Pillow Cover with Ruffle

Date1840-1860

MediumPlain and printed cottons

Dimensions17 1/2" x 31 1/2" (44 x 80 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1979.610.4

DescriptionThis is a white cotton pillow cover with an open end. The pillow case is embellished with a pieced large circular variation of the Mariner's Compass pattern in green and bright yellow printed cottons. The piecing is done in a back stitch using 1/8-inch seams. A deep ruffle with piped heading trims the open end. The ruffle has a 7/8-inch hem. "M C" is embroidered in red thread in cross stitch on the reverse of the cover.
Label TextThis variation of the Mariner's Compass pattern required sewing several curved seams, a challenge for any seamstress. Not as well-known today as contemporaneous pieced quilts and rarely quilted themselves, pieced pillow covers were sometimes made to match or coordinate with a particular bedcover. They were especially popular in Pennsylvania. The companion pillow cover presumably made to match this one is now missing, as is any quilt originally associated with them. Although the cover is marked "M C" in red cross stitches on its reverse, no history of ownership is known.
Markings"M C" in red cross stitches
ProvenanceAlthough the cover is marked "M C" in red cross stitches on its reverse, no history of ownership is known. The pillow cover is a gift of anonymous donor.