Wholecloth Quilt
QuiltmakerProbably quilted by
Esther Lyman
American, 1750 - 1828
Date1730-1760
MediumHand-stitched, calendared satin-woven worsted, or calamanco; twill-woven wool, plain-woven wool; wool yarn
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 74 1/4 x 60in. (188.6 x 152.4cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of John T. Whitman
DescriptionWholecloth quilt constructed of a quilted petticoat that has been altered into a rectangular bed covering. The wholecloth quilt consists of a calendared satin-woven red glazed worsted, or calamanco, top, batting, and a backing; these layers have been hand-stitched together in an elaborate quilted pattern. The quilted pattern at each short side of the quilt consists of a border of flowers on a vine over a background of dense, diagonal, quilted lines; the border has a quilted edge shaped with S-curves and semi-circular curves. The remainder of the quilt has diamonds formed of widely-spaced, parallel groups of three diagonal quilted lines. Three of the four sides of the quilt have a white wool fringe.
The wholecloth quilt was constructed of a quilted petticoat that was removed from its waistband, divided into two equal sections, and assembled with the quilted hem along the short sides. A slit, once cut into the side of the petticoat near the waist to allow the wearer to access a hanging pocket, was sewn up. The top is formed of eight panels of calamanco. The backing is constructed of five panels, each of twill-woven plaid wool, plain-woven undyed wool, or red calamanco. The wool fringe was added at the time the petticoat was turned into a quilt.
Condition: The borders at the short ends of the quilt, or the hem of the petticoat, are well worn, faded and stained. Additional holes in the top and backing are scattered through the center of the quilt. A rectangular strip of cotton is added to the back of the quilt, at one short side.
The wholecloth quilt was constructed of a quilted petticoat that was removed from its waistband, divided into two equal sections, and assembled with the quilted hem along the short sides. A slit, once cut into the side of the petticoat near the waist to allow the wearer to access a hanging pocket, was sewn up. The top is formed of eight panels of calamanco. The backing is constructed of five panels, each of twill-woven plaid wool, plain-woven undyed wool, or red calamanco. The wool fringe was added at the time the petticoat was turned into a quilt.
Condition: The borders at the short ends of the quilt, or the hem of the petticoat, are well worn, faded and stained. Additional holes in the top and backing are scattered through the center of the quilt. A rectangular strip of cotton is added to the back of the quilt, at one short side.
Object number1963.8.2
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