This hand-pieced Crazy patchwork bedcover incorporates many different decorations, prayers, and affectionate messages. It also includes several Stevengraph silks. They were woven in Coventry, England, by the firm of Thomas Stevens, and were very popular from the mid to late 1800s. The embroidery on the quilt includes references to dates and places, most likely birth dates and homes of family members, and a British and an American flag. A dark navy velvet top was added by the family probably during 1960s in order that it could be used as a hanging.

A quilt like this was sometimes referred to as a "conversation" quilt, brought out when a friend or relative came to visit, as the dates and names would spark off conversation and reminiscences.

Image courtesy National Museums NI

Pattern: 
Crazy quilt
Maker: 
Maker unidentified
Circa
1890
1900
Made in
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Belfast
HOYFM 148.1991