CONJS15 Center Medallion Early English Design Quilt
c.1862
81 x 81 inches
Berk's County, Pennsylvania
$2,850

Quilting came to us from England and this is a typical early English pieced design. Today quilting personifies American Folk Art as we have developed the art to a high level..in technique, design and quilting. American quilts are sought after in many countries around the world.

This design starts with a prominent center design and then radiates out from there with numerous other patterns. In this example there are 10 different patterns radiating out from the center. All piecing was executed by hand. The maker must not have liked to quilt as this mint condition piece of textile art was not backed until the 1880's. This changes the value of any quilt. If this pieced top was quilted when started the value would be much higher. I have a feeling that the person who originally purchased this piece was not aware of this fact.

The Center pieced pattern consists of 100.. 1-1/2" split squares, the next row is a 1-3/4 ".. miniature 4 Patch..then a 1-1/2" row of Split Squares going in the opposite direction of the center of the same design..then a repeat of the 4 square design measuring 1-3/4"..next is a 2-1/4" double row of triangles ...then a row measuring 2-1/4" of Broken Dishes in a double pink and a over-dyed green Calico ..then The Variable Star pattern 7" X 7" and separated by a row of 1-3/8" squares.. then a row of the Flying Geese pattern measuring 3-1/4"...then a row of Nine Patch On Point measuring 6-1/2"...then a row of Four Patch blocks measuring 3-1/4" in width...the outer row of Split Triangular Squares measures 2-1/2 " including the 1/4" binding.

The backing is a 1880's conversation print of strawberries! I wish the maker had quilted this top when completed, but, I am assuming, as in so many cased the amazing creator of designs did not like to quilt. This mint condition quilt is ready to be sent, with free shipping, for your approval.

Betsey Telford-Goodwin's Rocky Mountain Quilts Home Page