Quilt, Blue Wool Wholecloth

Date1780-1830

MediumWool with linen marking stitches

DimensionsOverall (L x W): 101 3/4 x 90 1/2 in. (258.4 x 229.9cm) 6 running stitches per inch

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-121

DescriptionThis rectangular quilt is made of a worsted glazed blue top and a gold back, both woven in plain weave. The quilt has a series of band borders, all with undulating flowers or feathers and anthemion motifs. The outermost border has a feather design; the next has a variety of stylized flowers alternating with grape clusters, with a large fuschia-like flower at each corner; the inner border has stylized flowers and buds. The center has an 8-pointed star within a circle of feathers. The quilting is done in running stitches using indigo-dyed linen thread. The background quilting is done in parallel rows of diagonal stitching, which reverse direction at various points. The quilt is marked on the front in linen with the initials “HS” over an undecipherable letter or number.
Label TextQuilts whose tops consist of a single piece of cloth (or at least sizable pieced sections of the same kind of cloth) are often called wholecloth quilts. The plainness of their grounds creates a showcase for beautiful quilting patterns. This wool textile was pressed or glazed before quilting, resulting in a shiny surface that further shows off the quilting, which is done in a running stitch using indigo-dyed linen thread.

MarkingsCross stitched in natural linen near one end: "SH" or "HS"
ProvenancePurchased from Sarah H. Andrews, Ashaway, Rhode Island, 1957.