Another of the fantastic exhibits at the American Museum. The label stated that this was made in the late 19th century in the Great Lakes area; the beads are European, probably imported from Venice, and the pattern is derived from the stylised embroidery designs taught by French Canadian nuns to local girls.
The beads are tiny and sewn on closely together to form a solid block of colour.
I got as close as I could to the glass case so I could see all the wonderful detail.
I also wondered who would have worn such an item.
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This is a detail from another of the exhibits at the American Museum. The appliqué picture is of a family out for a walk, complete with wailing baby and grumpy dad.
The book I have says the coverlet was made in Saratoga, New York by Mrs. Peter Porter (Martha Vail) Wiggins.
This is a detail from another of the quilts at the American Museum. It was made by a lady called Alzona Maria Green in New York in about 1932. It is thought to have been made from a kit. The quilting was done by an Amish church group in Iowa.
The overall effect of the colours, soft blue and cream with pinks and greens, is wonderfully restful. No doubt it was more vibrant when it was new.
Another quilt at the American Museum, a rambling rose from the 1930s, made in Pittsburgh. I particularly liked this one for the lovely soft colours (faded, no doubt), the hand stitching around the appliqué and for the lovely delicate design of the rosebuds.
The hand embroidered detail has been so skilfully done. It is such a shame that the name of the maker isn't known.
This pretty eight-pointed star is a detail from a quilt made by a lady called Mary A. Smith in Maine in the 19th century. The quilt is made up of lots of these little stars and the colours and overall effect are totally charming. It is impossible for visitors to get good photos of the entire quilts because of the reflections, so I took pictures of details.
This design is one that is probably best sewn by hand, so I am more than happy to admire the work without feeling compelled to make one myself. I have great respect for the needlewomen who made these astonishing quilts.
The American Museum has such an interesting collection, so you can expect to see some more photos over the coming weeks.
A gorgeous piece of work in the quilt collection at the American Museum. This is one of twenty five panels of a quilt top made in Newark, New Jersey, in 1862. The leaves look particularly lifelike - it is clever use of printed leaves cut from chintz. I might have to have a rummage through my stash to see if there are any printed cottons that lend themselves to this technique...
Today we took a trip to the American Museum just outside Bath and spent hours looking at the wonderful exhibits. This pitcher (by the Buffalo Pottery Company, circa 1908) is just to give you a flavour of the place. We spent four and a half hours there, there was so much to see, not to mention the quilts...
... and this plaque on the wall outside.
More pictures coming in later posts, but if you can't visit in real life at least you can enjoy the gorgeous daffodil dress on the website.
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