While the number and range of silk fabrics is impressive, the embroidery is the most charming and absorbing aspect of this quilt. A great number of the typical Crazy quilt motifs are represented—paddle fans, owls, swallows, dogs, moons, and a host of naturalistic flowers—whose patterns were widely available from magazines and stamping companies. What is more interesting, however, is the amusing assortment of everyday objects embroidered on it: a sled; a pair of scissors; a shoe; a boot; a baby’s pram; a pair of glasses; a cutlery set; a violin; and a multi-blade pocket knife partially opened. It also features a geisha-like figure, one that is repeated almost exactly on the dated 1883 quilt, also in this image carousel.

Pattern: 
Crazy Quilt
Maker: 
Maker unidentified
Dated
1884
Possibly made in
Mt. Clemens
Michigan
United States
76
63
International Quilt Museum, Ardis and Robert James Collection
1997.007.0552