Coverlet and Matching Sham
Textile MakerMade by
Mrs. Nancy A. Allen
American
Dateabout 1895-1920
MediumHand-stitched cotton, embroidered with cotton floss
DimensionsComponent (height x width of coverlet): 79 x 79in. (200.7 x 200.7cm)
Component (height x width of sham): 28 x 56 3/4in. (71.1 x 144.1cm)
Component (height x width of sham): 28 x 56 3/4in. (71.1 x 144.1cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Allen II
DescriptionCoverlet and pillow sham set, made of muslin embroidered in outline stitch with red cotton floss. The coverlet (.a) is made from 36 embroidered squares, with three-inch-wide sashing between squares and along the outer edge, creating a border. Featherstitch is embroidered around the outer edge of the coverlet and along each seam between the sashing and squares. All other embroidery is a small outline stitch. Each of the 36 squares has a different design, including people, animals, insects, birds, and plants. The sashing has a repeated design, 8 3/4 inches long, of waterlilies, buds, and leaves. The designs were marked with blue ink, which is visible on both the front and back.
The pillow sham (.b) is embroidered with a featherstitch around the entire edge, with a second (inner) border four inches from the edge. Inside the second border are waterlilies, with buds and leaves, approximately 3 1/2 inches deep, depicted with small outline stitches. The center design is of a holly branch with berries and two birds, one perched and the other flying. The blue ink used to draw the pattern is evident in a few areas on both the front and back.
The pillow sham (.b) is embroidered with a featherstitch around the entire edge, with a second (inner) border four inches from the edge. Inside the second border are waterlilies, with buds and leaves, approximately 3 1/2 inches deep, depicted with small outline stitches. The center design is of a holly branch with berries and two birds, one perched and the other flying. The blue ink used to draw the pattern is evident in a few areas on both the front and back.
Object number2003.18.2a-b
MarkingsHand-written paper label basted to coverlet reads, "Mrs. Nancy A. Allen, / Hazardville, / Conn."Subject Terms
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