Images(2)

Quilt, PIeced Doll or Pillow Cover

Dateca. 1855

OriginAmerica

MediumPlain cottons

DimensionsOH: 19 3/8" x OW: 28 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Joy Shott

Object number2017.609.16

DescriptionThis is a small pieced doll quilt or pillow cover consisting of plain white and faded red cottons. The overall pattern of the quilt design is a variation of the Delectable Mountains pattern. The quilt has no batting. It is quilted in zigzags, triangles, scallops, and parallel lines in eight running stitches per inch. It is finished with a knife edge.
Label TextThis quilted object may either be a doll quilt or a pillow cover. Doll 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. The same can be said about pillow covers, which, if quilted, were usually for decorative purposes. The cover is in a pattern known as Delectable Mountains.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceOther than donor, there is no known provenance.