Images(3)

Quilt, Crazy

Date1883

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania (possibly)

MediumSilks; silk ribbon; beads; silk chenille, and metallic embroidery threads

DimensionsOH 65 1/2" x OW 54 1/2" (166 x 138 cm)

Credit LineGift of Foster and Muriel McCarl

Object number2006.609.12

DescriptionThis is a rectangular crazy quilt of printed and woven silks with silk ribbon, beads, and silk and metallic embroidery. The quilt consists of 30 blocks filled with motifs reflecting interests in nature, gardening, and the Orient, such as peacock feathers, fans, water lilies, and pansies. Embroidered in the top left corner is the message "Silken rest/ lie all thy/ cares up." In the bottom left corner is the German inscription, "NICHT REICHIHUM SONDERN ZUFRIEDEN HEIT." Embroidered in metallic threads in the block in the fourth row, third one in is the date 1883. Embroidered in the bottom right corner block is the monogram "ACP," possibly for the unknown maker or owner of the quilt. The quilt is bound with a wide border of green silk velvet and backed in a gold pattern-woven silk. Decorative stitches add embellishment as well as cover the seams. It is not quilted

Stitches: buttonhole, chain, couched, cross, double cross, fly, French knots, herringbone, lazy daisy, satin, Turkey work
Label TextCovers of this type have long been known as "crazy quilts," an appropriate term for the apparent disregard of overall design and the hodgepodge of irregularly shaped fabric swatches traditionally used in them. Actually, the construction of a crazy quilt was usually well thought out and designed. This example is filled with popular motifs of the period that reflected the fashionable interests in nature, gardening, and Asia. Embroidered in the right bottom corner is the monogram "ACP," probably for the unknown maker or owner of this crazy quilt. At the top left corner is the inscription "Silken rest/ lie all thy/ cares up." Decorative embroidery stitches such as buttonhole, fly, chain, and French knots embellish the throw as well as cover the seams.
InscribedIn the top left corner is"Silken rest/ lie all thy/ cares up."
In the top right corner is the German inscription, "NICHT REICHIHUM SONDERN ZUFRIEDEN HEIT."
In the bottom right corner block is the monogram "ACP."
ProvenanceNothing is known of the quilt's provenance or if the German inscription indicates that the maker was of German heritage. The donors purchased many of their quilts and coverlets in Pennsylvania.