Appliqué Clues
These appliqué templates cut from newsprint were found with Bird of Paradise (dated 1858–1863), the quilt top they were used to create. See the quilt top. Because a template of a male figure is part of the collection but was not incorporated into the design, Elizabeth speculates the Civil War Era quilt was intended for a wedding that may never have taken place. Some of these templates, such as the elephant, suggest the quiltmaker may have been influenced by a traveling circus. Later findings have verified that an elephant named Hanible traveled in a circus in the Hudson Valley region of New York state, where the quilt most likely was made, during the same time period.
Photo: Bird of Paradise templates. Artist unidentified. Vicinity of Albany, New York; 1858–1863. Gift of the trustees, 1979.7.1. Courtesy of Rizzoli and the American Folk Art Museum.
Continued on Page 3: Not So Crazy
More to check out:
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
Editors’ Favorite Quilting Books
British Art Quilts |
© Copyright
, 
connect with us