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 quilting peaked in the late 1800s, first with upper-class women who had the time to fully unleash creativity 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 42 squares of pieced-together fabrics, sewn together with a decorative feather stitch. It is multicolor, very cheerful, and fun, with the stitching being done in a variety of thread tones.
In very good condition, signs of wear are consistent with age. Backed with fabric. Has a light and airy handle, consistent with crazy quilts.
Special Provenance: Nelson Family, Portland, Oregon
Part of a collection of four quilts made by one person and passed down as family heirlooms. A portrait of the maker was saved by the family and can be seen in the last image. According to an oral history, the pieces were all made by the great-aunt of Mr. Nelson's mother.
Size: 5'8" x 6'9" [173cm x 206cm]
Age: 19th Century
Origin: NE United States
Type of Textile: Crazy Quilt
Material: Misc Fabrics
Condition: Very good
TX465
Check out our Pre-1900 and North American Craft collections!
