SALE Wonderful Early 1900's Folk Art Crazy Quilt~Final Reduction!

Antiques : Textiles, Linens : Quilts

 

The wonderful quilt is in a style often referred to as "controlled crazy" because it's worked in blocks which, well, control the craziness some, rather than having it spread out unrestrained over the entire surface. We can tell it's c.1900-20 or so because it's not worked in fancy silks but in a variety of suitings, and while it's got some embroidered motifs most of the embellishment is reserved for the seams.

It wasn't uncommon for a quilter to put her relatives' initials on such a quilt, much in the way earlier generations put family initials on embroidered samplers.

The motifs were published in popular women's books of the time. According to Virginia Gunn, the publishers had intended them to be carefully shaded in with satin/split stitch in appropriate colors of silk floss, to give a realistic, "artistic" look to the images. That didn't catch on well; instead, women just worked the outlines.

There is wide of variety of fabrics used in thise quilt. I find velvets, cut velvets, silks, wools and glazed cottons to mention a few. The stitching and embroidery work is just wonderful, and I love the little motifs of girls holding baskets, teapots and initials.

The measurements are : 81 1/2" long by 67" wide.

The condition is fair. It is structurally very sound, but some of the material, particularly the silks, have started to fray or shatter. I've shown some of this damage in my photos, but will be happy to provide additional photos or information. This quilt has minimal odor, and I believe that a good airing would take care of it. I would not have it cleaned because some of the materials used are so fragile.

This quilt was purchased from the same woman who owned the other quilt I have in my shop. This one was made by her mother.She also told me that both quilts had been entered into a quilt exhibit, and that's why the numbered tags are sewn onto the back of each quilt.

I am not a quilt expert, but have researched these quilts and have talked to quilters and antique quilt dealers who have given me the information as to the age, pattern, and fabrics.

Please contact me if you need further information.

Item ID: RL-260