CONJS16 Stuffed Wreaths and Feathers Quilt
c.1855
81 x 84 inches
Pennsylvania
$4,800

This is definitely a one of a kind piece of textile Art! Created around 1855 by a woman from a wealthy family and I am surmising a woman with a vibrant personality. We know wealth due to the fabrics, the time to create this masterpiece and the education to execute what we see here.

There are 9...13" wide Stuffed Feathered Wheels that remind me of the wooden wheels used in the 1800's textile mills. Was the creator of this totally unique quilt the wife or daughter of a Mill owner?

Each of the 9..13" wheels was quilted and stuffed first and then appliqued onto a 21" square of an off white fabric. Each Wheel consists of 5 sections ..and created from Turkey Red, Chrome Orange and a Tobacco dyed Green. Each quilted section was separately stuffed before being appliqued. The Green was the only fabric that I feel was prewashed as the original color would have been darker. The applique stitches are so tiny one can hardly see them.

The outer 11" border contains 20..stuffed Feathered designs also quilted..they were stuffed before being appliqued onto the border. The same fabrics are used here as in the Wheels. The Feathers measure approximately 7" X 4-1/2". The border is quilted first by a double line outline quilting pattern around each Feather. The main body of the border has a diagonal crosshatch pattern in a 1/2" grid. The joining seam of this quilt was quilted with a meandering leaf vine that overlaps the seam. The quilting is abundant, even and nicely executed, but not tiny. There are numerous quilting designs throughout the quilt almost all of them double line quilted, usually indicative of an Earlier Era.

An amazing original piece of Art that, I feel, would become a major conversation piece in one's home. This quilt should be hung due to the three dimensional stuffed work and the fact that the stuffing makes this a very heavy piece. I cannot imagine having this on a bed that is actually used.

This mint condition major piece of textile art is ready to be sent to your home for approval, with free shipping.

Betsey Telford-Goodwin's Rocky Mountain Quilts Home Page