CONRG1 Log Cabin Straight Furrows Quilt

c.1850
60 x 73 inches
North Carolina
$3,200

My first reaction to this quilt, other that it is truly amazing, is how did it survive the Civil War in perfect unused condition?

The wool Challis fabrics used to create this masterpiece were incredibly expensive, as they still are today. Challis fabrics are created from silk threads and merino wool threads. This knowledge lets us know that the family was wealthy and the woman of the household had the means and the time to create this quilt. Added to this is the fact that they did not need to use it and could actually save it in a time where textiles were at a premium. Another fact is that there is a whole cloth backing of wool Challis which could have made an entire other quilt, instead it was used as the backing.

The quilt blocks are approximately 11" square. It is ironic that this quilt is so folksy in construction and design while coming from an affluent family. The piecing is all by hand as is the quilting. Most of the pieces have quilting straight through the middle of the piece, believed to be from homespun cotton thread. The fabrics are so amazing that one does not see the quilting. The border was created from two different fabrics on the diagonal, measuring approximately 2-1/2" X 4-1/4". The binding is turned over from back to front and measures 3/8".

This incredible piece of textile art is in perfect, unused condition, and ready to be sent for your approval with free shipping.