Great Red & White Red Work Embroidered Summer Quilt.

Antiques : Textiles, Linens : Quilts

 

This is a lovely red and white hand made qilt in the category called Red-Work dating from the very early 1900's. The red is faded and worn in some places, but this quilt was well taken care of and most of the worn places were patched. The maker loved this quilt so much that she even embroidered the patches!!!!! This is a very old quilt, so old that much of what you see when you look at the embroidered design is the remnants of the embroidery thread coming up from the bottom of the quilt. The part of the embroidery thread that would have laid flat on the top of the quilt has worn away!!!! The outside edges of the quilt are finished with a blanket stitch. Each square had a different embroidered design, and even the patches are all different. Although the red is faded, and some of the red fabric has become very worn through, it is in usable condition, although I would not give it 'heavy' use. The love and personality added to this quilt by the embroidered patch jobs make this truly unique and one of a kind, and would enhance anyone's collection. In over 45 years of avid auction attending, and 22 years as a professional, I have never seen anything like it. It measures 72" by 57", I have more pictures of the quilt and individual squares and patches available by email. The quilt is very light weight and truly does not feel as if there is any lining or padding, although the years and many washings may have so flattened and worn it that I can't feel it. It is hand quilted. Red-work became popular beginning in the 1880's when a color fast red embroidery thread, called Turkey Red was developed. It was first used on linens, pillows, etc but not on bedding until the very early 1900's. To be officially considered 'red work' the embroidery has to be this Turkey Red color on white with a running stitch, that would be easy for a child to learn. Cross stitch, although found in later dated quilts in red and white is not considered true 'red-work'. A true red-work quilt usually also does not have just one design, but rather, each square would have a different embroidered design in it. These were sold comercially, already stamped with the design, cost a penny, and thus were known as 'penny squares'. I hope this bit of history makes this quilt more desirable. Happy Collecting!!!!!

Item ID: con1610