1825 - 1850 Mary McCormick's Embroidered Quilt

1825 - 1850 Mary McCormick's Embroidered Quilt

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Description
According to family tradition, Mary Anderson McCormick made a quilt for each of her seven daughters. This all-white exquisite quilt, made for her youngest daughter, Ella, was inspired by floral designs found on embroidered silk shawls from China.
Mary worked her elaborate design in a variety of embroidery stitches. She achieved a three-dimensional effect by using thick cotton thread and working the satin stitches layer upon layer.
Mary Anderson was born in Virginia on September 12, 1793. In 1809 she married John McCormick (1788-1868) of Augusta, Kentucky. John was a tailor and the couple had eight children. Shortly after her marriage Mary suffered a crippling injury to one hand, and the only practical thing Mary could do thereafter was hold a needle. She clearly made triumphant use of her remaining hand in creating this beautiful quilt and others. Mary died in Kentucky in 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
quilt
date made
1825-1850
maker
McCormick, Mary Anderson
Physical Description
fabric, cotton (overall material)
thread, cotton (overall material)
filling, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 78 in x 84 in; 197 cm x 213 cm
ID Number
1990.0507.01
accession number
1990.0507
catalog number
1990.0507.01
Credit Line
Gift of Emily S. Dunbar
subject
Quilting
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Quilts
Domestic Furnishings
Textiles
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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