Textiles

Coverlet

The 50,000 objects in the textile collections fall into two main categories: raw fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and machines, tools, and other textile technology. Shawls, coverlets, samplers, laces, linens, synthetics, and other fabrics are part of the first group, along with the 400 quilts in the National Quilt Collection. Some of the Museum's most popular artifacts, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and the gowns of the first ladies, have an obvious textile connection.

The machinery and tools include spinning wheels, sewing machines, thimbles, needlework tools, looms, and an invention that changed the course of American agriculture and society. A model of Eli Whitney's cotton gin, made by the inventor in the early 1800s, shows the workings of a machine that helped make cotton plantations profitable in the South and encouraged the spread of slavery.

Date: 1860s

lace

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860
ID Number
TE.T16216
catalog number
T16216.000

Lake Shore and Southern Railway Coverlet, after 1868

This Jacquard, red, white, blue, and green double-cloth lap coverlet features a scalloped centerfield. “L. S. R. R. SLEEPING CAR” is woven into the innermost border.
Description
This Jacquard, red, white, blue, and green double-cloth lap coverlet features a scalloped centerfield. “L. S. R. R. SLEEPING CAR” is woven into the innermost border. There is a large middle border made up of what appears to be a representation of the Michigan State Capitol building flanked by pairs of turkeys. The corners each feature a pair of deer—a buck and doe. The shorter ends of the middle border feature acorns and oak leaves and interconnected birds. The interconnected birds suggest an altered Jacquard punch-card set. There is fringe along the bottom edge. "L.S.R.R." stands for the Lakeshore and Southern Railway. The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, founded in 1833, developed into a conglomeration of other railroads in the Northern Ohio, Michigan region. The Cleveland, Painesville and Ashtabula Railroad (CP&ARR) would eventually be incorporated into that system. In 1868, the railroad leased the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad and renamed itself Lakeshore and Southern Railway. It is this time period in which this coverlet was woven for use in the sleeping cars of the railway’s passenger cars.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860s-1870s
date made
after 1868
ID Number
TE.T12744
catalog number
T12744.000
accession number
240289

Overshot coverlet panel, Civil War era

Blue and white overshot coverlet panel or length. According to the donor, this coverlet was acquired whole during the Civil War by Union officer, Capt. Peter Stamats during General Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Stamats took this coverlet from an evacuated enemy encampment.
Description
Blue and white overshot coverlet panel or length. According to the donor, this coverlet was acquired whole during the Civil War by Union officer, Capt. Peter Stamats during General Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Stamats took this coverlet from an evacuated enemy encampment. Stamats is a grandfather of the donor. This blue and white overshot coverlet panel was woven in a pattern similar to “Seven Stars.” When Capt. Stamats returned home, he separated the coverlet into panels and gave them to his three children. The panel measures 93 inches by 26.25 inches. All of the yarns, both the cotton ground warp and weft and the wool supplementary weft yarns are Z-spun singles. It is possible that this coverlet was produced by enslaved weavers.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
date made
mid 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T12724
catalog number
T12724.000
accession number
238999

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.045
catalog number
033675.045
accession number
70138

1840 - 1860 Block-printed Cotton Quilt

The top of this quilt is cotton, block printed and painted in England or France in the late 18th century. The floral, tree, and bird motifs were popular for fabrics at that time.
Description
The top of this quilt is cotton, block printed and painted in England or France in the late 18th century. The floral, tree, and bird motifs were popular for fabrics at that time. Probably the fabric was originally used for bed furniture that included curtains at the sides, head, and foot, enclosing the whole bed. When these sets became worn, faded, or out-dated, the fabric was frequently recycled. The floral-designed, roller-printed fabric used for the lining is from the mid-19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16394.000
catalog number
T16394
accession number
303663
1973.303663

lace, collar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1860
ID Number
TE.T16251
catalog number
T16251.000
accession number
300957

1840 - 1860 "Pineapple" Quilt

The pineapple motif, often associated with hospitality, was pieced-and-appliqued on sixteen 13-inch white blocks for this mid-19th century quilt. The blocks are framed by appliqued swags with small pineapples and buds, also of orange and green cottons.
Description
The pineapple motif, often associated with hospitality, was pieced-and-appliqued on sixteen 13-inch white blocks for this mid-19th century quilt. The blocks are framed by appliqued swags with small pineapples and buds, also of orange and green cottons. According to family information, it was made by the great-great-great aunt of the donor, unfortunately no name was given.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T12694
accession number
237884
catalog number
T12694

1867 Susan Rogers's Family Album Quilt

Embroidered in the lower left corner of this Brooklyn, New York, quilt is the quilter's name, "Susan Rogers," with the date "1867." Each of the twenty-five blocks has a different design and most of them contain an embroidered name or initials of a family member.
Description
Embroidered in the lower left corner of this Brooklyn, New York, quilt is the quilter's name, "Susan Rogers," with the date "1867." Each of the twenty-five blocks has a different design and most of them contain an embroidered name or initials of a family member. The quilt was donated to the Museum by the wife of Susan Rogers's great-great-grandson.
A tree filled with birds is the detailed design of the block containing Susan Rogers's name. On one of the branches there is a robin holding a worm in its beak, and a nest with three open-mouthed baby birds begging to be fed, while a seated cat waits patiently below. Other blocks contain appliquéd symbols of military service or membership in benevolent and fraternal organizations. Seven of the blocks contain tiny appliquéd United States flags as part of their patriotic designs. The majority of the blocks have floral motifs. The name "Nellie," Susan's thirteen-year-old granddaughter is embroidered under a basket of flowers. Another floral motif block has the initials "E L," probably for Emma Louise, Susan's ten-year-old granddaughter. A vase decorated with the image of a young boy, cut from printed cotton, and filled with flowers, has "Mother" embroidered underneath it.
The focus of the album quilt, the center block, is a decorated tree. The presents or decorations include baskets of fruit and flowers, oranges, stockings, a cane, a candy cane, a ladder, parasols, an umbrella, a bottle of bitters, a fish, a bird, a mitten, a slipper, a picture of a dog in an oval frame, a cat on a mat, a pipe, a watch, a bird in a cage, and other gifts. A few are marked with names or initials. Under the fenced-in base of the tree, Susan embroidered "Merry Christmas." Susan Rogers's quilt is a charming example of the mid-nineteenth-century album quilt, each block unique and personalized.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1867
quilter
Rogers, Susan
ID Number
TE.T15474
catalog number
T15474
accession number
293922

1860 - 1865 Matilda Whisler's "Whig Rose" Appliqued Quilt

Matilda Whisler appliquéd this variation of the “Whig Rose” pattern in the mid-19th century. She accentuated the pattern with outline quilting on all of the appliquéd motifs.
Description
Matilda Whisler appliquéd this variation of the “Whig Rose” pattern in the mid-19th century. She accentuated the pattern with outline quilting on all of the appliquéd motifs. Quilted feathered plumes (“Princess Feather”), diagonal lines ¼-inch apart, and clamshells on the outer edges further enhance the design. Finely quilted at 7-10 stitches per inch, hers is a typical example of the red and green quilts popular in that period.
Matilda Kramer was born in Frederick County, Va., on 18 March 1817. She married Henry Whisler, a native of Rockingham County, Va., in 1818. According to census information, they lived in Rockingham County and had three daughters and a son. Henry was a shoemaker. His son, Cambias (1846-1909) followed his father in the shoemaking trade. Henry died in 1885, and Matilda on 15 September 1898. Both are buried in Trissell’s Mennonite Church Cemetery in Rockingham County.
In 1942, the donor, one of Matilda’s daughters, wrote: “In 1861 my mother made a very beautiful quilt which is still in excellent condition. . . . I shall be glad to donate it.” Matilda’s carefully crafted quilt in the “Whig Rose” pattern was considered a “desirable specimen” by the Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-1865
maker
Whisler, Matilda Kramer
ID Number
TE.T08613
accession number
162596
catalog number
T08613

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.179
catalog number
033675.179
accession number
70138

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.031
catalog number
033675.031
accession number
70138

1860-1869 Cynthia Hobby's "Poppy" Quilt

A poppy motif dominates this pieced, appliqued and embroidered quilt, probably assembled by Cynthia Hobby (1770-1863) and quilted by her granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Hitchcock Seamans (1839-1881).
Description
A poppy motif dominates this pieced, appliqued and embroidered quilt, probably assembled by Cynthia Hobby (1770-1863) and quilted by her granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Hitchcock Seamans (1839-1881). Twenty-five 15½-inch blocks are framed by a 9-inch border that has appliqued clusters of cherries with leafy stems and is edged with pieced sawtooth bands. Fine quilting, 12 stitches per inch, outlines all the appliqued motifs. Diagonal grid and diagonal line quilting further enhance the blocks and border on this well designed quilt.
This is one of three quilts donated by the same family.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-1869
maker
Hobby, Cynthia
ID Number
TE.T13544
catalog number
T13544
accession number
257115

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
1860-10-00
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.001
catalog number
033675.001
accession number
70138

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.025
catalog number
033675.025
accession number
70138

1850 - 1860 "Four-patch" Pieced Child's Quilt

A quilt pieced in a variation of the “Four-patch” pattern, was cut down to make this crib or child size quilt (41 inches x 40 inches). A hand-sewn seam down the center joins the two sections cut from another quilt.
Description
A quilt pieced in a variation of the “Four-patch” pattern, was cut down to make this crib or child size quilt (41 inches x 40 inches). A hand-sewn seam down the center joins the two sections cut from another quilt. Roller printed cottons, the earliest dating to about 1840, along with woven and printed plaids were used for the 7 ½-inch pieced blocks. These were set diagonally, alternating with 7 ½-inch plain blocks. Filling and lining are cotton. It is quilted (8 stitches per inch) with parallel lines 1 inch apart; vertical lines on the pieced blocks, horizontal lines on the plain blocks. No separate binding, the front is turned to the back (¼-inch) and whip stitched. The small quilt is an example of recycling in the mid-nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T17347.000
catalog number
T17347.000
accession number
321804

1840 - 1860 Appliqued Quilt Blocks

Seven appliqued quilt blocks of the type found in album quilts. Each of plain-weave white cotton fabric appliqued with a four-armed conventionalized floral motif cut from printed cottons with red grounds.
Description
Seven appliqued quilt blocks of the type found in album quilts. Each of plain-weave white cotton fabric appliqued with a four-armed conventionalized floral motif cut from printed cottons with red grounds. The center of each appliqued motif is cut out, providing space on the white ground-fabric for writing a name. Five different printed fabrics have been used for the applique. Blocks D and E are of the same fabric.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
associated dates
1840 00 00+ / 1840 00 00+, 1860 00 00- / 1860 00 00-
maker
unknown
ID Number
1990.0667.12A-G
accession number
1990.0667
catalog number
1990.0667.12A-G

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.017
catalog number
033675.017
accession number
70138

1840 - 1860 "Tulip" Quilt Block

Four tulips are appliqued in plain-woven reddish-brown and dark green cottons on a plain-woven white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.Currently not on view
Description
Four tulips are appliqued in plain-woven reddish-brown and dark green cottons on a plain-woven white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E387833.00F
accession number
188128
catalog number
E387833F

1840 - 1860 "Pinwheel" Pieced Quilt

Large triangles of printed cotton, two dark and two light, were pieced to make the 11 ¼-inch blocks. The blocks are set to make a “Pinwheel” pattern across the surface of the quilt. Two corners are cut out.
Description
Large triangles of printed cotton, two dark and two light, were pieced to make the 11 ¼-inch blocks. The blocks are set to make a “Pinwheel” pattern across the surface of the quilt. Two corners are cut out. The fabrics are all plain-woven block-printed and roller-printed floral cottons. The lining consists of 5 lengths of plain-woven peach cotton. It is cotton filled, quilted 9 stitches per inch, bound with a 7/8-inch woven striped cotton tape folded over the edge and stitched with running stitch through all layers. The quilt is an example of mid-nineteenth century fabrics and design.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T17340.000
catalog number
T17340.000
accession number
321804

1849 Elspeth Duigan's White-work Quilted Counterpane

Elspeth Duigan crafted this fine example of a white-work quilt in 1849. She divided the center into 8 large and 4 small squares each enclosing stuffed floral motifs.
Description
Elspeth Duigan crafted this fine example of a white-work quilt in 1849. She divided the center into 8 large and 4 small squares each enclosing stuffed floral motifs. According to family information, she quilted the initials “E.D.” in one of the corner squares and it incorporates the date “1849” with the edge of the square a “1”, the “E” is also an “8,” the “4” is represented by the “D” (the fourth letter of the alphabet), and “9” is the top part of the “D”. The lining is a very thin cotton layer, and the motif stuffing is cotton and cotton cord. All the motifs are outlined in quilting. The background is quilted with parallel diagonal lines 3/16-inch apart, 13-14 stitches per inch.
Elspeth Duigan was born in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1831. She married Mr. Thompson in Jamestown and later they moved to Lexington, Kentucky. During the Civil War they moved further West to Lexington, Missouri. Elspeth died in 1894.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
Duigan, Elspeth
ID Number
1981.0682.01
catalog number
1981.0682.01
accession number
1981.0682

1840 - 1860 Katherine Noyes' Quilted Counterpane

Katherine Haswell Noyes quilted this mid-19th century counterpane in Vermont. It has a large quilted circle at center outlined by curving, round-ended leaves. The same leaves are used for the quilted border.
Description
Katherine Haswell Noyes quilted this mid-19th century counterpane in Vermont. It has a large quilted circle at center outlined by curving, round-ended leaves. The same leaves are used for the quilted border. The entire background is quilted in a diagonal grid with widely-scattered leaves. It has a cotton lining and filling. All motifs are outlined in quilting; the background is filled with a 5/8-inch diagonal grid. It is quilted, 10 stitches per inch. The binding is a cotton tape, folded over edge, and sewn with a running stitch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
Noyes, Katherine Haswell
ID Number
TE.T07670
accession number
135168
catalog number
T07670

1840 - 1860 "Rail Fence" Pieced Bedcover

A variety of fabrics from the mid-19th century were used for the 6 ½-inch pieced blocks in the “Double Cross” or “Mosaic” pattern. The blocks are set diagonally in strips with white triangles.
Description
A variety of fabrics from the mid-19th century were used for the 6 ½-inch pieced blocks in the “Double Cross” or “Mosaic” pattern. The blocks are set diagonally in strips with white triangles. The bedcover (no filling, no quilting) consists of these strips, joined to create a "Rail Fence" of “Zig-Zag” effect. Fabrics consist of roller-printed florals and geometrics; woven stripes, checks, plaids; and two glazed furnishing fabrics. The lining consists of three lengths of floral motif roller-printed plain-woven cotton. Most piecing on the front is done in an overcast stitch. Later fabrics (c. 1860) are pieced with a running stitch. The two layers of the bedcover are bound on the edges with a 5/8-inch (finished) straight strip of roller-printed floral cotton (one of the fabrics used for the lining), seamed to the front, whipped to the lining. The many examples of fabric design and an eye-catching arrangement of the blocks create interest on this mid-century bedcover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T17355.000
catalog number
T17355.000
accession number
321804

1840 - 1860 Floral Applique Quilt Block

The floral motif with stem and leaves is appliqued of reddish brown, orange and dark green cottons on white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.Currently not on view
Description
The floral motif with stem and leaves is appliqued of reddish brown, orange and dark green cottons on white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E387833.00E
accession number
188128
catalog number
E387833E

1840 - 1850 Powell's Quilted and Stuffed Counterpane

Martha Powell created this quilted and stuffed counterpane. Stuffed work refers to the technique of adding extra cotton wadding under the designs before quilting, resulting in a three dimensional effect.
Description
Martha Powell created this quilted and stuffed counterpane. Stuffed work refers to the technique of adding extra cotton wadding under the designs before quilting, resulting in a three dimensional effect. The center of this counterpane is a sunburst in a laurel wreath surrounded by a flowering vine. This is in turn is framed by arcs of flowering vines. Around the outside edge are baskets of fruit and sprays of flowers. It has a cotton lining and filling. All the stuffed motifs are outlined in quilting. The background is quilted in a triple diagonal grid, 11 stitches per inch. No separate binding, front brought to back 1/4" and whipped.
Martha Powell was born in DeKalb County, Georgia, on August 6 1831. She married Fielding Travis Powell (1828-1898) in 1849 or 1857. He practiced law, was a surgeon during the Civil War, and was also known for his many writings in various fields. They had two sons, and a daughter (donor of the quilt). Martha died in 1917 and is buried in Atlanta, Georgia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850
1840-1850
1840-1860
maker
Powell, Martha
ID Number
TE.T07721
accession number
136919
catalog number
T07721

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