Wholecloth Quilt
QuiltmakerQuilted by
Betsey Payne
(American, born 1782)
Date1808
MediumHand-stitched, twill-woven glazed wool (calamanco), plain-woven wool, wool batting, and worsted thread
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 90 x 87in. (228.6 x 221cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1985.45.0
DescriptionWholecloth quilt consisting of a dark blue, twill-woven glazed worsted wool, or calamanco, top; an interior layer of wool batting; and a domestically-produced, plain-woven, gold wool backing. These three layers are hand-stitched together with dark blue worsted thread in an elaborate quilted pattern. The quiltmaker's name, "Betsey Payne", and the date, "1808", are stitched into the pattern at the top edge of the quilt. The quilted pattern has a pomegranate or artichoke in the center. Above this are leaves on vines and a pair of pears. Below the artichoke are three sprays of leaves. The artichoke has a spray of leaves to either side. Both sides and the bottom of the quilt have a border of slanted lobes, or leaves. The background consists of a field of diagonal lines.
The quilt top consists of four panels of calamanco. The backing consists of three large panels of plain-woven, gold wool and at least two additional strips of the same fabric. All four edges of the quilt are finished with a knife edge.
Condition: The glazing on the calamanco has worn unevenly. There is some minor discoloration on the quilt top. Small and medium-sized holes and tears are scattered across the blue calamanco and have been repaired with dark blue thread. There are scattered small holes on the back of the quilt.
The quilt top consists of four panels of calamanco. The backing consists of three large panels of plain-woven, gold wool and at least two additional strips of the same fabric. All four edges of the quilt are finished with a knife edge.
Condition: The glazing on the calamanco has worn unevenly. There is some minor discoloration on the quilt top. Small and medium-sized holes and tears are scattered across the blue calamanco and have been repaired with dark blue thread. There are scattered small holes on the back of the quilt.
Label TextThis calamanco quilt was made in 1808 by Betsey Payne (b. 1782), probably of Lebanon, Connecticut. She likely made it in anticipation of her wedding, on 7 June 1808, to Jonathan Hatch (1777-1833), also of Lebanon.
The calamanco top is quilted in elaborate floral designs, with the maker's name and the date quilted at the top, "Betsy 18 / 08 Payne." Calamanco was a fine, imported woolen fabric that was used for both furnishings, such as bed coverings and upholstery, and costume items, such as petticoats and waistcoats. The backing of the quilt is a coarse, buff-colored wool that was possibly homespun.
The calamanco top is quilted in elaborate floral designs, with the maker's name and the date quilted at the top, "Betsy 18 / 08 Payne." Calamanco was a fine, imported woolen fabric that was used for both furnishings, such as bed coverings and upholstery, and costume items, such as petticoats and waistcoats. The backing of the quilt is a coarse, buff-colored wool that was possibly homespun.
Status
Not on view
