinwheels. This quilt is graphically wonderful, in perfect unused condition. I was the first person to wash this quilt. I believe this quilt comes from either New York, PA, or New England.
Perfect for a bed or wall, this quilt measures approximately 72" x 82" with a 3/8 an inch treadle machine applied binding. Every other stitch on this quilt is executed by hand. When this quilt was made it was not appropiate to "brag". Having a treadle sewing machine was a mark of affluence. By putting on a binding, using a treadle sewing machine, it shows that she possessed such a machine. With the ammount of tallent that is required to piece curve pieces and create this quilt, putting on a binding would have been the easiest part. Owning a treadle sewing machine shows that the quilter was relatively affluent to some degree.
In perfect unused condition, organically hand washed and ready for viewing at home for your approval.

Betsey Telford-Goodwin's Rocky Mountain Quilts Home Page