Images(2)

Quilt, Pieced Doll, Bowtie

Date1860-1880

OriginAmerica

MediumPlain and printed cottons

DimensionsOH: 14 3/8 in.; OW: 13 1/4 in.

Credit LineGift of Joy Shott

Object number2017.609.12

DescriptionThis is a quilt with a "bow tie" design made in a variety of plain and printed cottons in pink, blue, brown, white, red, green, black, yellow, and orange. The cottons feature stripes, small geometrics, paisley, small florals, and checked patterns. There are 30 blocks, each made up of four triangles consisting of two sets of two different cottons. They have been quilted in squares with tan and white thread at 8 stitches per inch. The quilt has brown striped and checked sashing at both sides, but not at the top or bottom. It has a plain lining. The quilt has a knife edge finish and thin batting.
Label TextDoll quilts were made by both mothers and daughters. Often these quilts were used as teaching tools, allowing girls to learn the art of quilt making while also preparing them for their future roles as mothers. Quilts made by children would usually be patchwork as opposed to appliqué. Like many toys, these quilts were small versions of their full-size counterparts and often mimicked the styles that were popular during the time they were made. This quilt is in a pattern known as Bow Tie.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceOther than donor, there is no known provenance.