Patch & Cross-Stitch Quilt

Datec. 1898

DimensionsOverall: 153 x 163.2 cm

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Alice Sovereign, London, Ontario, 1973

Object number1973.010.002

Label TextElizabeth Virley’s crazy quilt spread illustrates changes in taste that occurred at the turn of the 20th century. The dark, ornate crazy quilts, made with silk satin and velvet, popular in the last third of the 19th century fell out of fashion. Arbiters of good taste advocated simplicity in household furnishings. Expressing this trend in the crazy quilt form, women chose cotton and wool fabrics as well as lighter colours. If they outlined seams with embroidery, as Virley did, they often chose a simple cross stitch. Although there is no batting in this spread, its flannel backing suggests it provided some warmth. This fit with the new Arts and Crafts trend of the early 1900s, which encouraged function as well as beauty.

NameQuilt

CopyrightPhoto Credit: Alex Walker