This crazy quilt was hand-sewn and embroidered using recycled fabric in North America at the end of the 19th century.
Crazy quilts are so-called "crazy" because they don't follow a specific pattern or quilt block (the building block for a quilt pattern), instead patch-working differently shaped fabrics together to create an abstract pattern. This is a very labor-intensive craft and can feature a wild mix of fabrics and stitches. Crazy quilts often don't include the middle layer of batting that traditionally constitutes a quilt, so they are lighter than regular quilts and not as warm.
Crazy quilting reached its peak in the late 1800s, first with upper-class women who had the time to fully unleash creatively and employed fantastical fabrics and embellishments like buttons, beads, shells, and anything else that could lend sparkle and pizazz. Later once the fashion for these quilts had passed, they continued to be made in more rural areas, where women used sturdier fabrics and fewer embellishments.
This particular quilt is composed of pieced-together fabrics, sewn together with a decorative feather stitch. Very cheerful and fun, with polychrome stitching being and a variety of fabrics. The main colors in the fabrics are reds, blues, and grays. Various flowers, a simple bird, and the initials "M.E.M." can be found embroidered into various squares. Nicely finished with a pink satin binding which likely has been added at a later date.
In very good condition, signs of wear consistent with age. Has a light and airy handle, consistent with crazy quilts.
Size: 4'7" x 4'10" [139.7 x 147.32cm]
Age: Late 19th Century
Country of Origin: NE United States
Type of Textile: Quilt
Material: Misc Fabrics
Pile Height: N/A
Condition: Very Good, pink perimeter likely added at a later date
TX374
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