Images(2)

Quilt, Pieced Doll

Dateca. 1875

OriginAmerica

MediumPlain and printed cottons

DimensionsOH: 18 5/8" x OW: 18 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Joy Shott

Object number2017.609.15

DescriptionThis is a doll quilt with an eight point star design, made of plain and printed cottons in green, blue, brown, white, red, orange, rust, and yellow. These printed cottons feature small geometrics, stripes, checks, and small florals. There are 25 blocks of eight-pointed stars alternating with 20 blocks of green printed cotton with an apple-like motif. The outer blocks of the quilt are half squares of the same green fabric. It is quilted in parallel, horizontal, and vertical lines of seven to eight stitches per inch. The quilt is lined in plain white and has batting, along with a rust colored, patterned fabric trim that is folded half an inch.
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.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceOther than donor, there is no known provenance.