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These quilts
came from Louise Harding's attic. Click
here to read more about Louise's family.
We discovered two identical
quilts in Louise's attic. Both are red and
white, horizontal layout, straight line quilting. As expected the block is identified by a variety of
names: Album, Chimney Sweep, Friendship Chain, and Christian Cross*. The
quilts have six rows of six blocks and measures approximately 70"x70".
One of the quilts is in relatively good condition with only slight
discoloration and stains from storage. The other was obviously
used. The color has faded, the fabric is worn and some edges are
tattered.
Ruby McKim's book, 101 Patchwork Patterns,
copyright 1962, includes an album block similar to the Harding quilts.
The book describes the pattern as "a real old-timer. It's original
purpose was for a gift for a bride-to-be. A group of friends would get
together and each would piece a block and embroider her name upon it!"
An interesting note is McKim's description states the blocks are 10 1/2 inch
blocks set diagonally with alternate white blocks. The Harding quilts
follow the same design. The
blocks are approximately 11" but it's reasonable to think they may have
originally been 10 1/2" and stretched over time .
We know the Harding family
quilted for others. Is it possible the quilts were made to sell but
never sold? Why was one quilt used and the other stored? Albums
seemed to be important to the family. Not only did they compile photo
albums but signature albums. These little books are simply small
albums containing signatures, we assume of family and friends. But why
are there no signatures on these quilts? Maybe it isn't a
signature block...maybe it is a chimney sweep block. We can only
imagine. The album block can be dated as early as 1890s* but it is hard to identify a time period for these quilts. My best guess is the quilts were made between 1880 and 1910.
I hope you enjoyed the
story. Please send comments to - charlena@doveinthewindow.com
*reference books: Maggie Malone, 5500 Quilt Block Designs Barbara Brackman, Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns Eileen Jahnke Trestain, Dating Fabrics, a Color Guide 1800-1960 Ruby McKim, 101 Patchwork Patterns |
To view additional quilts or stories about the women who made them click on the links at the top of this page.