Quilt Top, Appliquéd

DateCa. 1855

Artist/Maker Sarah Elizabeth Haines Dunham

Artist/Maker Theodore Runyon Dunham

OriginAmerica, New Jersey

MediumCotton

Dimensions84" x 77" (213.4 cm. x 195.6 cm.)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. John D. Green

Object number1972.609.3

DescriptionUnhemmed quilt top without batting or backing. The applique stitching was done by hand in solid red cottons on white ground in shapes of snowflakes, baskets, oak leaf, and other designs. Thirty-six whole and nineteen partial applique designs are set on point, separated by red sashing. The piecing was done by machine, using 1/4-inch seams.
Label TextThe symmetrical snowflake-like motifs incorporated in this quilt top have been cut out of red cotton and appliqued to the center of each white square with a tiny hem stitch. Quilts such as this made from folded-and-cut paper templates are believed to have influenced Hawaiian Quilts.
MarkingsNone found.
ProvenanceDescended in the family to last owner and donor, Mrs. John D. Green, who was a great-granddaughter of the quilt top's makers. According to family tradition, Theodore Dunham (ca. 1834-ca. 1892) designed and cut out the applique patterns for this quilt top, whereas his wife Sarah (ca. 1837-ca. 1916) is said to have been responsible for the stitching.