Quilt, Appliquéd and Pieced, Carolina Lily
Dateca. 1850
MediumPlain and printed cottons with cotton quilting stitches (fiber identification by microscope)
DimensionsOH: 79 1/2" x OW: 82"
Credit LineGift of F.G. and Kathy O. Summitt
Object number2023.609.1
DescriptionThis is an almost square appliquéd and pieced quilt consisting of sixteen blocks on point of pieced lilies and appliquéd stems alternating with blocks of a small, patterned blue and white printed cotton. The blocks measure approximately 11 3/8" square. The pattern is known as Carolina Lily or North Carolina Lily. The cover is quilted in 7-9 stitches per inch in a pattern of parallel diagonal lines and outline. The backing is made up of three panels of approximately 28-inches wide plain white cotton. It is brought to the front to form an edging. All hand stitching.Label TextVariations of the basic pieced three blossom flower with appliquéd or pieced stems has been popular since the mid nineteenth century. The pattern is most often called Carolina Lily or North Carolina Lily. The name probably derives from the botanical Carolina lily, a flower that grows throughout the Carolinas and is the state wildflower of North Carolina. Not all quilts in a Carolina Lily pattern, however, were made in the Carolinas. The pattern was popular throughout the quilt-making community. This quilt was found in Indiana and may have been created there.
ProvenancePurchased by donors in Indiana.
ca. 1856
ca. 1800; quilted 1825-1850
1847-1853
1871-1872
after 1840
1840-1855
