"Year of the Quilt" at the American Folk Art Museum (Installment 3)

These pictures are of quilts from Part I of the Quilts--Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The exhibit is available until April 24, 2011. I hope you enjoy this quick look at some of the quilts in the exhibit. (Remember, you can click the picture to get a better look.)

LOG CABIN QUILTS

Log Cabin quilt designs are among the most popular and easily recognized of all quilt patterns. Beginning with a center shape, usually a square, the traditional design is made by sewing strips in sequence around the sides of the square, varying the values between light and dark. (Information from Jane Hall at http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/logcabin.htm)

This "log cabin quilt" is made of silk and satin material. It was made between 1890 and 1900. This is considered a "show" quilt intended for decorative use only and was removed from the bed before sleeping.

"Barn Raising" was made by Sarah Olmstead King between 1875-1885. It is made of silk, velvet, satin, and ribbon. I really liked the striped brown fabric used in the border.

This is an example of a "pineapple" block. It may also be called a "windmill" block because of the placement of color. This quilt was made between 1885-1920 from cotton, wool, and silks including satin and velvet. I have always loved pineapple blocks. I remember taking a class where we drafted and made a pineapple block. I don't remember exactly how many hours it took to do one block, but it took the better part of a day! I have a real respect for these early quiltmakers--no rotary cutters, acrylic templates, or pre-printed foundation sheets.

"Everything old is new again"...I've heard that saying. I hear people talking about painting on quilts and acting like that is a new concept--it isn't. This "Stenciled Quilt" was made by Olivia Dunham Barnes (1807-1887) between 1825 and 1835. These old stenciled quilts were primarily from New England and New York State.

 Close up of stenciled quilt.

I just loved this quilt. "Slashed Star Quilt" was made by Sara Maartz in 1872. It is a variation on a Mariner's Compass quilt. I can't imagine making this quilt without modern quilting conveniences.

Here is a closeup of one of the blocks. The quilt was very closely hand quilted.

Check back. I have more pictures of the exhibit to share with you.