This quilt measures approximately 73"X73".  It is made up of 16 14" Dove In The Window blocks framed by 4" sashing strips and 2" outer border.  Four inch star blocks are placed at the sashing intersections.   The outer border is pieces with white rectangles at the end of each sashing strip.  There are only two fabrics used in this quilt.   The background is bleach muslin.  The second fabric is dark red print with a small scale yellow and black geometric shapes. 

 

  The stitching is very nice with about 10 stitches per inch.   The piecing is not as precise.  Not all the point meet perfectly.  Some of this may be due to wear and tear and not the quilter. 

 

I do not know the exact history of this quilt but estimate the quilt was made sometime between 1882 and 1910. I referenced Dating Fabrics, A Color Guide 1800-1960 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain for fabric dating.  I find very similar fabrics in the 1830-1860 period.  

 

Fabric Detail

 

The name Dove in the Window has been given to various block patterns.   The one used in this quilt is referenced in both The Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns compiled by Barbara Brackman and 101 Patchwork Patterns by Ruby McKim; however, no date is referenced.  Better Homes and Gardens' Quilting Pieces of the Past includes a picture of a 1900 vintage quilt using this pattern.      

 

This quilt has very similar qualities to the Flying Geese and Stars quilt .  It was likely made by Carolena Winters Newkirk or her mother Mary Elizabeth Hoffman Winters.   Since the family immigrated to the US in 1882, it is likely the quilt was made between after 1882 and likely around the turn of the century.

 

Click here to read the Dove In The Window story.

 

Click here to download pattern and instructions.