“1896” was cleverly incorporated into the overall design of this Alphabet themed quilt top. The maker's name, Elva Smith, is appliqued across the top. Notably the “S” in her name and the “S” of the alphabet are both backward. Thirty 8-inch square white blocks with machine stitched appliqued letters of the alphabet and “1896” alternate with 20 dark colored print fabric square blocks, set on the diagonal. Dark print fabric triangles complete the 55-inch x 68-inch center. The center is framed by an 8-inch strip of light colored fabric with 20 stars appliqued on three sides and “ELVA SMITH” across the top. A 3-inch strip of dark-colored print fabric completes the border. It is turned under and sewn with a running stitch. There is no filling or lining.
Quilt making can be a teaching tool as well as a useful household item. Might this quilt top have been the result of a young girl’s early needlework efforts? Unfortunately there is no information on Elva Smith nor is it certain the quilt is from New York, although applique letters are most common in New York quilts.
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