Wholecloth Quilt
QuiltmakerAttributed to
Sylvia Punderson
American, 1769 - 1826
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Eliza Maria Punderson
American, 1804 - 1884
Date1800-1825
MediumHand-stitched, plain-woven glazed worsted, or tammy; plain-woven wool; gold worsted thread
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 102 x 89 1/2in. (259.1 x 227.3cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Chandlee Ergood
DescriptionWholecloth quilt consisting of a pink, plain-woven glazed worsted, or tammy, top, batting, and a domestically-produced, plain-woven, gold wool backing; these three layers are hand-stitched together with gold worsted in an elaborate quilted pattern. The quilted pattern includes a large cornucopia in the center with a large spray of flowers and vines emerging from it. This is surrounded on four sides by a border of undulating vines with leaves, then a border of flowers and grapes on stems, then a scalloped border at the side and bottom edges of the quilt. The background consists of a field of diagonal lines.
The top consists of four panels of tammy. The backing consists of pieces of plain-woven light brown wool that are sewn together. Each edge of the quilt is finished with a knife edge.
Condition: The glazing on the tammy has worn unevenly. The tammy is stained and lightly faded. There is one hole punched through the top, batting, and backing. The backing has heavier stains and some small scattered tears.
The top consists of four panels of tammy. The backing consists of pieces of plain-woven light brown wool that are sewn together. Each edge of the quilt is finished with a knife edge.
Condition: The glazing on the tammy has worn unevenly. The tammy is stained and lightly faded. There is one hole punched through the top, batting, and backing. The backing has heavier stains and some small scattered tears.
Object number1980.9.1
InscribedThe top left corner of the backing has cross-stitched initials in brown thread, including an "M", that run off the edge of the quilt.Collections
- Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840
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