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: 1950s

1900 - 1950 "Princess Feather" Pieced and Appliqued Quilt

Pattern block names vary by era and region. Variations on traditional or classical block patterns are always evolving with new names.
Description
Pattern block names vary by era and region. Variations on traditional or classical block patterns are always evolving with new names. In this variation of the "Princess Feather" pattern, eight appliqued feathers surround an 8-pointed pieced star center in each of the four blocks that comprise this quilt. The 6 ¾-inch border has alternating appliqued feathers and pieced half stars. The quilting consists of 6, 8 and 16 petal flowers, hearts, teardrops, and medallions. The feathers and stars have outline and echo line quilting. A simple palate of yellow, green and white cottons were used for the design.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1950
maker
unknown
ID Number
1996.3008.03
accession number
1996.3008
catalog number
1996.3008.03

Bobbin Lace Sample; Torchon Lace Co.

Lace sample made on a smaller version of Torchon Lace Co pattern 2016.0048.05B, Plain Hole Ground. Pictured in 2016.0048.02, page 3 in The American Lace Maker Volume One.Currently not on view
Description
Lace sample made on a smaller version of Torchon Lace Co pattern 2016.0048.05B, Plain Hole Ground. Pictured in 2016.0048.02, page 3 in The American Lace Maker Volume One.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904 - 1916
associated date, when made
1902 - 1950
maker
unknown
ID Number
2016.0048.07
accession number
2016.0048
catalog number
2016.0048.07

Bobbin Lace Sample; Torchon Lace Co.

Lace sample made on a pattern similar to Diamond Point Edging 2016.0048.05D, but in a smaller size. It is the size pictured in the booklet 2016.0048.03 The American Lace Maker, page 4.Currently not on view
Description
Lace sample made on a pattern similar to Diamond Point Edging 2016.0048.05D, but in a smaller size. It is the size pictured in the booklet 2016.0048.03 The American Lace Maker, page 4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904 - 1916
associated date
1902 - 1950
maker
unknown
ID Number
2016.0048.06
accession number
2016.0048
catalog number
2016.0048.06

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