This quilt’s maker embroidered “USA” and “1942” on two wide blue blocks near the quilt’s center. Possibly her son or husband served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and her quiltmaking helped her cope with his absence.

In other blocks she embroidered nautical and patriotic designs, including anchors, compasses, eagles, airplanes, and the letter “V” with Morse Code below. The embroidered ships are from Ruby McKim’s “American Ships” patterns, first published in 1937.”

Quilts with military emblems or with prominent red-white-and-blue designs echoed the government’s Victory propaganda that promoted the purchase of war bonds, planting gardens, saving food, and general thriftiness as acts of patriotism.